February 1, 2022 - First Mennonite Church

Table of Contents

I put all my hope in the Lord.
    He leaned down to me;
    he listened to my cry for help.
He lifted me out of the pit of death,
    out of the mud and filth,
    and set my feet on solid rock.
        He steadied my legs.
He put a new song in my mouth,
    a song of praise for our God.
Many people will learn of this and be amazed;
    they will trust the Lord.
Those who put their trust in the Lord,
    who pay no attention to the proud
    or to those who follow lies,
    are truly happy!

You, Lord my God!
    You’ve done so many things—
    your wonderful deeds and your plans for us—
        no one can compare with you!
    If I were to proclaim and talk about all of them,
        they would be too numerous to count!    (PSALM 40:1-5 CEB)

This is a radical posture of hope, and trust in God’s goodness at work in the world, the psalmist calls us to. Eugene Peterson, in The Message paraphrases the ending stanza like this: “The world’s a huge stockpile of God-wonders and God-thoughts. Nothing and no one compares to you!” One of the core invitations to Jesus-followers is to learn to see in new ways, so that the ‘huge stockpile of God-wonders’ all around us are harder to miss, harder to ignore or dismiss. May it be so for each of us today and this week … and perhaps we’ll discover a new God-song sounding from our lips!

Pastor Tonya

SUNDAY MORNING Worship In Person & 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! Join at 9:25am to see the announcements!

REVISED STATEMENT FROM CMT (Congregational Ministry Team) to the congregation regarding COVID precautions. This statement is based on recommendations from our COVID Response Team (Carol Moore, Joretta Martens, Todd Esau, Dohn Fast).

It is disheartening to witness the disregard seen in our community about protecting each other from this virus. So we encourage you to protect yourself and your loved ones by wearing masks, social distancing, and diligently washing your hands or using hand sanitizer. We will continue to make this place a safe space for you to come to worship in person. Or if you decide this is the time to stay home, we are glad to have you join us on the live-stream.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6: HEALING STORIES . . . Healing official’s son, faith in the word of promise; Jesus heals one who shows no faith

John 4:46-54 [5:1-18]; (Psalm 40:1-5)

Preacher: Tonya Ramer Wenger
Worship Leader: Carol Moore
Scripture Reader: TBD
Children’s Time: Hilda Iwashige
Pianist: Peggy Stucky
Ushers: Cheryl Warkentin & Marlene Thode
Nursery attendant: Jonathan Wenger
Sound Tech: Micah Wenger
Live Stream Tech: Jonathan Wenger

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES MEET @ 10:45am – EXCEPT ON 5^TH SUNDAYS when there is no Sunday School!!

During each worship service, you are invited to text your prayer joys and concerns – usually to Pastor Tonya. You are also welcome 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 (beginning around 9:25) and after the worship service. 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

February 6 – CMT & CT’s meet Noon-2:00pm
February 10 – Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale planning meeting (in our sanctuary) 7:00pm
February 17 – Congregational Ministry Team meet 4:30pm
February 20 – Mennonite College Sunday, Open Road Men’s Ensemble from Bethel College
March 2 – Ash Wednesday and beginning of Lent
EASTER (April 17) – ALL CHURCH PHOTO taken for the 100^th anniversary … plan to attend!!

FMC CENTENNIAL . . . LightHouse Giving Opportunity

The LightHouse addresses the growing need of transitional housing for youths ages 18 to 21 in Hutchinson. The property at 1005 N. Washington Street is currently being renovated into eight one-bedroom apartments.

Interfaith Housing & Community Services is leading this community project. Progress is underway thanks to the help of volunteers renovating this building, which was built in 1887. The Centennial Committee would like for FMC to raise $22,000 by October 2022 to help with these expenses. These dollars will help with construction costs, furnishings for the apartments and ongoing maintenance expenses.

A big thank you to those of you who have already donated! You can see the progress that has already been made on our LightHouse thermometer in the foyer. Checks may be made out to FMC, with “LightHouse” on the memo line. Thank you for your support!

DEEPENING in Christ…

FMC WORSHIP CONTINES TO EXPLORE THE GOSPEL OF JOHN…

February 6 – Healing Stories (John 4:46-54 [5:1-18]) Pastor Tonya preaching
February 13 – Bread of Life (John 6:35-59) Pastor Tonya preaching
February 20 –MENNONITE EDUCATION Sunday with Open Road from Bethel College
February 27 – The Man Born Blind (John 9:1-41) Pastor Tonya preaching
Wednesday March 2 – Ash Wednesday (joint with Community Church of the Brethren)

PRAYER GROUPS

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 (ZOOM) and Thursdays (in person @ FMC) from 12:30-1:30pm. If you’d like to learn more, contact Pastor Tonya.

WINTER 2021 SUNDAY SCHOOL @ 10:45am (NO SUNDAY SCHOOL on 5^th SUNDAYS!)

CHILDREN & YOUTH: Meet Jesus, the Messiah (SHINE Curriculum from MennoMedia)

PreK-Kindergarten (basement, room 3 – or outside)
1^st-5^th grade (basement, rooms 1-2 – or outside)
6^th– 7^th grade (all the way upstairs in the Jr Youth room – or outside)
8^th -12^th grade (all the way upstairs in the Sr Youth room)

ADULTS:

Younger Adults Class – meeting in the basement adult Sunday School Room

Adult Bible Study/Discussion – meeting in the basement fellowship hall. This group is using The Bible Project’s Reflections Bible Study to guide study and conversation, which includes a short video on a Biblical theme, topic, or book. Check it out here: https://bibleproject.com/bible-studies/reflections/ and feel free to watch the videos during the week if you choose in preparation for shared discussion.

NEW ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL OPPORTUNITY

What: An additional Adult SS. Class – Salt & Light MennoMedia S.S. material will be used for basis of interaction and discussion.
When: Meet Feb. 27^th to get acquainted and pass out S.S. books.
How Long: We will meet for one quarter, March – May.
Where: Prayer Room (right beside elevator in basement)
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on first four Sundays each month.

Reminder: No Sunday School on the 5^th Sundays of the month!!

UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines

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

NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO READ!

Pastor Tonya has new books from MennoMedia to share with you! They are in the church library directly under the window (along with the rest of her collection). Just sign your name next to the title you are borrowing and return it when you are finished. Be sure to check out these books and others on compelling topics for faith and life today.

Been in the Struggle – Pursuing an Antiracist Spirituality. Regina Shands Stoltzfus + Tobin Miller Shearer

Been in the Struggle nurtures, challenges, and fosters the work and witness of dismantling racism for the long haul. Filled with wisdom and insight from nearly three decades of partnering across racial lines in this work, authors Regina Shands Stoltzfus and Tobin Miller Shearer offer a powerful mix of practical direction and poignant reflection to empower and sustain those working to dismantle racism, regardless of their stage on the journey. (from the book summary on Amazon)

Not Quite Fine: Mental Health, Faith, and Showing Up for One Another. Carlene Hill Byron

In Not Quite Fine, author Carlene Hill Byron tackles the mounting dilemmas that pastors and churches face around mental health. Medicines and therapies have their roles in supporting those who live with mental health problems or mental illness. But God’s own body as the church is intended to be our greatest support in this world. How can the church step up for such a time as this? How can the body of Christ become a healing community for its members in pain—a place where the weary find strength for the journey, a place where those who mourn are raised up as rebuilders of the cities left in ruins? Drawing on her own history of mental health problems and her experience as a teacher and lay counselor, Byron offers words of hope for those who struggle as well as practical insights to equip congregations to better support those who are suffering in their midst. (from the book summary on Amazon)

Disarmed – The Radical Life and Legacy of Michael “MJ” Sharp. Marshall V. King

At 34 years old, Michael “MJ” Sharp was working for the United Nations Group of Experts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo—urging rebels to lay down their weapons—when he was murdered, likely assassinated alongside his colleague Zaida Catalán by those with government ties. This compelling account of MJ’s life, death, and legacy from longtime journalist Marshall V. King explores what compelled Sharp to travel the world working for peace and the ongoing impact of his life and death in the ongoing story of Christian peacemaking in a war-torn world. (from the book summary on Amazon)

STRENGTHENING Community Connections…

CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER . . . note of appreciation for our Advent/Christmas donations

What a nice treasure you brought to the CAC for the children. We were totally out of snacks and just mentioned needing to restock. The games, toys and books will be enjoyed by the littles. Thank you. Jane Holzricher, Director of Child Advocacy Center

MEMBERS OF OUR 4 COORDINATION TEAMS & CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRY TEAM!!

We will meet Sunday February 6 at the church from NOON-2:00pm to pause, pray, reflect and plan together as we look into 2022 and the (mostly?)post-pandemic reality we are living into. What does it look like to cultivate a way of living as a congregation where we have “Arms Wide Open to Serve and Be Served?” Bring your own lunch. Drinks will be provided.

NEW BOOK STUDY STARTING WEDNESDAY FEB 2 @ 1:00PM

A new book study is beginning Wednesday Feb 2 at 1:00pm, and you are invited to join! If you are interested, and the time or day doesn’t work for you, please let me know. If there is enough interest in a different time (maybe an evening?) we can start a second group. The book we’ll be discussing together is The Space Between Us: Conversations About Transforming Conflict by Betty Pries. Check out this article from the most recent Anabaptist World Review that gives a review of the book: https://anabaptistworld.org/conflict-gateway-to-positive-change/

In a time when conflict abounds, it has felt pressing to continue learning and practicing better ways of understanding and entering into conflict, especially as followers of Jesus. My hope is this book will help us continue that journey!! Books are $13.00 each. Let Pastor Tonya know if you’d like to participate so we know how many more books to order.

ADDRESS, PHONE, EMAIL, BIRTHS and DEATHS . . . the church office needs updates for you and for your children!!

Please send us changes as soon as possible. A new directory will be printed soon.

SUPER BOWL SUB FUNDRAISER!!

The Senior Youth will once again be preparing Super Bowl Sub sandwiches for Super Bowl Sunday (February 13). Sign up by Thursday, February 10, for your choice of Turkey OR Ham and Salami. As usual, we will not go cheap on the fixings (veggies for your sandwich are also provided).

Cost: $8 each. Online sign up is here: https://tinyurl.com/FMC-super

The youth will also be available to take your orders at church this Sunday, February 6.

Pick up your subs after church on Feb 13. Let Jonathan Wenger know if you have questions! As always, the youth very much appreciate your support! The hope is to participate in a mission service trip this summer as a group.

SPECIAL MC USA DELEGATE SESSION MAY 27-30, 2022

A special delegate session of Mennonite Church USA has been called for May 27-30, 2022 in Kansas City

Due to pandemic-related travel concerns in 2021, the regular Delegate Assembly connected with MennoCon 21 was reduced to a short, online session. The agenda was limited to items that did not require table-group processing. Some leaders expressed that the challenges of the pandemic did not allow them time to process resolutions. Leaders also expressed that the church statements on the agenda require face-to-face processing.

The agenda for the Special Session of the Delegate Assembly will focus on the resolutions with some scheduled for a vote and others for study:

a resolution dealing with “clarification on Mennonite Church USA Polity and the Role of the Membership Guidelines of Mennonite Church USA” (for vote)
a resolution on MC USA Accessibility (for vote)
MC USA for Justice Resolution (for study)
A Resolution for Repentance and Transformation (delegates will vote whether to consider this resolution)

In order to deal with these resolutions, the Delegate Assembly will be structured to

Allow time for worship
Focus on our vision and purpose and the Renewed Commitments
Build community within which discernment can happen
Provide a setting in which we are open to the movement of the Holy Spirit.

INTERESTED IN EXPLORING MEMBERSHIP @ FMC?

Contact Pastor Tonya anytime to learn more! A membership class will be offered if there is enough interest.

BEAUTIFUL SALT CITY PODCAST

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. Find it here: https://hutchfmc.org/beautiful-salt-city-podcast/. While new episodes are not being added right now, this is your chance to catch up on previous conversations!

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am – 2:00pm
Wednesday 10am-1pm

PASTOR TONYA’S HOURS/SCHEDULE

Monday: Sabbath Day
Tuesday-Friday: generally working 9:00am-5:30pm
Office Hours: 9-2 Tuesday and Thursday; 10-1 on Wednesday
Available other times by appointment.
Available evenings and weekends (cell phone is most reliable)

REMINDER: If you are last one out of the church building, be SURE the doors lock behind you when you leave. Go out, watch the doors latch, give both door handles a tug, and make sure they are locked! Thank you.

STRETCHING to Serve as Christ Served…

LOCAL GIVING OPPORTUNITY (BY FEB 13)

Recently Heidi Unruh shared about a family with nine children in Hutchinson – friends of theirs – who recently experienced the death of their husband/father. Your prayers for this family are much appreciated, and if you would like to contribute to a more tangible gift of support from our congregation, we are gathering WalMart gift cards (of any size) for the family. Please deliver your gift card to Pastor Tonya by Sunday Feb 13.

VOLUNTEER NEEDED TO DELIVER FMC SUNDAY MORNING FOOD BANK DONATIONS

If you would be willing to take over delivering our Sunday morning donations for the Food Bank, please contact Pastor Tonya ASAP. Many thanks to Chet Dirks who has been doing this job but is ready to hand it off!

OUR SUNDAY MORNING DONATIONS FOR THE FOOD BANK

The Food Bank is particularly in need of the following: tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup and green beans.

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, tooth paste and tooth brushes. Travel size – new & unopened – are desirable.

KANSAS MENNONITE RELIEF SALE (KMRS)

WANTED for the Kansas MCC Sale General Auction: Cars, Trucks, Tractors, Motorcycles, Campers, etc. Call Jerry Toews, 620-367-8257, for details and pickup NOW so we have time to get them cleaned up and ready for the sale in April. ALL proceeds go to MCC. We usually get GOOD prices for your donations. Help make a difference in the lives of those struggling around the world through MCC. Thank you!

BETHEL COLLEGE announcements

Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – Ernest Vincent Wood III, “Redefining,” through Feb. 24 (closing reception Feb. 24). Gallery hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sat., Feb. 5 – Kauffman Museum first-Saturday bird walk, 8 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets in North Newton. Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).

Tues., Feb. 8 – Bethel College Organ Recital Series with Dr. David Pickering of Kansas State University, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel. Current Bethel COVID protocols require masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.

Fri., Feb. 11, guest recital with Bethel College Professor Emeritus of Music Don Kehrberg, oboe.

MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES (mfc)

Mennonite Friendship Communities is looking for friendly persons to serve as a concierge. This very part-time, fill-in position is in the evenings from 5-10 pm and on weekends. The concierge greets people as they enter the front doors and assists them through the screening process and helps direct them where they need to go. There’s even time to work on homework, watch Netflix or read a book. If you are willing to be flexible and are interested in making a little extra money, contact Stacey Frager – Stacey@MennoFriend.com or apply online – https://www.mennofriend.com/employment.html.

Other volunteer opportunities at mfc include the following:

Spa Day (independent living opportunity to engage with the women and polish nails – perhaps once a quarter)
Direct Chime Choir (independent living opportunity with practices perhaps once a week and a few concerts)
Ceramics coordinator who knows how to operate the kiln (greenware is purchased, prepared, painted, fired)

More information by contacting Susan Nisly at 620-663-7175

WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE announcements

HAVE A HEART FOR REFUGEES! . . . WDC Immigration Task Force giving opportunity – by FEB 13!!

Offer a “love gift” of cleaning supplies (see list below). International Rescue Committee Wichita resettled 350 families last month alone! Let’s remember our own immigrant history and be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing good news to our neighbors. Drop off donations at the WDC office (2517 N Main, N. Newton; 8am-4:30-m Mon-Fri) or bring them to our foyer and place them in the basket under the table. Deadline to bring items to the church is Feb 13. Online financial donations: rescue.org/united-states/wichita-ks

Dish soap*; All purpose cleaner*
Sponges, cleaning rags, paper towels*
Laundry detergent*
Kitchen trash can; Bathroom wastebasket
Mop*
Broom & dustpan*
Trashbags*
Cleaning bucket*

*must be new

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (MCC) announcements

Please join MCC in praying for peace and safety for everyone in Burkina Faso and Ukraine. MCC staff and partners are safe in both countries and are following security protocols. In Ukraine, there are two SALT participants from Kansas Micah Epp from North Newton and Aaron Ensz from Buhler, please keep them and their families in your prayers as well.

MCC is hosting a Young Adult Peacebuilders Training in Colorado from March 6-11! Young adults ages 18-30 are invited to participate in a rich, week-long experience that will provide opportunities to build new relationships, visit organizations doing powerful work in and around Colorado Springs, and apply Anabaptist, Biblical foundations of peace and justice to real world issues. This training will touch on themes of racial equity, immigration, mass incarceration, gun violence and conflict transformation. The gathering will take place at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp with visits to RAWtools and Casa de Paz. The participant fee is $200. All other costs (including travel, lodging and meals) will be covered by MCC. Register here. Questions? Contact karinkaufmanwall@mcc.org.

Take Action with MCC: Urge the Biden Administration to reverse the expansion of harmful “Remain in Mexico” policy. Information here: https://mcc.org/get-involved/advocacy/washington?vvsrc=%2fcampaigns%2f90721%2frespond

Central States (MCC) Annual Meeting will take place virtually on Saturday, February 26 from 1-2:30 CST. Please email tinaschrag@mcc.org for a link to the Zoom meeting.

MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE (MDS)

Wildfire survivors in Okanogan, Washington and Paradise, California—some of them living in sheds, some in cars—need homes. Can Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) volunteers finish the homes they’ve started? Some of these survivors have been waiting for more than three years. In Okanogan, MDS, working with the Okanogan Long Term Recovery Group, committed to building four homes, and would like to start another four, said MDS Project Coordinator Kevin Dorsing. The project is scheduled to run from January through March—and many of those weeks don’t have a single volunteer signed up. Learn more https://mds.org/