THIS WEEK @ FMC – April 24-30, 2024

Our friends at Mennonite World Conference (https://mwc-cmm.org/en) offer the following prayer for peace, words to help guide us and call us to action as we also lament the destruction of lives and creation caused by war and violence. May our tears become part of the healing of the world.

Lord, have mercy!  
Christ, have mercy! 
Lord, have mercy! 

When, O Lord, will we learn that peace does not come through force?  
When, O Lord, will we learn that peace does not come through fighting?  
When, O Lord, will we learn that peace does not come by conquering others?  
When, O Lord, will we learn that peace does not come through mechanisms of death?  

We look on with horror at the ever-escalating violence that grips the people and their nations in the Middle East. 

We mourn the faith placed in military might.  
We mourn the faith placed in weapons that supposedly vanquish enemies, but only perpetuate cycles of violence.  
We mourn the faith placed in violence, as if that can bring about right relationships.  

Christians are called…
….to embody a faith that seeks the welfare of others, not their demise. 
Christians are called to embody a faith that lays down our arms instead of participating in the ever-increasing cycle of violence.  
…to embody the ways of peace, not violence, as our journey of faith. 
Christians are called to love our enemies – or refuse to have enemies – and reach across barriers to build bridges of respect, mutuality and conciliation even with those who may be hostile.  
…to participate in a faith that follows and seeks to live out the ways of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.  
And Christians are called to invite others, including those of other faiths, to seek alternatives to violence and live into a different future where all can encounter life and well-being.  

Rockets will not bring peace.  
Invasion will not bring peace.  
Violence will not bring peace.  

Enough! Basta! Ça suffit ! 

God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us. 
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. 
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. 
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. 

(Read this prayer here on Mennonite World Conference’s website.)

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.  Our apologies for the technical difficulties on April 21 that resulted in most of the service not being recorded!!

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024 – CHURCH at THESSALONICA

Messiah, Jesus, your followers established churches in communities near and far. Take us outside of ourselves and teach us to give away what you have given to us. Show us how to witness to your presence in places near and far. Amen.

Acts 17:1-9; 1 Thess. 1:1-10; (Mark 13:9-11)

• Preacher: Pastor Jim Unruh
• Worship Leader: Maggie Pounds
• Children’s Time: Jennalee Boggs
• Scripture Reader: Jean Gaeddert
• Pianist: Peggy Stucky
• Ushers: Dennis & Jennalee Boggs
• Nursery Attendant: TBD
• Sound Tech: Murray Reimer
• Live Stream Tech: Jonathan Wenger

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 27 – Singing Group at Wenger’s (5:30 potluck/6:30 singing)
• May 5 – Teacher Appreciation Sunday; Highlighting Camp Mennoscah
• May 13 – Craft Night – 6:30-8:00pm
• May 19 – Pentecost Sunday, with Communion
• May 25 – FMC serves at the Soup Kitchen
• May 26 – No Sunday School
• June 2 – Ice Cream Social @ FMC (6:30pm)
• June 15-16 – FMC’s Camp Mennoscah Weekend
• June 30 – Potluck after Worship

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 May 14

The Wednesday evening group next meeting is at 6:30 on Wednesday, May 8

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR EVERYONE

CHILDREN’S CLASSES: Living the Good News (Shine curriculum from MennoMedia)

• Preschool-3^rd grade – meet in the basement classrooms
• 4^th-6^th grade – meet upstairs in Jr Youth room

SENIOR YOUTH (8^th-12^th 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. 

UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines

UPPER ROOM – May through June –  is available above the mailboxes.

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)

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 4^th 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.

SINGING GROUP @ WENGER’S – SATURDAY APRIL 27

Gather at 5:30pm for a potluck (bring a dish to share if you can). Singing begins around 6:30pm. All are welcome!

CRAFT NIGHT @ FMC on Monday, May 13, 2024

Craft Night is on Monday, May 13, 6:30-8:00pm in the church Fellowship Hall. Bring your project – knitting, crocheting, other crafts – and enjoy this time of friendship and ministry together. Any questions . . . contact Cheryl Warkentin or Diane Ziemer

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;  May: Pancake mix & syrup

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!

Help e-waste be recycled instead of being put 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 TVs, 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 Sanford’s, talk to Pastor Tonya.  Check out the Earth Matters website https://www.hutch-earthmatters.com/ for more information, and/or follow us on Facebook.

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE announcements

Soft Plastic Recycling is now available at MCC!  We invite you to start a new habit of recycling all soft plastics (plastic bags, bread bags, any plastic packaging that you can stretch) at MCC Central States in North Newton! This is a NEW and ONGOING recycling project. Plastics must be clean, dry and free of food waste. A basket under the table in the foyer is designated to receive your recyclables. You may also bring your soft plastic recycling to MCC any time, placing them in the marked bin outside the warehouse.  Once at MCC, the plastic is baled into 1000 pound bales. These bales are then sold to the TREX company. They melt down the plastic and use it in making their deck boards. Questions, please  contact duaneunruh@mcc.org. 

May 26-31: Restorative Justice Peace Camp for young adults (Chicago, Illinois) – This peace camp will dive into creative ways to implement justice in local communities. Learning from experienced restorative justice practitioners in Chicago, we will witness incredible ways that transformation is possible through restorative justice. Register today! mcc.org/events/restorative-justice-peace-camp

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.

WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE announcements

Save the Date! WDC Annual Assembly, August 2-4, First Mennonite Church, Beatrice, NE. Assembly is the primary resourcing and fellowship event of the year. Many workshops, onsite and virtual. Faith formation and Family Festival for all ages. Worshipping God together. Join us!

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.

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! 

MENNONITE EDUCATION AGENCY announcements

MEA invites all Mennonite education professionals working in public school settings to a virtual meeting of the Mennonite Public Educators group: Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 7pm Eastern. These conversations are moderated by public school teachers who are Mennonite. The conversation topic will be “Simple ways to show our faith.” There is no cost to participate, but registration is required. Email info@MennoniteEducation.org for more information. 

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).

EVERENCE© resources for financial planning

Real world money webinar: Get ready to tap into some unexplored, real-world financial wisdom. Do you ever ask yourself questions like, “How much money do I need?” Join this Everence webinar on Tuesday, April 30 at 7 p.m. for an interactive conversation about financial health. Register at everence.com/partners. Click here for more information, share this flyer.

Budgeting for the unexpected webinar: You never know when a financial emergency will happen – don’t let surprises derail your financial plans. Discover practical strategies to safeguard your finances against unforeseen expenses. On May 23 at 2 p.m. ET, Steve Bustos, Everence Stewardship Consultant, and Kim Miller, Partner Relationship Specialist for LSS, will present a webinar called “Budgeting for the Unexpected.” Register at everence.com/partners.    Click here for more information, share this flyer.

Teaching children faith and finance: Teaching lessons of stewardship can start young and in the home! Everence and Financial Choice are here to provide resources and encouragement on your parenting journey. Read more here.

BETHEL COLLEGE announcements

Weds., April 24 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m.,Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center

Fri., April 26 – Senior Art Exhibit II opens in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College,featuring the work of Morgan Marsh (reception May 10). Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.

Sat., April 27 – “Walking the Talk: Listening Relationships in a Changing Climate,” symposium at Bethel College, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Free and open to the public. Keynote speaker is Dr. Sheena Wilson, University of Alberta, along with others from across Kansas; see https://www.bethelks.edu/academics/convocation/walking-the-talk/walking-the-talk-listening-relationships-in-a-changing-climate/

Sun., April 28 – Masterworks concert at Bethel College, 4 p.m., featuring the Bethel College Oratorio Chorus, orchestra and soloists, performing Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb and Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, with Dr. Henry S. Waters conducting, Memorial Hall

Tues., April 30 – Bethel College Voice Studio recital, Soyoun Chun, instructor, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel

Weds., May 1 – Jazz on the Green at Bethel College, 7:30 p.m. (rain venue: Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center)

Sun., May 5 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum with Stan Senner of the National Audubon Society, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium

Sun., May 5 – Woven and Open Road joint concert, 4 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church 

MENNONITE IMMIGRATION TO CENTRAL KANSAS 150th ANNIVERSARY . . . area events in 2024

Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association

Come join us for “A Century of Mennonite Quilts” at the Wellness Center at Pine Village by Moundridge on Saturday, May 4 from 9:00 to 4:00 and Sunday, May 5 from 1:00 to 4:00 for a display of 110 years of Mennonite art expressed through fabric. We will have quilts representing all the decades from the 1920’s to the 2020’s, and most of the reasons, methods, and sources of materials. This is one of the events celebrating 150 years since our ancestors came to the US from the Ukraine in 1874.  All are welcome to appreciate the beauty and talent of many resourceful people who used fabric they had or created new designs.  Donna Zerger and her Quilt Committee are bringing over 50 quilts to show you.