Table of Contents
Lord, help us not to dwell too much on the past,
holding you to the Galilean hills and the streets of Jerusalem,
but to know you more and more
as present Lord and Saviour,
risen, ascended, and always present with us
through the power of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
(United Kingdom. From: A Procession of Prayers: Meditations and Prayers from Around the World. John Carden. 1998. MoreHouse Publishing. pg 312)
TAKE NOTE:
Our next THIS WEEK will post on April 23!
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, APRIL 14, 2024 – PETER HEALS IN JERUSALEM
Holy Lord, your followers gave to your children something more powerful and more valuable than riches. They gave healing and hope. Bring healing and hope into our world and show us evidence of your presence in our lives. Amen.
Acts 3:1-10; (Mark 6:53-56)
- Preacher: Pastor Tonya
- Worship Leader: Jon Miller
- Children’s Time: DeAnna Goering
- Scripture Reader: Shane Miller
- Pianist: Shelley Kauffman
- Ushers: Susan Combs & Joretta Martens
- Nursery Attendant: Fred & Mary Wade
- Sound Tech: Adam Pounds
- Live Stream Tech: Joel Iwashige
SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2024 – EARTH DAY
“Real Faith in a Synthetic World: Plastic Jesus”
Psalm 23; John 10:7-10
- Preacher: Pastor Tonya
- Worship Leader: Delon Martens
- Children’s Time: Adam & Maggie Pounds
- Scripture Reader: TBA
- Organist: Pauline Buller
- Ushers: Don Wiens & Russell Goering
- Nursery Attendant: Jonathan Wenger
- Sound Tech: Earl Ediger
- Live Stream Tech: Jay Gehring
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
- April 12-13 – Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale
- April 14 – FMC provides 10am Worship at mfc (Mennonite Friendship Communities) – let Pastor Jim know if you can help with this service (music, scripture reading, etc.)
- April 17 – Faithful Community Coordination Team
- April 21 – Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus concert, 4:00pm at Tabor College
REMINDER: If you are last one out of the church building, be SURE the doors lock behind you.
DEEPENING in Christ…
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 Thursdays (in person @ FMC) from 12:30-1:30pm. 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 meets 1:00pm on Tuesday April 9
The Wednesday evening group next meeting is at 6:30 on Wednesday, April 10
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR EVERYONE RESUME THIS WEEK
CHILDREN’S CLASSES: Living the Good News (Shine curriculum from MennoMedia)
Preschool-3rd grade – meet in the basement classrooms
4th-6th grade – meet upstairs in Jr Youth room
SENIOR YOUTH (8th-12th grade) meet upstairs in Sr Youth room
ADULT CLASS in Fellowship Hall: DVD based study, “Celebration of Discipline,” by Richard Foster. Pastor Jim and Pastor Tonya facilitate
ADULT CLASS in Basement Classroom: Salt & Light study guide prepared by MennoMedia.
And, the YOUNGER ADULTS CLASS meeting in the library. For more details, talk with Maggie or Adam Pounds.
MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES (mfc) worship opportunity for service
Six times a year our congregation leads a worship service with residents at mfc. Pastor Jim coordinates our service there. Would you be willing to assist Pastor Jim in greeting folks, sharing in the worship service and extending this arm of care and nurture on behalf of First Mennonite? Our next opportunity is April 14. Please contact Pastor Jim.
FMC LIBRARY . . . LOTS OF GOOD READS!
Spring is here, but these chilly mornings are still great times to spend with a good book. Check out the great reads in our church library, including the books on the north window ledge, shared by Pastor Tonya. Listen to what contemporary authors are saying about questions and issues relevant to faithful witness in our world today. In addition to the books Pastor Tonya is sharing, the library has acquired many new books. Come . . . relax . . . find inspiration . . . take comfort . . . and be challenged to faithful Christian witness. There’s a book for every reader right here in our library!!
UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines
UPPER ROOM – May through June – is available above the mailboxes. If you would like a copy of REJOICE! please let the church office know so we can replenish our supply. Please let us know if you would like a copy mailed to you.
STRENGTHENING Community Connections…
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
- Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am – 2:00pm
- Wednesday 10:00am – 1:00pm
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; 10-1 on Wednesday
- Available other times by appointment.
- Available evenings and weekends (cell phone is most reliable)
Pastor Tonya will be away April 16-17 (Tues at 9am-Wednesday at 11am) for a Pastor-Spouse retreat sponsored by Western District Conference. Please direct emergency pastoral care concerns to Pastor Jim.
Upcoming “Day Apart with God” dates (for silence, reading, prayer & journaling – will NOT be checking email or responding to texts/calls (except for emergencies). Typically this is the 4th Wednesday of the month. The next date is: Wednesday April 24 (8am-5pm)
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 30-July 2.
A more extended chunk of sabbatical time will be taken in the summer of 2024: June 30-July 4 (for retreat) + July 23-August 9.
APRIL 7 – WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE (WDC) LISTENING TOUR SESSION
Thanks for your engagement with our WDC guests on Sunday!! When we receive their summary of our conversation, we’ll be sure to share it with you all.
SINGING GROUP @ WENGER’S – FRIDAY APRIL 19
The next Singing Group at Wenger’s is scheduled for Friday April 19. Potluck begins at 6pm and singing around 7:00pm.
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:
April: Pasta
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.
SUPPORT FOR LightHouse . . . MENTORING
If you are interested in exploring this opportunity to serve as a mentor for a youth at LightHouse, please talk with Pastor Jim.
HUTCHINSON EARTH MATTERS – Invitation to Recycle E-Waste during April!
Hutchinson Earth Matters is an ecumenical (Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Mennonite) group Pastor Tonya meets with monthly to carry out this mission: to inspire, educate and network with neighboring congregations and community organizations to respectfully and responsibly care for God’s Gift of Creation. To that end we have an invitation for your celebration of Earth Week 2024: help e-waste be recycled and not to into the landfill! Recycled electronics are: cell phones, I-pads, computers, calculators, power activated tools with batteries (building tools, garden tools), stereo systems, DVD players, video game players, flat screen TV’s, microwaves. You can take your items to Sanford’s Computer Works at 20 S. Main where they will be taken apart, recycled, and reused. Sanford’s is open Monday-Friday 9am-6pm (closed Saturday and Sunday). If you need help getting your e-waste to Sanfords, talk to Pastor Tonya. Check out the Earth Matters website https://www.hutch-earthmatters.com/ for more information, and/or follow us on Facebook.
KANSAS MENNONITE MEN’S CHORUS concerts on April 7 and April 21
Please join KMMC at our remaining concert:
- April 21, 4:00pm at Tabor College, Performing Arts Center, Richert Auditorium
Joining the men’s chorus this year will be the Newton Children’s Community Choir, the Flannelbacks and the Menno Brass. A freewill offering at each event will be received to support the work of Mennonite Central Committee. Come join this musical celebration of worship!
KANSAS MENNONITE RELIEF SALE – April 12-13, 2024 announcements
Volunteers are still needed!! We need New Year Cookie fryers; Feeding the Multitude workers; verenike gravy makers; Barrell Train drivers; and many others. Go to Sign-Up Genius to sign up to help at the Sale. https://kansas.mccsale.org/volunteer
NEW THIS YEAR – CHRISTMAS DÉCOR booth located in Sunflower South. Peggy Regier’s collection of ornaments, wall hangings, vintage toy horse, etc. will be sold.
Calling all bakers! Zwieback bags are still available on the table in the foyer for donations to the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale. The pie committee is asking for 20 pies from FMC and the baked goods committee would like for us to provide 40 dozen zwieback. There is a sign with the bags that provides information. Baked goods need to be delivered to the Meadowlark building (the quilt auction building) Friday morning.
MCC Sale Children’s Auction – Consider donating new, in-the-package, items to this year’s auction! Talk with the youth in your church to see what items they would like to bid on, but you can never go wrong with Hot Wheels, Barbie, board games, Lego sets, art kits, and sports equipment. Items may be given to your MCC Liaison for delivery to Sale.
2024 Run/Walk for Relief 5k – Sat April 13, 2024, 8:00 AM – Rice Park, Hutchinson, KS
If you are looking for an easy way to support MCC efforts, please consider sponsoring Jean Gaeddert in the Run for Relief again this year. Your donations are always greatly appreciated! (Please give your donation to Jean / checks made out to KMRS). Thank you!
MCC Material Resources Center in North Newton is critically low on inventory for Relief Kits. YOU CAN HELP by bringing supplies to the MCC Sale. There will be carts in the Meadowlark (Quilt Building) to collect your supplies. These are the needed supplies to complete kits: new infant sleepers (6-12 month sizes); bath towels (dark colored, light to medium weight); laundry bar soap (such as Fels Naptha or Zote brands); shampoo (20 oz min) and spiral notebooks (70 sheets).
MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES announcement
Mennonite Friendship Communities is looking for a full-time seasonal grounds person. This person will assist the grounds crew in mowing, trimming and various other tasks. If you or someone you know is looking for this type of work in a Christian environment, please contact SFrager@MennoFriend.com.
CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements
Scholarship funds are needed for summer youth camps. Just as facilities are an important part of Camp Mennoscah’s ministry, so are campers. There are campers who are unable to come to camp without assistance. Give to the Scholarship Fund or Scholarship Endowment to help more campers learn about Christ while in God’s creation. Mark your donation with the fund/endowment you prefer. The Scholarship Endowment will give up to two full scholarships a year, depending on earnings. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290 for more information.
Nurses, head cooks, kitchen staff and maintenance volunteers are needed for every week of camp. The summer camps range from 3 to 6 days and begin June 9. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org if you are interested.
There are openings for the Spring Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat, April 19-21! Lodging will be in the bunkhouses and activities will be in the Dining Hall. Bunkhouses are heated and space heaters will be available for the Dining Hall, if the weather is cool. This retreat is later than usual, so we’re hoping for balmy spring weather for good walks and beautiful nature. Register here!
More volunteer fun than just the Retreat Center project! Many volunteers are still needed for the Retreat Center project, but volunteers are also needed for other camp tasks–mowing, clearing trails, weeding the flower beds. Contact us at 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org.
Thank you to the many volunteers who have already helped with all the camp projects!
The application for 2024 Summer Staff at Camp Mennoscah is open! Summer staff must be 18 years old or older. The staff leadership positions receiving stipends are naturalist, crafts leader, lifeguard, grounds/maintenance, music leader, and office/media. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. The 2024 summer camp season begins June 2 with orientation for summer-long positions and ends August 4. We can’t wait to hear from you!
WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE WOMEN IN MISSION . . Edimental Gardening event
Women & Girls Save the Date! Edimental Gardening for Every Growing Space, featuring Renata Goossen will be sponsored by Western District Women in Mission at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton KS on Friday, April 19. The schedule is: 5 p,m – 6 p.m. Browse and purchase plants from Renata’s Plant Bus. Bring a salad to share for supper to start at 6 p.m.. The evening program, 6:30 – 7:30, will feature music by Prairie Highway and Renata speaking on her topic of edimental gardening, plants that are both edible and ornamental. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more details about the evening schedule and our other WDWM activities.
OFFENDER/VICTIM MINISTRIES seeking M-2 volunteers
Want to visit someone in prison? OVM (Offender/Victim Ministries) has been visiting inmates at Hutchinson Correctional Facility for 50 years, and we are looking for new volunteers. M-2 is a visitation program for inmates with few outside visits; volunteers are paired with an inmate and visit one evening a month for conversation and encouragement. Apply for M-2 at www.ovmks.org/m2 and mark your calendar for one of the upcoming volunteer trainings: July 15, 12:30-4pm. Contact Kenzie Brister to learn more (prison@ovmks.org or 316-281-4721).
BETHEL COLLEGE announcements
Fri., April 12 – Bethel College’s Faculty Lecture Series continues with Jean Woods, assistant professor of biology, “Walking in Nature: Can you hear what the birds are saying?”, 11 a.m., Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village. And save the date for a one-day symposium, “Walking the Talk: Listening Relationships in a Changing Climate,” April 27 on the Bethel campus.
Sun., April 14 – Bethel College Heritage Roll of Honor Memorial Service, 2 p.m., Administration Building chapel or online at https://youtube.com/live/iZJ0fdOHc8M?feature=share Reception following in the Mantz Library lounge.
Sun., April 14 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Peter Buller, piano and oboe, 7 p.m. Administration Building chapel
Weds., April 17 – Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Sat., April 20 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Phillip Balzer, piano, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Sun., April 21 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Josie Epp, piano, 4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Sun., April 21 – Sunday-Evening-at-the-Museum with Dr. Kim Perez, Fort Hays State University, 7 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. Perez’s topic is the role and impact of pioneering women in ornithology, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Perez will also speak in convocation at Bethel College Mon., April 22, 11 a.m., in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center.
Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – annual Student Art Exhibit, featuring the work of 41 students (artist books, ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting and print-making) through Fri., April 19. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
SAVE THE DATE: Sun., April 28 – Masterworks concert at Bethel College, featuring the Bethel College Oratorio Chorus, orchestra and soloists performing Rejoice in the Lamb by Benjamin Britten and Dona Nobis Pacem by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
EVERENCE and BETHEL COLLEGE offer virtual estate planning webinar
You’re invited to a virtual estate planning webinar, hosted by Bethel College Advancement and led by experts from Everence and Adrian & Pankratz LLC of Newton.
• Thurs., April 11, 6-7 p.m. – Dennis LeFevre, Everence; Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84488722318
• Thurs., April 18, 6-7 p.m. – Cindy Wiens & Randy Pankratz, Adrian & Pankratz; Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82173808179
These webinars are free, with no pre-registration required – just show up using the appropriate Zoom link. Questions? Contact George Leary, Director of Development, 316-284-5226 or gleary@bethelks.edu
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE announcements
MCC’s Sharing With Appalachian People (SWAP) home repair program is seeking summer staff in Kimball, West Virginia or Elkhorn City, Kentucky. These three-month positions for Job Site Coordinators and Meals Coordinators will allow you to explore new cultures, develop skills, build friendships and live out your faith. Applicants should be at least 19 years old, but the roles are not limited to young adults. An hourly wage plus room and board are provided. For more information and to apply, visit mcc.org/swap-summer-meals or mcc.org/swap-summer-job-site. Or contact the MCC Appalachia SWAP office at (606) 634-4418 or AppalachiaAdmin@mcc.org.
Interested in working with MCC, or know someone who is? MCC is hiring a Community Engagement Coordinator! The Community Engagement Coordinator, in North Newton, KS connects with local churches, individuals, and partners to educate on MCC material resources, programs, and events. Apply at the following link: Community Engagement Coordinator or find the job and other openings at mcc.org/careers.
MENNONITE IMMIGRATION TO CENTRAL KANSAS 150th ANNIVERSARY . . . area events in 2024 COMMEMORATING 500 YEARS of ANABAPTISM
Let’s Talk About Ukraine
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its second year, the costs of the conflict continue to rise. Professor Matthew Cotton will bring us information on the historical relationship between Ukraine and Russia, the current status of the conflict, and how it has reshaped global politics in the 21st century. Matthew D. Cotton is a PhD Candidate in history at the University of Washington (Seattle). He earned his Masters degree from the University of Kansas in Russian, Eastern European, and Eurasian studies. Matt has spent time in both Russia and Ukraine. Come learn with us on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at First Mennonite Church of McPherson, 1161 E. Ave. A, McPherson, Kansas. The public is invited. Refreshments served. Free to attend. This event is part of the 150th Celebration of our Ancestors coming to the U.S. in 1874 which will culminate August 23-25, 2024 with many activities at Eden Mennonite Church, rural Moundridge.
Travel to Zurich + Swiss Alps – a 9-Day Tour in May 2025. Tour sites: Lake Geneva, Murren – the Swiss mountain village accessed by cable car, and Mennonite heritage in Bern and the Emmental Valley. On May 29 we will join Anabaptists from around the world in Zurich in worship and celebration of the 500 Year beginning of Anabaptism. Details and registration coming soon. Preview the tour at www.tourwithweldon.com To join the “Interested List” contact Weldon Martens at weldon.martens@gmail.com / 402-202-9276.