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This week at FMC

December 2-8, 2020

Voluminous best describes the piles of dust I swept up last night in our kitchen. Did you know this is what you’ll find when you don’t move your refrigerator for 10 years?  Maybe you are better about cleaning under your appliances than we are!  As I scrubbed serious grime from the floor, I was thinking about our Advent theme of readiness and wakefulness.  Sometimes mentally, spiritual, emotionally, we not only fall asleep, we get stuck and don’t move for years on end.  A lot of inner ‘dust’ can accumulate, making it hard to see, breath, think and feel clearly.  Even so, we sometimes choose to just stay the same instead of risking the messiness of change.  What is familiar and convenient has a strong hold. 

Often, we need help to be ‘on the move,’ as Advent invites.  Nudges from scripture, prayers, poetry, images, artwork, written reflections and more may help give us the perspective, longing, and wonder we need to make a move in posture or even just a tiny shift in perspective.  Advent invites us to sit up, take note, and pay attention to the new, amazing things God is doing, even if we can’t see it fully yet.  Thankfully, we have many resources provided to help us listen and learn.  Advent devotionals abound.  Daily scripture reading speaks to our hearts.  And artists and poets offer their gifts in helping open our eyes and hearts and lives in new ways.  Below are just a few options in case you are still looking for a guide this Advent season beyond your usual practices!

  • #AdventWord – https://adventword.org/en/adventword-2020/   This one is new to me, but has been around awhile.  Here’s the description from the website:  For the seventh year in a row, #AdventWord will gather prayers via a global, online advent calendar. Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) in partnership with Forward Movement is offering 27 daily meditations and images during this holy season beginning Sunday, November 29. During a year of disparate worship and communities of prayer, AdventWord offers a way to reflect and pause for the Advent season and await the birth of Christ.   Gathering a worldwide community, #AdventWord provides a daily meditation, visual image, and invites your personal reflections via social media to share your own Advent journey. Thousands have participated each year, responding to the words with photos, written responses, crafts, drawings, poems, found art, and Holy Spirit-filled posts. 
  • Goshen College in Goshen IN offers Advent Devotionals that you can sign up to receive in your email inbox: https://www.goshen.edu/devotions/category/2020-advent/    Note the “subscribe” button on the left side if you’d like to receive the devotions via email. 
  • A less traditional option which may resonate especially with the visual learners out there is a daily Advent Calendar of stunning images from the Hubble Space Telescope. While this does not have a specific religious reflection connected with it, an up-close view of the wonders of outer space, also part of God’s creation, are a call to prayer and widening perspective!  You can find it by searching for The Atlantic Photo on Facebook or search for Hubble Space Advent in your browser.

I imagine many of you would have other resources to suggest.  It seems this year especially the choices are endless and beautiful.  May you have a blessed Advent, and may you be gifted with the courage to open yourself to the God of Wonder still today breaking into our world!     

— Pastor Tonya

SUNDAY MORNING Worship Live Stream @ 9:30am

The link for Sunday morning worship (as well as archives of past worship services) is found on our website:  www.hutchfmc.org!

CMT ANNOUNCMENT LIMITING IN-PERSON GATHERINGS

Based on recommendations of the FMC Re-Opening Taskforce (Carol Moore, Dohn Fast, Joretta Martens, Todd Esau) and the Reno County Health Department regarding the current increase in community spread of COVID-19, the CMT (Congregational Ministry Team – Russ Wedel, Delon Martens, Julie Esau, Kevin Martin Nisly, Mike Dirks, and both pastors) has decided to limit in-person gatherings at the church to 10 (preferably less).  This includes worship and Sunday School.  We encourage everyone who can to join in worship via the live stream and Sunday School by Zoom.  Masks, physical distancing, and handwashing are required of everyone in the building.  We realize this is not the situation any of us want to be in, and feel it is an important step to take as we care for each other and our neighbors in the community.  CMT and the Re-Opening Taskforce will continue to evaluate this policy, based on data from the Reno County Health Department.

Sunday, December 6:  (ADVENT 2) On the Road to Repentance

  • Preacher:  Tonya Ramer Wenger
  • Worship Leader:  Sara Blodgett
  • Children’s Time:  Jennalee Boggs
  • Scripture Reader:  Sara Blodgett
  • Organist:  Pauline Buller
  • Worship Music: Cathia Krehbiel (cello), Tonya Ramer Wenger (piano)
  • Sound:  Jasper Nisly
  • Live Stream:  Jonathan Wenger

SHARING JOYS & CONCERNS

During each worship service, you are invited to text your prayer joys and concerns – usually to Pastor Tonya, but sometimes it will be someone else, and we’ll give you that info at the time!!  You are also welcome to send prayer joys & concerns during the week.

Since our worship link is now public, when you submit prayer requests be sure to let us know if you’d prefer it NOT be shared on Sunday morning.  We can keep requests more private by only sharing them in the weekly prayer email sent out on Tuesdays. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS NOW @ BEGINNING AND END OF WORSHIP

We will now be scrolling printed announcements prior to the service (beginning around 9:25) 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 by Thursday each week. 

CALENDAR – LOOKING AHEAD

  • December 2 @ 7:00pm – ‘Try Out ZOOM’ gathering!
  • December 9 @ 7:00pm – FMC Budget/Business & Annual Meeting  (Youth Fundraiser Meal delivered to you during the day – see details below!)
  • December 21 – Longest Night Service (livestream)
  • December 24 – Christmas Eve Service (livestream)
  • December 27 – NO Sunday School

DEEPENING in Christ…

PRAYER GROUP

This group meets Thursday mornings from 10-11am in the library (with masks and distancing).  All are welcome. 

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS 2020 – ON THE ROAD

Our Advent Theme this year, “On the Road…” is intended to create a sense of movement.  The planning team from Ohio Mennonite Conference wanted to bring to mind movement coming from traveling from one point to another.  As they describe it:  In the story of the magi from the East, they literally took to the road and drew closer to Jesus with each passing step. This rich imag­ery sets the tone for the Advent season as we seek to move ever closer to Jesus, wherever we might find ourselves along the road of faith.  While many of us are experiencing less physical movement in our lives, perhaps we’ll discover in this Advent season new possibilities of inner spiritual movement opening up.  Each week we’ll set out on a new leg of our ongoing journey toward Christ. 

  • Advent 2 (Dec 6), we are “on the road to repentance,” confessing our sins as John the Baptist taught.
  • Advent 3 (Dec 13) takes us “on the road to restora­tion,” where we recognize that God will ultimately overturn the injustices of our world.
  • Advent 4 (Dec 20) sends us “on the road to revelation,” where we learn that Jesus is the culmination of ancient promises.  This Sunday will also (if all goes well!) feature an adapted version of our traditional Nine Lessons and Carols.  While we cannot have the choir singing, we look forward to alternate options for music and scripture to guide us into celebration of Jesus’ revelation in the world. 
  • Longest Night Service (December 21)
  • Christmas Eve (December 24)
  • The Sunday after Christmas (Dec 27), we are “on the road to rejoicing,” inspired by the psalmist to praise God for the birth of Jesus Christ.
  • On Epiphany (Jan 3) we are “on the road to radiance,” basking in the glow of God that shines for people of all nations.  We anticipate once again receiving “Star Words” to guide our journey into 2021.

In the end, the sin­cere hope is that when this Advent journey has been completed, we will be closer to the heart of Jesus than when we began.  May it be so for each of us!!  And … many thanks to Pauline Buller and Esther Regier for creating our Advent visual this year.

ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS TREE…

Families with children and youth, you should have received an email communication from Pastor Tonya inviting you, if you wish, to stop by the church sometime between Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 to have your child/youth put their ornament on the Christmas Tree in the sanctuary.  If you’d rather have us put it on the tree, we are happy to do that as well.  While we are having to adapt in many ways during this pandemic, we still look forward to celebrating Advent and Christmas together!!

UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines

New issues of both the UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! have arrived and are available above the mailboxes.  Please let us know if you would like a copy mailed to you.

SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE

  • Kindergarten – 6th grade:  Sunday @ 4:00pm on ZOOM
  • 7th-8th grades:  Sunday @ 11:30am on ZOOM
  • High School youth:  Sunday @ 11:00am – currently meeting online

Adult Sunday School @ 11am on Sundays on ZOOM  (Meeting THIS SUNDAY December 6!)

This class meets the FIRST THREE SUNDAYS of each month, taught by Pastor Jim, Pastor Tonya, and Calvin Buller.  Other volunteers are welcome to volunteer to teach the 4th and 5th Sundays.  The class is using the Salt & Light discussion guide.  The winter study beginning December 6, is entitled, “In God’s Image,” written by Timothy J. Geddert, professor of New Testament at Fresno Pacific University.  If you would like a study guide mailed to you, please call or email the church office.  Check your email for the ZOOM link or ask the church office.  If you are unable to access ZOOM and want to participate, you may come in person. 

Masks and physical distancing practices will continue for all in-person gatherings at the church.

STRENGTHENING Community Connections…

BEAUTIFUL SALT CITY PODCAST IS LIVE!!!

A future story tells us what we want (vision), why we want it (values), and how we will create it (resources). Our own Pastor Jim Unruh talks with people in our community to learn their life stories and to dream together for a future story for our beautiful salt city.  Visit our website (https://hutchfmc.org/beautiful-salt-city-podcast/). Keep checking back because more conversations are coming!  And don’t forget to tell your friends about these conversations aimed at creating a future story for our beautiful salt city. 

FMC BUDGET MEETING AND ANNUAL MEETING – WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 9 @ 7:00pm

We look forward to meeting on Wed Dec 9 @ 7:00pm on ZOOM.  A fundraiser meal will be provided/delivered by the Senior Youth – see details directly below!!!  The 2020 Annual Report book has been sent out by email with attachment on Tuesday morning 11/24.  If you did not receive it, please call the church office.  Also, please call if you would like a printed copy.  The report book includes an agenda for the Dec 9 meeting and the complete treasurer’s report and proposed budget.   Finally, if ZOOM is a challenge for you, let Pastor Tonya know what kind of help you need and plan to join the “Test Meeting” on Dec 2 at 7:00pm.  Watch your email for the ZOOM link for both meetings. 

YOUTH DEC 9 FUNDRAISER MEAL REIMAGINED!

Typically, the Senior Youth provides a meal for our Annual Meeting for a donation to the Youth Fund.  This fund helps support the youth in attending service projects and MC USA Conventions.  This year the Senior Youth will be preparing a meal of soup, bread, and dessert to be delivered to your home or picked up at the church during the day on Wednesday December 9. 

Please contact the church office (office@hutchfmc.org or 620-662-9385) by Wednesday DECEMBER 2 to indicate:

  • How many meals?
  • How many each: Russian Noodle Soup or Chili?
  • Would you like to pick up your meal(s) at the church between 2-6pm on Dec 9, or have your meal(s) delivered to your home between 2-6pm on Dec 9?
  • If you would like your meal(s) delivered to your home, what time frame would be best between 2-5pm?

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

  • Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am – 2:00pm (Closed Thanksgiving Day)
  • Wednesday 10am-1pm

SUNDAY MORNING SCRIPTURE READERS NEEDED

Let the church office or Pastor Tonya know if you are willing!!

STRETCHING to Serve as Christ Served…

INFANT CARE KITS for MCC

Adopt a bundle!  Your gift of $25.00 covers the cost of a bundle and shipping.  Make your check payable to FMC with memo line reading Infant Care Kits (ICK).  Please make your contribution to adopt one bundle – or several – by Christmas Eve.  Through the blessings of careful purchasing and generous donations, Jane and Deanna have prepared the bundles and wrapped them for us.  Cheryl Warkentin has donated her time and talent to crochet the tiny hats for the baby bundles.  Thank you to all who have generously shared their gifts for the well-being of children around the world. 

OUR SUNDAY MORNING DONATIONS FOR FIRST CALL FOR HELP

Personal care/hygiene items such as these are appreciated: toilet paper, laundry detergent, bath soap, Kleenex, deodorant, disposable razors, paper towels, shampoo, dish soap, hand/body lotion.  Travel size – new & unopened – are desirable.

Food bank donations may be brought to the Salvation Army.  At this time the Food Bank is particularly in need of the following:  tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup and green beans.

WDC GARDEN

Western District Conference publishes a quarterly newsletter.  Check out the news and stories from WDC in the current issue at the following link:  https://mennowdc.org/wdc-garden-december-2020-january-february-2021/. 

MCC GIFT GIVING IDEAS

Have yourself a honkin’ good holiday at MCC in North Newton! This drive-thru event on Dec. 11 from 4-6 p.m. is a unique way to safely enjoy some delicious Christmas cheer while supporting the worldwide work of Mennonite Central Committee. Each charcuterie box is composed of seasonal artisan meats and cheeses, olives, fruit, mixed nuts and seasonal treats with crackers served on the side. A box serves two generous appetizer portions. RSVP by 5 p.m. on December 4 to reserve yours! Share your Christmas joy by ordering extra boxes to deliver to family and friends. Take a moment and treat yourself this holiday season! Suggested donation per box is $25. Email centralstates@mcc.org to reserve your charcuterie box today! Find more information and photos at mcc.org/honkin-holiday.

Support Mennonite Central Committee and celebrate MCC’s centennial with a new shirt, hoodie, tea towel, bag or hat!  Check out this online store https://kansas.mccsale.org/2020-kansas-mcc-relief-sale-apparel-more-store/ and support MCC!

CAMP MENNOSCAH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Camp Mennoscah Hoodies are coming soon!!  Hoodies will have the camp sign printed on the upper left front. To order a hoodie, go to the link below. To order more than one hoodie, please submit additional forms. Once we receive your order, we will contact you for payment. We expect shipping/pick up to start in mid-December, but there may be unexpected delays. Hoodies are available until sold out, but order by November 30 for the best options! After Nov. 30, you will need to contact Camp Mennoscah by phone.   https://forms.gle/Mey2QW6yMjpVmdiR6            

We are grateful for YOU!  Stay warm, happy and healthy this Thanksgiving!

Camp Mennoscah is a wonderful place for family gatherings of whatever size!  A variety of facilities fit any number of family groupings.  Or maybe you only need a space during the day for walking the trails or playing disc golf.  There is plenty of outdoor space!  Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or office@campmennoscah.org to reserve!  You are welcome here!

Looking for your next opportunity to come to Camp Mennoscah?  The Christmas Gathering is tentatively being planned as an outdoor event on Saturday, December 12 at 2:30pm.  Details forthcoming.

Everence to hold Social Security and retirement income planning webinar

Everence will host a Social Security and retirement income planning webinar, on Monday, Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about Social Security strategies, risks that can impact retirement savings and strategies to help income last throughout retirement. This online workshop is free. Register soon by contacting our office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.