THIS WEEK @ FMC - April 3-9, 2024 - First Mennonite Church

Table of Contents

“…[Jesus’] rising from the dead proves we have good standing with the Great Spirit. This good standing we have brings peace with the Great Spirit. This peace comes from trusting in Creator Sets Free (Jesus) the Chosen One and what he has done for us. Our trust in him opens the way into Creator’s great kindness and is now the solid ground on which we stand. Now our boasting is in him, as we look forward to being the kind of people the Great spirit created us to be, a people filled with his beauty and shining greatness.

But we also must find joy in our sufferings on his behalf. For we know that when the trail gets rough, we must walk with firm steps to reach the end. As we walk firmly in his footprints, we gain the strength of spirit that we need to stay true to the path. This gives us the hope we need to reach the end of the trail with honor. All of this is because of Creator’s great love that has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who is his gift to us from above.” Romans 4:29b-5:5 (First Nations Version)

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 7, 2024 – YOU SHALL BE MY WITNESSES

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Lord Jesus, after your death and resurrection you sent your followers into the world to proclaim your resurrection to the entire world. Send us into the world to bear witness to all you have done in our lives. Amen.

Acts 1:1-14; (Mark 6:7-13)

Meditation: Pastor Tonya
Sharing: Senior Youth, about their experience at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Snow Camp
Worship Leader: Stephanie Gehring
Children’s Time: Senior Youth (or Pastor Tonya)
Scripture Reader: Joel Iwashige
Pianist: Peggy Stucky
Ushers: Jay & Stephanie Gehring
Nursery Attendant: Adam & Maggie Pounds
Sound Tech: Earl Ediger
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 7 – Western District Conference Listening Team during the Sunday School hour (everyone invited!)
April 7 – Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus concert, 4:00pm at Bethel College
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 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

April 7: Adults/Youth in Fellowship Hall for WDC Listening Session (details below in the STRENGTHENING section) and children meet for Sunday School as usual

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 – RESUMES APRIL 14

ADULT CLASS in Basement Classroom: Salt & Light study guide prepared by MennoMedia. – RESUMES APRIL 14

And, the YOUNGER ADULTS CLASS meeting in the library. For more details, talk with Maggie or Adam Pounds. – RESUMES APRIL 14

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 and evenings 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.

THANK YOU!!

A big thank you to Dohn and Jeanette Fast, who worked with Pastor Tonya every week during Lent to prepare for our communion experience in worship. They prepared the bread/juice each week and took care of logistics for setting up and cleaning up. Deep gratitude as well to those who willingly agreed each week to help serve communion.

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 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.

APRIL 7 – WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE LISTENING TOUR SESSION

On April 7, three representatives from Western District Conference (WDC): Heidi Regier Kreider (WDC Conference Minister), Kathy Neufeld Dunn (WDC Associate Conference Minister), and Wendy Funk Schrag (member of First Mennonite Church, Newton, and member of the Listening Process Planning Team), will be visiting our congregation as part of WDC’s conference-wide Listening Tour this year. The purpose of the Listening Tour is to empower the vitality of WDC congregations by hearing their stories, offering ongoing relationship, and supporting their witness and mission. All adults and youth are invited to participate in listening session after worship on Sunday April 7, beginning at 10:45am and ending by 12:15pm (snacks will be provided). This will include times of conversation in response to these questions from WDC about our ministries and hopes for the future: 1. What activities or ministries are most important for your congregation now in fully carrying out God’s work? 2. What do you hope for the future for your church and what resources from WDC would be helpful for that?

We encourage everyone to participate in this conversation! Responses from our discussion will be shared back with the congregation, and at the conclusion of the listening process a summary of themes will be compiled by WDC to share with WDC constituency and used to guide ongoing resourcing for congregations in WDC.

SUPPORT MCC – RUN FOR RELIEF

If you are wanting an easy way to support MCC efforts, please consider sponsoring Jean Gaeddert once again in the Run for Relief at this year’s sale. Donations may be given directly to jean, with checks made payable to KMRS. Thank you!

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.

KANSAS MENNONITE MEN’S CHORUS concerts on April 7 and April 21
Please join KMMC at one or both of our concerts this year:

April 7, 4:00pm at Bethel College, Memorial Hall
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

Calling all bakers! Pie tins and zwieback bags are now 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 are signs with the bags and pie tins that provide suggestions for pie fillings and other baked goods. Unfortunately, Todd and I have to be out of town during the weekend of the sale (April 12-13) so we are unable to deliver our church’s donations. If you are unable to deliver your own items to the Meadowlark building (the quilt auction building) Friday morning, please let me know and we will help you find someone to deliver for you. Thanks in advance for your generous donations time and baking talents! – Todd & Julie

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!

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

INVITATION FROM BETHEL COLLEGE COMMUNITY FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE

The Bethel College Community for Justice and Peace (BC CJP) is hosting a demonstration on Wednesday, April 3rd, at 7:00 PM in front of the Bethel College Administration Building to call for peace in the Middle East, particularly concerning the war in Gaza. You are all invited to join. If you are interested in learning more about this event or BC CJP, subscribe to our free publication at https://bccjpsurvival.substack.com/

The Bethel College Community for Justice and Peace is asking for community help ringing the bell as part of our demonstration to mourn the loss of life in Gaza and Israel. 33 hours of ringing for 33,000 lives. Wednesday at 7:00 PM, outside of the Administration Building, our demonstration event will kick off the ringing until 10:30 PM that night, and then Thursday and Friday 7:30 am-10:30 pm. Please use the signup sheet below to sign up! Thank you for participating in this historic event on Bethel College campus.

Bell-Ringers: Sign Up Sheet

All interested singers are invited to participate in Bethel College’s annual Masterworks concert on April 28, featuring Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem. Scores are available now and rehearsals begin Tuesday, April 2. Sign up online at https://forms.gle/Auu4FaYBcaLwKDuF6 so that your contact information is available for digital rehearsal materials, etc., or come to the first rehearsal April 2, 6 p.m., Choir Room in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College.

Fri., April 5 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Eli Regier, saxophone, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel

Sat., April 6 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Angelika Donaldson, voice, 4 p.m.,Bethel College Mennonite Church

Sun., April 7 – KIPCOR Film Series presents Estamos Unidos, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. The film by Alvaro M. Morales follows a migrant caravan’s journey from Honduras to Mexico City in 2019. A talkback follows the screening; a freewill offering will be taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.

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

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.

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 DISASTER SERVICE newsletter ON THE LEVEL

The March edition of On the Level is now available from Mennonite Disaster Service. In our current issue: Kevin King explores where we would see Jesus in disaster responses, get the latest on the damage left by the Midwest tornadoes, and learn how a remote electrician is adding a spark to an MDS project. Plus, check out the volunteer opportunities for this summer and fall.

Click on this link to read more: https://conta.cc/4adqsxS

ANABAPTIST DISABILITIES NETWORK

Check out the most recent edition of Anabaptist Disabilities Network’s newsletter HERE! This edition includes articles about chronic illness, as well as an interesting reflection on disability, prayer and healing. You can also read a book review of: Dancing with Elephants: Mindfulness Training for those living with dementia, chronic illness, or an aging brain by Jarem Sawatzky.

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

Mennonite Heritage & Agricultural Museum – Goessel KS

Join museum supporters for the Heritage Dinner, April 5, 6:30 pm, at Tabor Mennonite Church, after which Mayleen Thiesen Vinson will share an entertaining and insightful portrayal of Fru Schmidt’s dilemma—what to pack for her family? Each adult ticket-holder was allowed to pack 27 cubic feet of baggage and freight. Consider that the Schmidts have ten children! Would you have packed a waffle iron, an anvil, or corncobs? Come find out! Tickets are on sale now! Contact the museum by April 1 (620.367.8200 or email goesselmuseum@gmail.com) to reserve your tickets for the Low German sausage meal catered by Goessel Grocery & Deli. Prices are $75 per person, ages 12 and under are $15, and first-time attenders are $40.

COMMEMORATING 500 YEARS of ANABAPTISM

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.