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This week at FMC

THIS WEEK @ FMC – April 16-22, 2025

We believe that many years ago

a peaceful parade wove its way through the streets of Jerusalem.

We believe that on that day

the people cried out,

longing and praying for a better world.

We believe that these longings

came from a place of deep hope,

and we believe

that hope cannot be silenced.

So we listen for the Spirit.

We sing Hosanna.

We pay attention.

For in between the silence and the song,

we believe the Spirit is speaking. Amen.

   (“Affirmation of Faith” written by Rev. Sarah A. Speed / A Sanctified Art LLC / sanctifiedart.org)

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP at 9:30am  (except Easter Sunday – 10:00am worship)

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 20, 2025 – EASTER CELEBRATION – @ 10:00am!!!

Everything [in] Between GRIEF & HOPE: The Women Grieve and Peter Runs to the Tomb

(Luke 19:1-10)

Grief is a healthy response to Jesus’ death and a valid way to enter worship on Easter morning. And yet, the women at the empty tomb are given hope amidst their mourning. The other disciples don’t believe the women’s message, but Peter, living in the in-between of grief and hope, runs to the tomb to see for himself. Grieving doesn’t have to make us hopeless. Hope can compel us to take action when we are deep in grief.

  • Preacher: Jim Unruh
  • Worship Leaders: Santalena Caudillo & Tonya Ramer Wenger
  • Song Leader: Jon Miller
  • Children’s Time: Adam & Maggie Pounds
  • Scripture Reader: Tonya Ramer Wenger
  • Organist: Pauline Buller
  • Ushers: Cheryl Warkentin & Russell Goering
  • Nursery Attendant: Adam & Maggie Pounds
  • Sound Tech: Earl Ediger & Allen Yoder
  • 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 14-18 – Stations of the Cross open Wednesday noon – 5pm, Thursday & Friday noon – 7pm.
  • April 17 – Maundy Thursday Meal & Worship at 6:00pm
  • April 20 – Easter Sunday Morning Prayers & Brunch @ 9:00am, Worship @ 10:00am (no Sunday School)
  • April 27 – M&Ms meet @ 12 noon
  • May 14 – Gathering of those interested in a summer book study group – snacks & planning @ 12:30pm

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.

A small ecumenical Centering Prayer group meets on TUESDAYS (in person @ FMC) from 11:30-12:30 (note the new date/time).  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’s next meeting is Tuesday, May 13 at 1:00pm
  • The Wednesday evening group’s next meeting is Wednesday, April 23 at 6:30pm

SUNDAY SCHOOL – SPRING QUARTER continues on April 27

(No Sunday School April 20)

Children and Youth:

  • Preschool through 4th grade meet in the basement Sunday School wing.
  • 5th grade-8th grade meet upstairs in the Junior Youth room
  • Senior Youth (9th-12th) meet upstairs in the Youth room

Adults:

  • Adults are using the Salt & Light Bible Study on the topic of, “A Church Divided: A Study of 1 Corinthians.” It is an in-depth dive into the life and times of Paul and Jesus followers in Corinth. How does the gospel speak to their congregational conflicts and our challenges? The class meets in fellowship hall with Zoom option available.
  • Connection & Conversation meets in the library. Childcare for infants & toddlers is available in the nursery most Sundays.

LENT & EASTER WORSHIP @ FMC:  everything [in] between

Our worship theme, everything [in] between, comes to us from A Sanctified Art (sanctifiedart.com) and is based on the Narrative Lectionary texts in the Gospel of Luke. The “series is an invitation to navigate the polarities in our lives with more faith, intention, and openness to be transformed.”  In doing so “we might find that God is present in between.”

  • April 17 (Maundy Thurs) – everything [in] between: power & humility – an evening meal with worship
  • April 18 (Good Friday) – everything [in] between: acceptance & resistance – walk the Stations of the Cross
  • April 20 (Easter) – everything [in] between: grief & hope – Pastor Jim preaching

Stations of the Cross, located in our foyer and sanctuary, will be available Wednesday (noon-5pm), and Thursday and Friday (noon-7pm).

Easter morning schedule is as follows:

  • 9:00am – Morning Prayer and Brunch in Fellowship Hall
    • Plan to arrive by 8:50am to get settled before morning prayers being at 9am, bringing a dish to share and your own table service
  • 10:00am – Worship, including decorating the cross with flowers
  • No Sunday School

Anabaptist World Special Edition

“Anabaptism @ 500” copies are available in the foyer. Please take one and enrich your understanding of Anabaptist history and the contribution of a variety of voices about what makes Anabaptism distinctive in the past as well as right here and now.

UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines  –  available above the mailboxes

  • UPPER ROOM
  • Rejoice!

STRENGTHENING Community Connections…

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

  • Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am – 2:00pm
  • Wednesday 10:00am – 1:00pm (No Wednesday hours on April 23)

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)

Pastor Tonya has joined a study program called, “Transforming Community.” Retreats take place in Chicago. Her next scheduled retreat is June 15-17.

Upcoming “Day Apart with God” dates (for silence, reading, prayer & journaling – will NOT be checking email or responding to texts/calls (except for emergencies). Next day apart will be April 23.

Announcement from the Accessibility Team

The restrooms on the main floor have doors that do not open easily. This can be quite difficult for people with mobility issues to navigate through. To address this, the restroom doors will remain propped open while the building is in use. If more privacy is needed, feel free to close the door, then prop it open again on your way out. We would also like to thank those who have left notes for the accessibility team with your suggestions and questions. If anyone has ideas on how FMC can be “arms wide open” to people of all abilities, please leave a note in Diane Ziemer’s box, or talk with any of our team members, Diane, Peggy Stucky, Joy Miller, and Heidi Unruh.  

SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FOR FMC YOUTH

If your child/youth plans to attend Camp Mennoscah or Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp this summer, please send that information to the church office.  FMC offers a scholarship to cover ½ of the registration fee for camp! Once you’ve registered and paid with the camp, please submit your camper’s information (name, camp attending, and total registration fee) to the church office and the church will reimburse you.

SUMMER BOOK STUDY gathering to plan our summer read

Our book study group invites anyone interested in joining us to attend our planning meeting on Wednesday, May 14. You are invited to bring a snack to share for our light lunch at 12:30pm in Common Grounds. Bring ideas for a book to read and your calendar for scheduling our summer meetings.

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:  

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.

KANSAS MENNONITE RELIEF SALE

FMC collected $1,463.10 in coins. A joyful gathering saw our contribution delivered to the My Coins Count station at the MCC sale. Thank you!

BETHEL COLLEGE announcements

Fri. April 25, Sat., April 26, Sun., April 27 – Spring play at Bethel College, The Bookstore by Adam Szymkowicz, Fri. & Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m. matinee, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center). Friday evening performance interpreted for the d/Deaf community. Ticket purchase required (buy on campus weekdays at Thresher Shop; online at https://www.bethelks.edu/fine-arts/theater/theater-department-presents/; or at the door).

Weds., April 30 – Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center

Thurs., May 1 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center

Sun., May 4 – Masterworks concert at Bethel College: Three Nocturnes by Dan Forrest, Exsultate, Jubilate by Mozart, and Considering Matthew Shepard: A Choral Suite by Craig Hella Johnson

Mon., May 12, Hymn Festival presented by Dr. Henry Waters’ Hymnology class, Bethel College Mennonite Church

HESSTON COLLEGE announcements

FloraKansas Native Plant Days. Join Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston for their FloraKansas Native Plant Days taking place April 24 through 28. This event is a semi-annual fundraising plant sale for the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains where you can view and purchase native plants. For more information and to peruse the available plant lists, visit: dyckarboretum.org/florakansas-native-plant-festival.

Annual Juried Student Art Exhibit at Hesston College. The annual Hesston College Juried Student Art Exhibit will be open and available for viewing April 22 through May 9 in the Regehr-Friesen Gallery located in the Laban Peachey Center, 325 S College Drive, Hesston. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and admission is free.

CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements

Music and Quilt Auction at The Hub on May 2!  Support Camp Mennoscah on May 2 with purchases at The Hub. 10% of all sales on May 2 will be donated to Camp Mennoscah.   Musical groups will play from approx. 6pm-8:30pm and include K81, Queen Jack Jericho, Brett and Caleb Klingenberg, and The Schrag Siblings.  A Camp Mennoscah tee shirt quilt will also be sold through a silent auction.  A picture of the quilt can be seen at www.campmennoscah.org. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for a bidding from a distance option.  (The Hub, 100 S Christian, Moundridge, KS, https://www.thehubbrickoven.com)

Music and office summer staffers are needed!  If you know of someone who you think might be great for these positions, please tap them on the shoulder.  Olivia would love to talk to them, even if they are only available for part of the summer. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 316-293-7313 (call or text).  Summer staffers must be 18 or older and are usually college or near-college age folks.

Camp Mennoscah is looking for kitchen helpers and other volunteers to make great camp experiences.  Parents can receive a camper discount up to full camp fees as a kitchen volunteer. Contact Olivia at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 316-293-7313.  Summer youth camps cannot happen without you!

COMMON GROUND . . . a powerful documentary – Wednesday, April 30, 6:30pm

A free showing at the Shears Technology Building at HCC, COMMON GROUND is a powerful documentary sharing stories of farmers who are restoring the land and creating a brighter future for generations to come through “regenerative farming methods.” Soil health is the key to unlocking more and better food to feed America and the world, while limiting the amount of climate heating. Free and open to the public, this showing is presented by Earth Matters, a local ecumenical gathering caring for and sharing information about climate concerns.

EARTH MATTERS FIELD TRIP TO STUTZMAN’S RECYCLING – EDUCATIONAL INFO TO SHARE!

Members of the Earth Matters group (which Pastor Tonya is a part of) recently visited Stutzman’s Recycling Center, and offer these points for education and action:

  • only recycle #1 and # 2 plastics
  • recycle cardboard flat
  • don’t bag any recyclables
  • don’t recycle shredded paper
  • don’t recycle aluminium foil

Stutzman’s Recycling is a co-mingle system.  It started in 2003 and is open Monday through Friday from 5am to 4pm. Stutzman’s recycles from midwest to western Kansas and also from Norman,OK and Hastings,NE. Each day starts with approximately 100 tons.  75% of the recycle trash they take in is actually recycled as it is passed on to other processors as raw material for new products.  The other 25% goes to the landfill. Another important recycling tip that helps them: do not put any soft, stretchable plastic into the main recycle stream (i.e. grocery sacks, bread sacks, bubble wrap, shrink wrap). All of that can go into the recycle bins at Dillons – or the basket we have reserved here at church for those items!

MENNONITE MISSION NETWORK . . . JUST PEACE PILGRIMAGES

Mennonite Mission Network has spaces still available for our transformative Just Peace Pilgrimages this summer and fall. Join us on one of these inspiring journeys . . click a heading for information.

Visit MennoniteMission.net/JustPeace or email Stephanie Weaver at StephanieW@MennoniteMission.net.

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (MCC) announcements

MCC grateful for shipments of Material Resources in 2024 – MCC, despite the bridge collapse in Baltimore, weather-related and other unexplained delays, strikes and piles of required paperwork, shipped 48 containers to MCC partners in 9 countries and Puerto Rico. Five were shipped from Canada, 42 from the U.S. and one from Europe. Items shipped included canned meat, comforters, soap and school, relief, hygiene, sewing, infant care and dignity kits. These shipments are a result of the thousands of MCC supporters, donors, and volunteers. Thanks be to God!

MCC Great Winter Warmup surpasses goal! Thank you for helping MCC surpass the Great Winter Warmup goal of 7,000 comforters during the months of January, February and March. During this 3-month campaign MCC received 12,875 comforters! Thank you to each person who tied knots this winter to share warmth, comfort, and love around the world!

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.