THIS WEEK @ FMC – July 2-15, 2025

This is how a recent pastoral letter from Mennonite World Conference addressing war in the Middle East, written by Henk Stenvers, ends.  I resonate with feeling small and inadequate in the face of so much overwhelming suffering, violence, fear and pain.  And I resonate even more with the persistent call to put our trust in the Spirit of Jesus who is the source of a peacemaking able to transform even enemies with love.  I’m so grateful for the wider body of Mennonites in the U.S., and also around the world, many of whom have much wisdom and deeply rooted faith to offer in the face of so much unraveling. While the actions this shared conviction call us to can be done a large scale, there are also ways we can put these actions into practice every day, and every little bit matters and makes a difference.  How can we, even in very small ways, renounce violence, love our enemies, seek justice, and share our possessions with those in need?? I would encourage you to take time to read the full letter, if you have not done so already:  https://mailchi.mp/mwc-cmm.org/pastoral-letter-peace-mc-en?e=44ca3072d2

Pastor Tonya                                  

**The next update of “This Week” will be posted on July 15.**

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, July 6, 2025 – Living a Sabbatical Life

• Preacher: Tonya Ramer Wenger
• Worship Leader: Stephanie Gehring
• Song Leader: TBD
• Pianists: Joanna Wenger (prelude) and Peggy Stucky
• Children’s Time: Tonya Ramer Wenger
• Scripture Reader: Hilda & Lucia Iwashige
• Ushers: Jay & Stephanie Gehring
• Nursery Attendant: TBD

SUNDAY, July 13, 2025 – Stories of Seeing God at Work

• Meditations: Lois Miller (and possibly one more person)
• Worship Leader: Jon Miller
• Organist: Pauline Buller
• Pastoral Prayer: Jim Unruh
• Song Leader: Bryan Kehr
• Children’s Time: TBD
• Scripture Reader: Randy Rempel

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

• July 6-13 – Pastor Tonya gone (@ MennoCon)
• July 8-12 – MennoCon25 Follow Jesus in Greensboro, NC
• July 13 – MarimBell Concert – 3:00pm, FMC sanctuary (NOTE change of time)
• July 14 – Craft Night – 6:30pm
• July 21 – M&M’s meet at 6:30pm for mini-golfing
• July 26 – FMC serves at the Soup Kitchen
• July 28-August 4 – Pastor Tonya gone for final week of sabbatical time away
• August 8-9 – Western District Conference, Hesston, KS
• August 10 – Back to School blessing in worship

DELEGATES FOR WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE ASSEMBLY

First Mennonite Church is granted 5 delegates to attend the annual Western District Conference Assembly.  This year’s assembly will be held at Hesston Mennonite Church, August 8-9, with the theme, Anabaptism@500:  Faithfulness Then and Now based on Hebrews 12:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 3:11.  If you would be interested in being one of our church’s delegates to the WDC Assembly, please contact me.  More information on the Assembly is available at  2025 Annual Assembly – Western District Conference  

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.

The Tuesday ecumenical Centering Prayer group is taking a SUMMER BREAK and will resume sometime in August. For more details, contact Pastor Tonya.    

LPC: Listening-Prayer-Conversation Groups (taking a break in June & July!)

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, August 12 at 1:00pm
• The Wednesday evening group’s next meeting is Wednesday, August 13 at 6:30pm

SUMMER 2025 WORSHP @ FMC – LEARNING TO SEE

“This capacity to recognize and respond to the presence of God in all of life is a spiritual habit and practice that keeps us connected with God’s larger purposes for us and for our world, rather than being consumed by self-interest. As we become practiced at recognizing the presence and activity of God, we are able to align ourselves more completely with what God is doing in any given moment.

— Ruth Haley Barton (Sacred Rhythms)

Our summer worship began June 15 with a story inviting us to explore what it means for us to ‘learn to see.’ The invitation to learn to see God more clearly will continue throughout the summer as we hear stories of how we see God at work in our lives, receive peace essays from our seniors, and take a long look at the story of the man born blind whose sight is restored in John 9. This story is a lesson in some of the obstacles keeping us from seeing God at work. Interspersed throughout the summer will also be 3 opportunities (the last Sundays of June, July and August) to light candles as an expression of our prayers of lament and hope, and to be fed, nourished, and seek transformation as we encounter together the presence of the Risen Christ in Communion.  

• July 6 – Insights on Living a Sabbatical Life – Pastor Tonya sharing about her sabbatical experience
• July 13 – Stories of Seeing God at Work – sharing from congregation members
• July 20 – More Stories of Seeing God at Work – sharing from congregation members
• July 27 – Prayers of Lament & Hope and Communion: Turning from Hostility to Love – Pastor Tonya (& introducing the John 9 series – John 9:1-7 – The Disciples)
• August 3 – Obstacles to Seeing God at Work & Joining In: The Neighbors (John 9:8-14)
• August 10 – Obstacles to Seeing God at Work & Joining In: The Pharisees (John 9:13-17; 24-34)
• August 17 – Obstacles to Seeing God at Work & Joining In: The Parents (John 9:18-23)
• August 24 – Obstacles to Seeing God at Work & Joining In: The Healed Man (John 9:24-41)
• August 31 – Prayers of Lament & Hope and Communion: Turning from Fear to Faith

BAPTISMS SCHEDULED @ CAMP MENNOSCAH ON AUGUST 10!

Mark your calendars for the evening of August 10 for the baptism of Hannah Nisly and Adrianna Peach in the river at Camp Mennoscah.  Stay tuned for more details, including the exact time of the event.

SUMMER Sunday School Classes and Dates

Mark your calendars for Sunday School at 11:00am on these dates:

• July 13 and 27
• August 10 and 24

Children through junior youth will be together in one class, and will be led in activities and discussion inspired by the book: Let the Children Come to me, Nurturing Anabaptist Faith Within Families

The Adult Class studying the Salt and Light Bible Study will also be meeting in the fellowship hall to study the summer topic of “Exclusion and Embrace” – a study of the Beatitudes “in motion” and Jesus’ “living water”—which is always about more than just water. Written by Timothy J. Geddert.  A Zoom option will be available.

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 office hours during the summer may be irregular

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)

The 9^th and final retreat in “Transforming Community” is complete, but Pastor Tonya will be reading and working on the final paper/project for the program which is due in October.  She also has plans to continue meeting once a quarter remotely with the small group she was a part of in the program.  The more extended sabbatical time she has been taking this summer has been focused on connecting with friends and family, strengthening those relationships, in most cases, across many physical miles. One week of sabbatical time remains, which she is taking at the end of July (July 28-August 4). 

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:  

July: Hamburger or Tuna Helper

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.

CRAFT NIGHT

Join us for fellowship and ministry as we meet to bless each other and those around us. We meet again on July 14 @ 6:30pm. Talk to Cheryl or Diane if you would like to be part of this Ministry of fellowship and caregiving.

FMC SERVES AT THE SOUP KITCHEN

On Saturday, July 26, we have another opportunity to serve a hot meal to folks in our community. Jean and Cindy will be preparing the entrée and you are invited to sign up to donate applesauce or to help with meal preparation, serving the meal or driving a delivery route. The signup sheets will soon be on the table near the mailboxes.

Reno County VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) TORNADO RESPONSE

The Reno County VOAD’s mission is to meet the needs for ongoing coordination in Reno County by providing volunteer, financial, spiritual, physical and/or psychological support for people whose lives have been affected by a declared disaster in our community.  They are coordinating direct support for those affected, and are also offering these opportunities for those looking to help those affected by the recent tornado in Plevna and surrounding areas:

• To volunteer for cleanup efforts: Community members hoping to help clean-up efforts are asked to call the Reno County Volunteer Center and mention the Plevna disaster relief efforts: 620-665-4960.
• To donate goods: At this moment, the greatest needs are for specific donations of gift cards to Dillons or Wal-Mart for use on basic needs. Other items in need include NEW phone chargers and NEW, unopened hygiene items. These items can be donated to the Salvation Army in Hutchinson (700 N. Walnut).
• To donate financially– visit: www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/disaster or call the United Way of Reno County: 620-669-9329 and mention the Plevna Disaster Relief Fund.

JULY 13 MarimBell CONCERT @ 3:00pm . . . 3

We are excited to be hosting MarimBell on Sunday July 13 for a concert at 2:00pm. Plan to attend and invite your friends and family!  MarimBell is a dynamic duet ensemble co-founded by percussionist Marie Clyatt-Larson and handbell soloist Emily Li. Rooted in their deep experience as performers and educators, MarimBell was created to explore the expressive possibilities of two rarely combined instruments: marimba and handbells. The result is a rich and engaging soundscape that blends percussive rhythm, lyrical resonance, and artistic nuance.

In addition to showcasing the vibrant interplay between marimba and handbells, MarimBell also performs traditional and contemporary handbell duets. Their performances feature a wide range of musical styles—from sacred and classical to folk-inspired and modern—brought to life through original arrangements and collaborative interpretations.

MarimBell’s debut concerts in Kansas highlight this unique pairing, featuring guest artists Catherine Clyatt Schroth on cello and Priscilla Hearn on piano. With artistry, innovation, and a touch of whimsy, MarimBell invites audiences of all ages to experience the joy and beauty of this extraordinary musical combination.

BETHEL COLLEGE announcements

Sat., July 19 – The first-ever group to win the national talent competition “The Voice” is three Mennonite siblings from Pettisville, Ohio. Bekah, Joshua and Caleb Liechty, Girl Named Tom, will give a free concert at Bethel College, with opening act The Flannelbacks. Plan now to attend!

CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements

Greetings from Camp Mennoscah, First Mennonite Church!

Thank you so much for your gift! Camp Mennoscah’s vision to create a sacred space for people of all ages to renew themselves, their relationships, and their connection with God through Jesus Christ is realized only with your help. On behalf of the Camp Mennoscah Board of Directors and the Camp Mennoscah staff, thank you for your donation to Camp Mennoscah. Your gift will be used to continue our mission to provide a retreat for people of all ages. Your willingness to share in our work through your giving is greatly appreciated. We gratefully acknowledge your contribution on May 23, 2025 of $1717.00. Thank you for your long and continued support of our camping ministry in so many ways. . . . With peace and prayers, Olivia Bartel, executive director

FMC shared these funds toward the purchase of a new pool vacuum for the camp.

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE PEACE CAMP for YOUNG ADULTS

They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. (Micah 4:3)

How can we live out God’s call for justice and reconciliation through nonviolence in a world that is built on the myth of redemptive violence? If you are a young adult (18-30) concerned about the state of our world and energized to reimagine society built on God’s vision of love and justice for all, come join us for a week of experiential learning rooted in theological reflection, peacebuilding practices, and real-world application.  View and download the flyer.

When: September 21-27, 2025 
Where: Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, Divide, Colorado  
Who: Young adults ages 18-30 
How: Register here by August 31
Registration Fee: $250.00 guarantees your spot at the camp

WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE   

It’s a Party!   Announcing Summer Story Days 2025. Join WDC Resource Library staff for stories and come & go activities for ages 3-8 and their caregivers. New this year: Virtual participation with mailed craft kits available–sign up for virtual participation at forms.gle/8DnWnLs64VkZJoeB6. No sign up for in-person activities in North Newton. Join us June 7, July 12, and August 9. For more information contact Jennie at crlib@mennowdc.org.

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

MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE newsletter

Our June edition of On the Level is now available. In this edition, Executive Director Kevin King shares about the power of listening in disaster response, a children’s choir lifts the spirits of hurricane survivors, and MDS responds to victims of Manitoba wildfires. Click on this link to read more: https://conta.cc/4jSUZ8x

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (MCC) announcements

Transport of MCC school kits and hygiene kits from Kansas to South Texas needed! MCC is looking for anyone traveling between North Newton and Dallas or (even better) all the way to South Texas between now and mid-August. We have kits in Kansas that need to get to Texas, and we’d love to utilize vehicles that are already going that direction to save resources. If you might be able to help MCC out, please contact Brocia Mueller at brociamueller@mcc.org or call Brocia at 316.836.5054.

MCC Peace Camp at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, Sept. 21-27, Divide, CO – How can we live out God’s call for justice and reconciliation through nonviolence in a world that is built on the myth of redemptive violence? If you are a young adult (age 18-30) concerned about the state of our world and energized to reimagine society built on God’s vision of love and justice for all, come join us for a week of experiential learning rooted in theological reflection, peacebuilding practices, and real-world application. Register by August 31 at mcc.org/events/rocky-mountain-peace-camp. Pass this opportunity on to young adults in your life!

MCC Just Peace Pilgrimages

• Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples — Engage with contemporary Indigenous realities, explore the histories of Indigenous Peoples, and examine the complexities of Indigenous-settler relations. What might it mean for your community to stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples and actively contribute to the work of truth telling and repair? Date: October 7-11, 2025; register by August 1. 
• Civil Rights Pilgrimage — Led by MC USA Executive Director Glen Guyton, this young-adult focused, multiracial pilgrimage through the southern United States fosters shared learning and deep understanding of the racial divides that our society perpetuates. Date: October 28-November 2, 2025; register by September 15. 

To register for these pilgrimages or to inquire about scheduling a group trip, email Stephanie Weaver at StephanieW@MennoniteMission.net. 

To learn more about these and six more pilgrimages, visit MennoniteMission.net/JustPeace 

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.  

https://mcc.org/what-we-do

Find your place in Service Adventure!

Openings remain for the 2025-26 service term. Mission Network’s program for ages 17-20 offers young adults a chance to live in community with people your age and a unit leader, serve with a local nonprofit, and grow in faith formation and leadership.  

Visit MennoniteMission.net/ServiceAdventure to learn more and to apply.