September 7, 2021

The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.

There is no speech, nor are there words;

their voice is not heard;
yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.  

(Psalm 19:1-4)

Just in time for the ending of our “Season of Creation” worship series, Steve Garnaas-Holmes sent the beautiful poem below, which can be sung to the tune of “Morning has broken”…

Morning has broken all through Creation;
God has now spoken, “Let there be light.”
Each living thing is God’s word of mercy;
all creatures sing and shine with your light.

God, your love flows in every direction,
filling and blessing every dark place.
Even the shadows shine with your blessing,
even the darkness hums with your grace.

Everything moving moves by your Spirit:
flight of the birds and dance of the stars,
migrating whales and flow of the river;
breath of the wind is breath that is ours.

Bless every creature, bright with God’s glory;
bless every feature, fin, fur and wing.
Each is completing God’s wondrous story;
each is God’s greeting; praises they sing.

Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net

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! 

STATEMENT FROM CMT to the congregation regarding the Delta variant:

We are a caring congregation. We recognize that health and life are gifts that we honor for ourselves and others. Because of the rapid increase in our community of the Delta-variant, the virus’ ease of transmission, and the recommendations from the CDC, we are strongly recommending that everyone wear a mask while inside the church building and practice social distancing as we did several months ago. We want to protect our children and those individuals at high health risk and/or are unable to receive the vaccine. It is anticipated that the next 4-6 weeks are critical in slowing down the spread of this mutant. Let each of us do our part to mitigate the potential serious consequences to our church family and our community during this time.   (Delon Martens, Jennalee Boggs, Julie Esau, Kevin Martin Nisly, Carol Moore, Tonya Ramer Wenger, Jim Unruh)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12:  Faith Formation Sunday (Bible Dedication, Sunday School Teacher Blessing)

 (Ephesians 3:14-21)

• Preacher:  Tonya Ramer Wenger
• Worship Leader:  Star Gipson
• Children’s Time:  Tonya Ramer Wenger
• Scripture Reader:  TBD
• Pianist:  Peggy Stucky
• Ushers:   Cheryl Warkentin & Marlene Thode
• Sound:  Earl Ediger
• 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

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

• September 14 – Faithful Community Coordination Team – 2:30pm
• September 15 – Pastor Congregation Relations Committee meeting with pastor(s)
• September 16 – Congregation Ministry Team meeting – 4:30pm
• September 25 – FMC serves at the Soup Kitchen
• September 26 – M&M meets 11:00am-12:30pm, including CROP WALK
• September 28 – Faith Formation Coordination Team – 4:00pm

DEEPENING in Christ…

PRAYER GROUPS

Meets Thursday mornings from 10-11am in the Prayer Room.  All are welcome. 

A small ecumenical Centering Prayer group meets on ZOOM Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30-1:30pm.  If you’d like to learn more and receive the link to participate, contact Pastor Tonya. 

SEPT 12 – FAITH FORMATION SUNDAY        

We look forward to dedicating Bibles for our Kindergarteners, 3^rd, and 7^th graders on our annual Bible Dedication and Sunday School Teacher Blessing Sunday.

SEPT 19 – PEACE SUNDAY: DEFENDING HOPE

“But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:15–16).

This year, the Peace Sunday materials prepared for us by Mennonite Central Committee center on the theme of “Defending Hope.” The introduction to this packet provides this explanation: 

“In a world of violence and oppression, living into hope is a faithful, courageous witness.  Defense is usually associated with a nation or individual’s self-protection at the expense of another. But to defend hope is to offer life to all.  This packet pulls from experiences of churches in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East who have modeled speaking out against violence and defending hope in the midst of oppression. In these contexts, hope is strong and audacious, radically demonstrating the upside-down order Jesus embodied: a Kingdom where a sacrificial Lamb reigns (Revelation 7:17), children lead (Isaiah 11:6), the dead live, and the poor in spirit are blessed (Matthew 5:3). 

The voices in this packet invite us to defend hope rather than display power, defend hope rather than protect wealth, defend hope in place of hopelessness—even in the face of violence. As our fellow Jesus-followers in Palestine invite:

We call on Christians to remain steadfast in this time of trial, just as we have throughout the centuries, through the changing succession of states and governments.  Be patient, steadfast and full of hope so that you might fill the heart of every one of your brothers or sisters

who shares in this same trial with hope.  —KAIROS PALESTINE DOCUMENT 5.3

Further, MCC provides this explanation of how this packet came to be: 

“Leading into the 2020 U.S. presidential election, MCC-supporting churches were grappling with how to respond to the growing polarization and violence in the U.S. Acknowledging the godly wisdom in regions that have experienced decades of war, division or oppression, MCC reached out to partners around the world for formal peace statements they had written.  The result was a collection of previously written statements and stories on nonviolence from the Global Church. These statements form the basis of MCC’s 2021 Peace Sunday liturgy. They are examples of the ways the global church has stood up in defiance of violence and in defense of hope.”

On Sunday September 19, we look forward to listening to and learning from our Christian brothers and sisters in Columbia, Palestine, South Sudan, and Korea. 

“I’VE BEEN MEANING TO ASK…” WORSHIP SERIES (SEPT 26-OCT 31)

This worship series comes to us from A Sanctified Art (the same group who created the Unraveling series we used the summer of 2020), and grew out of observation and experience of the fraying of community in our country.  Their desire was to create a series focused on community – how we build it, repair it, restore it.  Realizing “all courageous conversations begin with simple questions and the curiosity to truly listen, [they decided to] shape this series around guiding questions that lead us deeper into the heart of the matter– and deeper connection with God and one another. [They] hope this series helps us disrupt assumptions, cultivate curiosity, foster listening, and God willing, find deeper connections to one another.”

I am excited to see how this worship series comes together!!  Here’s an overview of where we are headed.  The 6^th Sunday (Oct 31) adds a question of our own!!

                Sept 26: I’ve Been Meaning to Ask…where are you from?

                Oct 3:  I’ve been meaning to ask … an invitation to curiosity, courage and connection.

OUTDOOR WORSHIP (weather permitting) with COMMUNION and fellowship.

            Oct 10:  I’ve Been Meaning to Ask… where does it hurt?  

                Oct 17:  I’ve Been Meaning to Ask…what do you need?

                Oct 24:  I’ve Been Meaning to Ask… where do we go from here?

                Oct 31:  I’ve been Meaning to Ask… what would you love to do, create, contribute?

FALL 2021 SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS NEXT SUNDAY – SEPTEMBER 12!!

The Fall Sunday School session will begin on Sunday September 12.  We will continue with the 10:45am start schedule for Sunday School for now.

CHILDREN & YOUTH: Living as God’s People (SHINE Curriculum from MennoMedia)

• PreK-Kindergarten (basement, room 3)
• 1^st-5^th grade (basement, rooms 1-2)
• 6^th– 7^th grade (all the way upstairs in the Jr Youth room)
• 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 – September 12, 19 and 26 gather in the basement Fellowship Hall to view and discuss sermons from MC USA Convention in July on the theme of “Bring the Peace.”  Each sermon uniquely explores aspects of peacemaking today in our hearts/minds, churches, and world?  At the end of September, this group will discuss options for October and beyond, including returning to the Salt & Light Bible Study, breaking into two groups, or ???

• September 12:  Peace from Roots to Fruits.  Lesley Francisco McClendon is senior pastor and Caleb McClendon is assistant pastor of C3 – Calvary Community Church, Hampton, Virginia. 
• September 19: Trust the Peace.  Jon Carlson serves as Lead Pastor of Forest Hills Mennonite Church. A reluctant Millennial, Jon is fascinated by the intersections of faith, culture, technology, and tradition. 
• September 26: Bring the Peace.  Glen Guyton currently serves as the Executive Director for Mennonite Church USA. 

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER UPDATE

The teaching schedule for this fall is largely falling into place, although a few more volunteers would ease some scheduling dilemmas.  If you’d be willing to help, even as a sub or teaching every now and then, contact Pastor Tonya to see what the open dates and needs are.  Thank you!!

OLD MAGAZINE DONATIONS NEEDED FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL USE!!

Do you have old magazines sitting around (National Geographic, Time, etc.) you’d like to donate for use in our Sunday School classes?  There is a box ready for your donations under the table outside the sanctuary.  Thanks!!

UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines

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

STRENGTHENING Community Connections…

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 compelling conversations!

PCRC (PASTOR CONGREGATION RELATIONS COMMITTEE) – SEPTEMBER 15, 2021

The Pastor Congregation Relations Committee (Stephanie Gehring, Dohn Fast, Jolene Yoder) will be meeting with the pastor(s) on Wednesday evening September 15.  This group generally meets quarterly with the pastor(s) to check in and respond to any concerns on the part of the congregation and/or the pastor(s).  If you have any feedback for the PCRC in anticipation of this meeting, please communicate with any of the committee members listed above.  Thank you!!

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

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

PASTOR TONYA’S HOURS/SCHEDULE

**THIS WEEK … Pastor Tonya will be taking her holiday on Friday September 10 (since the holiday fell on her usual day off)

• 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… 

‘THANK YOU, STAR!” & COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE VOLUNTEER NEEDED @ FMC!!!

One way First Mennonite shares resources with our community is by responding to individuals who call the church during the week seeking assistance with rent, bills, food, etc.  For quite a few years now Star Gipson has been responding to these phone calls on behalf of First Mennonite and the Community Assistance Committee (which is currently Todd Esau, Fred Wade, Jim Unruh and Star). Star has brought her unique blending of skills and knowledge to discern the best ways to help in a given circumstance.  We want to extend a deep THANK YOU! to Star for this vital ministry that has touched the lives of many. 

Star has decided to retire from this volunteer position at the end of August, although she will continue to be our Care Portal representative.  That means we have been in the midst of looking at how we will move forward, and are wondering if any of you feel called to pick up this ministry, or some portion of it, on behalf of the congregation?  Please contact Todd Esau or Pastor Tonya if you would like to explore more whether this would be a good fit for you. Thank you!!!

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.

FMC SERVES AT SOUP KITCHEN – September 25

The Soup Kitchen is now serving on site and delivery. Here are volunteer positions needed for September 25.

• Food preparation 2:00-3:30pm
• Delivery route 4:00-5:30pm
• Serve & clean up 4:45-6:00

Call Jane or Eldon Wagler, or Juliet Nisly or Kevin Martin Nisly directly to volunteer.

FIRST CALL FOR HELP – school supplies are still needed

School supplies (new items only) are needed as children in our community go back to school this fall.  Pick up the list of needed supplies from the table in the foyer.  Please drop off your items at 12 West 2^nd Ave. (Tue or Thu 10am-3:30pm; or Wed 9am-noon). 

Cash donations for school supplies are appreciated and a philanthropic donor has offered to match all financial donations.  Checks payable to First Call for Help (memo – School Supplies), mailed to PO Box 2203, Hutchinson KS 67504. 

TRACTOR DRIVERS . . . for State Fair Shuttle Wagon

The Kansas State Fair is just about here!!  As a service to fair goers a shuttle wagon is provided to deliver visitors from the parking lots to fair gates.  In the past FMC has provided drivers for the shuttle wagon.  That is again being requested this year for Saturday, September 18.  Four people are needed to drive in 3 hour shifts beginning at 10:00 a.m.  Complimentary fair passes will be provided to drivers.  If you are interested in driving the shuttle, please contact Delon Martens at 620-960-9471 or delonmartens@gmail.com 

Helping in this way reduces our payment to the fair for use of the grounds for the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale each spring.  

CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements

Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat, November 5-7, at Camp Mennoscah! Register at www.campmennoscah.org!  There is only one Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat.  Lodging will be in the Retreat Center and cropping/crafting will be in the Main Camp dining hall.  Space heaters will be available for both areas since the repairs for the furnaces will not be complete by the beginning of November.  Fees for the Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat have increased to $150 to meet higher costs and the use of multiple facilities.  For those who find the increase prohibitive, there is an option to receive up to $25 in scholarship funds per person as part of the registration process. 

September 26 is a Camp Mennoscah Combo!  It’s the Hymn Sing-Dessert Auction and Annual Meeting all in one!  There are still details to be determined, but plan on some hymn singing (masked & distanced), bidding on delectable desserts, and information about Camp Mennoscah’s year.  We’ll keep the details coming your way!

We need help mowing!  The grass that is usually cut short is doing its best to compete with the tallgrass prairie in height.  Volunteer to mow (with a riding lawn mower) for whatever length of time you can offer or grab a string trimmer to chase back those wily weeds.  Contact Camp Mennoscah at office@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.

There are volunteer opportunities for you (and a Wish List)! Camp Mennoscah has year-round work to support the maintenance and upkeep of the campus and facilities. We can accommodate every group size, skill set and length of project you would like to tackle. Check out these ways to Get Involved!  Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer.  See the attached Wish List for other ways to support Camp Mennoscah!

Camp Mennoscah is seeking a full-time Director of Development, Marketing & Communications to lead our ongoing operational and advancement needs.  This position reports directly to the Board of Directors while taking directive from the Executive Director when related to operational considerations.  This role involves organizing broad-based fundraising initiatives, advocating for Camp Mennoscah through speaking engagements, promotional materials, and social media, as well as recruiting volunteers, and building relationships with board members, donors and staff.  Additional expectations and application details – contact :  Olivia at  olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org 

Camp Mennoscah also has openings for a part-time custodial/housekeeping position (10 hours) and a part-time office/administrative position (30 hours).  Contact Olivia for more information.

FOSTER PARENTS ARE NEEDED! . . . Saint Francis Foster Care

Just as children come from all walks of life, so do foster parents.  You do not have to be wealthy, live in a big house, or be married.  You simply need room in your heart and in your home to give children a safe space to heal and build hope.  Classes for foster parents will be offered at Grace Bible Church on Tuesdays starting September 21 (10 weeks), 6:00-9:00pm.  Call Jocelyn Busick (620-282-9555)or jocelyn.busick@st-francis.org

CROP Hunger Walk, Sunday, September 26 – NOW VIRTUAL!

You are invited to support the Reno County CROP Hunger Walk sponsored by Church World Service! The Reno County Food Bank and the Christian Soup Ministry receive a quarter of funds; the rest supports global ministries with people who need food, water, and shelter.  Our Mentor and Mentee group will be doing a symbolic walk on Sunday September 26 during their gathering.  We invite you to make a donation to support this important ministry.  By September 26, you can: (1) Write a check to “CWS-CROP.” Write “First Mennonite Church” on the memo line. Mail to our church, put your check in the offering plate on Sundays, or place in the designated envelop in the foyer OR (2) Donate securely on-line for the First Mennonite Team at: https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2021/team/first-mennonite-hutch

If you have questions, contact Pastor Tonya.  Thank you for helping our neighbors in need!

WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE announcements

WDC announces new office hours . . . now open 8:00am – 4:30 pm, and remain open during the lunch hour.

WDC Resource Library

I’ve had children and books on my mind lately.  More specifically the amazing way books can help children explore their feelings, deal with difficult emotions, and talk about hard things.  Sometimes adults need tools to do similar work with emotions and other difficult topics.  When I teach Literature for Children and Young Adults, I try to impress upon my students the benefits of using picture books with readers of all ages to explore feelings and situations.  At the WDC Resource Library, we have many other great resources for readers of all ages to engage tough topics like sexual abuse prevention and response, forgiveness, affirming differences, intercultural competence and more. Did you know you can browse the online catalog at mennowdc.org/library? Check out the booklists on various topics or contact me at crlib@mennowdc.org for ideas.  Whether it’s modeling prayer for young children, helping an older child prepare for the new school year and how to handle bullies, or providing an avenue for adults to explore a tough topic in a fresh way, books can be a helpful tool. Let me help you find just what you need.        – Jennie Wintermote, WDC Resource Library Director

WDC Women’s Retreat . . . September 11-12 (in-person).   All women 13 years and older are invited to Camp Mennoscah for Women’s Retreat.  Kathy Neufeld Dunn will be our main speaker on Re/Connecting with God and Each Other.  Whether we need time to reconnect with God, with our sisters in Christ or both, Women’s Retreat is a chance to do that.  Join us for a special time of focus on spiritual and emotional connection with each other and the One who loves us and cares for us beyond imagining.   Covid rules and restrictions will be followed, and a few things will look different so please read the information carefully.  We hope to see there!   Click here for information and registration forms:  https://mennowdc.org/womens-retreat-2021/.  

Michelle Schrag joins WDC as new administrative assistant

Michelle began work in WDC’s office in North Newton, KS, on August 25.  She is a graduate of Bethel College (North Newton, KS), and served with Mennonite Voluntary Service in Tucson, AZ, where she worked with a non-profit emergency home repair organization.  Michelle is an active member at Eden Mennonite Church and enjoys working on her family farm in rural Moundridge, KS.  She also enjoys attending local sporting events.  Michelle looks forward to bringing her values of service, peace witness and discipleship to WDC’s work and ministry.  You’ll meet Michelle at the front desk and hear her voice when you call the WDC offices.   We extend deep appreciation to Nancy Funk for her many years of capable and dedicated service to WDC.

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE announcements

Thank you for your generous support of the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale! Just recently, the relief sale board gave MCC a check for $500,000 from the sale that took place in July! Thank you for donating your time and energy, making and buying food, donating and bidding on cars, furniture, quilts and art to support the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale. In the past 14 months the Kansas sale has donated just under $1 million (all during a pandemic!) to support the worldwide work of MCC. Your support becomes food for the hungry, water for the thirsty, and locally owned projects that address  barriers to human flourishing, thank you.

Join MCC in prayer and support for those suffering in our world. MCC has prepositioned relief materials in Haiti for immediate use. Earlier this month an additional shipment of supplies was sent to Haiti and is expected to arrive in September. MCC continues to respond to needs around the world in Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Congo and other crisis areas. We greatly appreciate your monetary donations to keep current projects going and to help with extra expenses due to recent disasters; and we could use your help in replenishing our supplies of relief kits and hygiene kits. Questions can be directed to 316.283.2720 or centralstates@mcc.org.

It ISN’T just for lawyers! MCC U.S. is holding a Basic Immigration Law Training, September 13-17, 2021, in Akron, PA. The training will be conducted using the curriculum of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC).  This course will help to provide the necessary training component for individuals who wish to apply for accreditation from the Department of Justice.   DOJ recognition and accreditation  allows non-attorneys working at non-profit organizations to practice immigration law.  For details and registration information:

Mennonite Central Committee has a variety of service opportunities all around the world and the following opportunities are especially important to fill at this time. Please contact Heidi Huber with questions at heidihuber@mcc.org or 316.283.2720.

  *Organizational development and Racial Equity Director
This role will lead MCCs in the US (four regional entities and a national team) in racial equity work through organizational development and change management, toward the goal to reflect the full participation of our diverse constituents in every aspect of our mission, programs, policies and practices. This role will inspire, mobilize and coordinate practical and professional equipping to remove barriers and move MCCs in the US forward to more fully reflect God’s desire for God’s people. For more information or to apply, visit:  https://mcc.org/get-involved/serve/openings/organizational-development-racial-equity-director

  *MCC Representative for Haiti
Are you interesting in providing leadership and programmatic direction to MCC’s work in Haiti? This role maintains relationships with MCC partners and is responsible for providing team leadership and support for MCC workers in Haiti. For more information or to apply, visit: https://mcc.org/get-involved/serve/openings/mcc-representative-haiti

  *Seed Community Development Worker

MCC’s Seed program has positions available now in Bolivia! The Seed program is perfect for young adults (18-30) who value service, community, and cultural exchange addressing systemic issues like food insecurity and climate change through grassroots, community-based initiatives. For more information or to apply, visit: https://mcc.org/get-involved/serve/openings/seed-community-development-worker-bolivia

  *Canner Operator

Are you a traveler? Do you like to meet new people? Do you like to serve others? Every year MCC’s Mobile Meat Canner travels across the United States and Canada meeting volunteers who prepare cans of turkey, beef, chicken and pork to be sent around the world. More than 30,000 people a year volunteer to fill, weigh, wash and label every can. Apply to be a canner! For more information or to apply, visit: https://mcc.org/get-involved/serve/openings/canner-operator-4

KAUFFMAN MUSEUM EXHIBIT . . . “VAPES: MARKETING AN ADDICTION”

This new exhibit examines what is known about e-cigarettes, and includes selections from the exhibit “Better Choose Me: Collecting and Creating with Tobacco Fabric Novelties, 1880-1920.” Previously on display at NMC Health in Newton, “Vapes” will be at Kauffman Museum on the Bethel College campus through Jan. 9, 2022. Hours: Tues.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 1:30-4:30 p.m., closed Mondays and major holidays. There is a small admission charge for non-museum members.

BETHEL COLLEGE announcements

Sunday, Sept. 12 – KIPCOR Film Series resumes live, with The Prison Within, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Individuals incarcerated in San Quentin Prison and charged with murder take a journey of redemption through participation in a restorative justice program. Talk-back to follow. Bethel’s COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing and mask-wearing indoors regardless of vaccination status.

Save the date: Mark McCormick, director of strategic communications for the ACLU of Kansas, will give the next KIPCOR Peace Lecture, Thursday, Sept. 30, 7 p.m., on the Bethel campus as part of Bethel’s Fall Festival. Details to come!

Bakers and Crafters Needed!  Help support Bethel College Women’s Association by donating pies for BCWA’s Pie-By-The-Slice booth or any baked item or craft item for the Market in the Round at Fall Fest 2021. Peppernuts, zwieback, cinnamon rolls, and coffee cakes are popular items! Pies will be needed on either Friday, October 1 or Saturday, October 2. Baked goods and craft items will be needed by Friday 1:30-4:30pm.  Check with Joretta Martens if you wish to donate items and need help getting them to Bethel.  All proceeds go to support Bethel College.

Voices Together:  Worship and the Arts  –  5^th Biennial Symposium . . . November 5-8.  SAVE THE DATE!

More information at bethelks.edu/worshiparts

MENNONITE HEALTHCARE FELLOWSHIP . . . Annual Gathering

Registration is Open – Mennonite Healthcare Fellowship Annual Gathering, Online: September 17-19, 2021.

MC USA announcements

Mennonite Church USA offers a wealth of opportunities to learn about events in the wider church through on-line conversations that stimulate our faith development and engagement with folks across our country.   This link connects you to topics about faith, immigration, nutrition and health, accessibility for all in the faith family, handling our emotions of grief and anger, poverty, advocacy and power.  Join the conversation!

 September Bulletin Announcements (mailchi.mp)

EVERENCE announcements

Everence will host a Social Security and retirement income planning webinar, on Tuesday, Sept. 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.