Table of Contents
Seeking Peace Together: Peace with God, Peace Within, Peace with Others, Peace with Creation. Although our summer worship series is over, the work continues to seek peace together in each of these spheres of life and relationship. The hymn text below, inspired by the writings of Lawrence Hart, Cheyenne peace chief and Mennonite pastor, offers a fitting benediction to our summer worship … “let’s join the harmony!”
Creation is a song, a song that we can see,
A sacred gift from God, let’s join the harmony.
The rolling of the oceans, the bubbling of a spring,
night sky filled with jewels, a flock of beating wings.
Dancing prairie meadow, fruit swaying on the vine,
boiling storm clouds rising, lightning ‘cross the sky.
Majestic sleeping mountain, forest green and deep,
every living creature in our care to keep.
Every glowing sunset, every outstretched leaf
is witness to the glory of the One who sits as Chief.
Creation is a song, a song that we can see,
a sacred gift from God, let’s join the harmony.
[Voices Together #181 Text: English and Cheyenne, based on Psalm 19; Doug Krehbiel (USA) and Jude Krehbiel (USA); inspired by the writings of Lawrence Hart (Cheyenne, USA); Cheyenne trans. Lenora Hart Holliman (Cheyenne, USA) and Wayne Leman (USA)]
— Pastor Tonya
SUNDAY MORNING Worship at 9:30am
The link to join is on our website: www.hutchfmc.org Join 5 minutes early for announcements.
COVID-19 update
An updated COVID-19 vaccine will be available by the end of September, according to the CDC. Likely, we will see a recommendation that this will become an annual COVID shot, just as we have an annual flu shot. People who are 65 or older or who have multiple health conditions should get the currently available shot if it’s been more than 6-8 months since their last dose. For all others, it’s OK to wait for the new version. Look for updates here as they become available.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 – NEW BEGINNINGS: Isaac is Born to Sarah
Genesis 18:1-5, 21:1-7
- Preacher: Tonya Ramer Wenger
- Worship Leader: Calvin Buller
- Children’s Time: DeAnna Goering
- Scripture Reader: Hilda Iwashige
- Pianist: Peggy Stucky
- Song Leader: TBD
- Ushers: Glenda & Rick Hooper
- 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
- Sept 3 – School Kits for MCC will be assembled after worship – everyone invited to help! Fall Worship based on the Narrative Lectionary begins
- Sept 10-13 – Pastor Tonya’s 2nd chunk of sabbatical time (back in office on Thursday Sept 14)
- Sept 17 & 24 – “Come to the Yard” – sign up by Sept 3!!
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
- The Tuesday group will meet Tuesday Sept 5 at 3:30pm.
- The Wednesday evening group will meet Wednesday Sept 6 at 6:30pm.
FALL WORSHIP @ FMC – Beginning September 3!
September 3 marks the beginning of our Fall Worship, which will be guided by the Narrative Lectionary. This is a schedule of scripture readings helping us trace the big story of God with humanity in scripture, beginning with creation and ending with Pentecost. Every year, after Christmas, we dig deep into one of the gospels. This year’s gospel will be Mark, and you are encouraged to start reading it now!
Because we explored scriptures early in Genesis during August, we will pick up the story on September 3 in Genesis 18 – a story of welcoming strangers, laughing in the face of preposterous news, and the surprise of actually receiving what was thought to be impossible.
Upcoming worship details….
- SEPTEMBER 3 – New Beginnings: Isaac is Born to Sarah (Genesis 18:1-5; 21:1-7) Pastor Tonya preaching
- SEPTEMBER 10 – Persistence in Struggle: Jacob Wrestles With God (Genesis 32:[9-13], 22-30) Anita Kehr preaching (Pastor Tonya gone on sabbatical time)
- SEPTEMBER 17 – Faith Formation Sunday (Bible Dedication, Sunday School Teacher Blessing) Called by God: Moses and God’s Name (Exodus 1:8-14 [15-2:10]; 3:1-15) Three Meditations: Micah Wenger, Diane Ziemer, Eldon Wagler (read by Pastor Tonya)
- SEPTMEBER 24 – Peace Sunday: Climate Action for Peace (Mennonite Central Committee resources)
- Senior Youth help Pastor Tonya plan and lead, including sharing about the Climate Summit they attended at MennoCon23.
- OCTOBER 1 – WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY Pastor Tonya preaching
SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS SEPTEMBER 10 FOR EVERYONE!
Thank you to all who have signed up to teach children’s Sunday School! We are still in need of additional teachers. Please let Cheryl Warkentin or Pastor Tonya know if you are willing, or sign up on the sign up sheet at church.
Several adult classes will be offered, also beginning on September 10:
ADULT BIBLE STUDY, using Salt & Light curriculum from Menno Media. This class is facilitated by Calvin Buller and Marlene Thode and meets in the Prayer Room in the basement.
ADULT DISCUSSION CLASS, meeting in the basement fellowship hall. This group will begin with a 6-week video based spiritual formation resource from Renovare: “From the Inside Out.” Pastor Jim and Pastor Tonya will be facilitating this class.
And, the YOUNGER ADULTS CLASS will resume. For more details, talk with Maggie or Adam Pounds.
UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines
New issues of UPPER ROOM and Rejoice! are available above the mailboxes. 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)
- 4th Wednesdays** (8-5pm) set aside as “Day Apart with God” for silence, reading, prayer & journaling – will NOT be checking email or responding to texts/calls (except for emergencies) **NEXT “Day Apart” is Wednesday September 27.
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. These are her scheduled retreats for the remainder of this year:
- September 10-13 (second Transforming Community retreat; back in office on Sept 14)
- December 10-13 (third Transforming Community retreat; back in office on December 14)
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO THE YARD . . . September 17 OR 24
What a great time to get to know each other better! Just come as a guest or be the host with a small group of FMC folks. You choose the date – either September 17 or September 24; and choose whether you want to be a host or a guest. The host provides drinks/snacks for 6-8 guests. You will receive an assignment after September 3. Sign up by September 3 on the sheet on the table in the foyer.
YOUTH FUNDRAISER HAMBURGER FRY – SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 17
Plan to stay for lunch after Sunday School on September 17. The youth and sponsors will be serving a hamburger lunch (including vegetarian and gluten free options) to raise funds for youth events, including service projects and attending MennoCon. Thanks for the many ways you support and love our youth!
CRAFT NIGHT @ FMC on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Craft Night is on Monday, September 11, 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
CONGREGATIONAL BUDGET MEETING and ANNUAL MEETING PLANNED
Mark your calendar for these dates:
- Budget meeting – October 29
- FMC annual meeting – December 3
Details about both meetings will be coming.
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 now 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:
September: Canned Meat/Tuna
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.
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE SCHOOL KITS – BY SEPTEMBER 3!!
Place your donations of school supplies in the blue bin in the foyer. The half-sheet lists the specific items needed. Deadline is September 3, when we will be putting the kits together. MCC is particularly short on black or blue ball point pens and spiral or perforated-pages notebooks. Extra donations of those items are appreciated. Monetary contributions are also accepted – designated for MCC school kits.
DONATIONS FOR SOUP KITCHEN FUND NEEDED!!
Our fund that pays for the meal we serve every other month at the Soup Kitchen has been depleted. If you’d like to support this ministry financially, please make donations to First Mennonite with “Soup Kitchen” in the memo line.
PRISONER CARE KITS
We would still welcome the following items to help us complete prisoner care kits. Please note the maximum and minimum size designations!
- 15 bars of soap (minimum 4 oz)
- 15 bottles of lotion (maximum 2 oz)
- 10 tubes of toothpaste (minimum 6oz)
- 3 deodorant (minimum 2.25oz)
- 1 pair of white underwear (briefs) – large (also new)
IMPORTANT UPDATED INVITATION FOR LightHouse:
Thanks for all the donations for the food pantry at LightHouse!
Here is an updated invitation for items to donate:
- Laundry soap (pods only)
- Games and puzzles for the common room
- Kitchen small appliances (like blender or waffle maker) – doesn’t have to be new
- Simple art and craft supplies like markers, drawing pads, tape, colored pencils
- Colored pencils
SALTHAWK COMMUNITY SUPPORT announcements
Donations of Chapstick and deodorant are always needed. You can place these and other toiletries, along with any teenage appropriate clothing/shoes (a recent specific request was hoodies) in the basket at church or drop off directly at Trinity United Methodist Church. Financial donations for ongoing program costs are also invited throughout the year.
Salthawk Community Support staff are committed to assisting students through individual counseling, mentorships, special programs, and basic needs. This support helps students rise above the daily struggles so they can focus on their education. Your support is greatly appreciated!
The Hawks Nest at HMS-8 is currently looking for the following items in preparation for next year:
- Board games, art supplies, card games
- Moon chairs/bean bag chairs, Big Joe Chairs, floor chairs/giant pillows
- Xbox 360 games (age appropriate)
- Wii games (age appropriate)
- Ping Pong Accessories, as they have a ping pong/air hockey table
You can message Kylie Campbell on the Salthawk Community Support Facebook page if you need items picked up, or call her at (620) 474-5563.
MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES (mfc) BENEFIT AUCTION – October 7
A Silent Auction will be part of mfc’s auction day on October 7. Our church has prepared a basket around the theme of “Bird Watching.” Contributions are being accepted to cover the cost of the basket ($65) and may be placed in the offering box at the back of the sanctuary, designated for “Bird Watching.” Carol Moore is coordinating the Silent Auction with baskets from the supporting churches and Ama Reimer assembled the items for the basket from our church. Information about other ways to participate in the Benefit Auction will be coming soon.
CROP HUNGER WALK, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 @ 2pm!
You are invited to support the Reno County CROP Hunger Walk! One quarter of funds donated will be shared by The Reno County Food Bank and the Christian Soup Ministry. Last year, each agency received
$1000! Church World Service (CWS) will use the rest globally, helping people start small livestock farms or dig wells for their communities. CWS also assists refugees from Ukraine and other nations. To learn more about the CROP Hunger Walk, you may go to this website, where you can also donate securely. Look for the white box on the right and click the orange bar “Make a donation.” https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2023/event/hutchinsonks
If writing a personal check, please make payable to CWS/CROP
Then join us at Rice Park at 2 p.m., Sunday, October 1, as we “Walk with the World”! On-site registration starts at 1:30 p.m. You can also register on-line at the link above. Questions? Contact Co-Coordinator Eileen Porter, hporter2@wisc.edu or 608-957-6432. Thank you for helping our neighbors in need!
HUTCHINSON REFUGEE PROJECT – DONATIONS NEEDED!!
This pilot program is dedicated to growing the workforce in Hutchinson while creating a caring, supportive community for refugees who are starting new lives in the United States. A group from FMC has formed and been trained to walk with a refugee family and we are close to being ready to receive a family! That means we are gathering items to furnish a home. We have been provided with a specific list of items needed and right now are working on collecting just those items. Please talk to Hilda Iwashige or Pastor Tonya about signing up to bring specific items on the list. Another option is to make a financial donation earmarked for household items and then we’ll use that to purchase items not spoken for. Thank you for all your generosity!!
CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements
Fire Keeper contributions support Camp Mennoscah’s Mission & Maintenance Project
Bonnie Swenson reports that FMC contributions to the M&M Project now total over $2,000.00. There is still time to make your contribution to support Camp. Thank you so much for keeping Camp in your thoughts!
Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. You are welcome to bring a camper/RV and use a gas generator (no hookups available). The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations. Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!
75th Anniversary of Camp Mennoscah Kick-Off! Be on the lookout for more information. Camp Mennoscah is beginning the celebration of its 75th Anniversary this fall. An event to kick off the celebration will take place at Camp on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Mark your calendars, save the date, and watch the Camp Mennoscah Facebook page and Website at www.campmennoscah.org for details.
Camp acknowledges their summer volunteers from FMC. These include Trae Gehring, Peyton Gehring and Bonnie Swenson. Summer staff and volunteers welcomed 383 campers during the eight weeks of youth camp programming at Camp Mennoscah. Many lives were influenced by our 155 dedicated volunteers and staff, most of who come from supporting churches. We are thankful and blessed by the number of people willing to share in Camp Mennoscah’s summer programming!
Additional people from your church have likely volunteered at workdays and retreats. All volunteers are valuable to Camp Mennoscah’s ministry as mentors and living examples of a Christian life. Please help acknowledge them in some way. Our camp would be empty without their generosity. We will look to see you next summer! May your ministry be filled with joy and laughter, whatever shape they fill! — With peace, The Camp Mennoscah Staff
Western District Women in Mission Women’s & Girls’ Retreat – Sept 9-10
Want to be a story catcher, story keeper, and story sharer? Find out more by attending the Western District Women in Mission Women’s & Girls Retreat Sept. 9-10 at Camp Mennoscah! Activities will be available for all ages (no specific girls programming). A brochure and registration form are available to download, print and send in at https://www.westerndistrictwomeninmission.org/events We hope you can join us! This year’s theme is Women Talking, Listening, and Creating, with our scripture theme being 2 Peter 1:12-21. Registration is due by September 5. For questions, email westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com. . Forms are also available on the table in the foyer.
BETHEL COLLEGE announcements
Sun., Sept. 10 – Eat, Protest, Lift, a film by Caleb Stephens, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College; Mon., Sept. 11, Dr. Stephens speaks in convocation, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium; sponsored byBethel College Social Work, the KIPCOR Film Series and the Bethel College Women’s Association’s Carolyn Schultz Lectureship.
Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Drinking from a New Well,” ceramics by Tom and Pam Voth, through Thurs., Sept. 21. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
EVERENCE September Webinar Series
Wednesdays at 1:00 and 7:00pm Central Time
- September 6: Retirement income strategies
- September 13: Life Insurance and Medicare
- September 20: Understanding Medicare
- September 27: Protecting what matters most
For information and registration Web registration
OFFENDER VICTIM MINISTRIES (OVM)
Let’s celebrate OVM’s 50th Anniversary!
- Thursday, September 14, 5:00-7:00pm
- Come go for appetizers and drinks (No full meal will be served.)
- Prairy Mezzanine, 104 West 6th Street, Newton KS
- Please RSVP by September 1, by one of the following methods: Fill out THIS FORM or Call 316-283-2038
HOFFNUNGSAU MENNONITE CHURCH COMMUNITY FUN NIGHT – September 2
Everyone is invited to Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church (43 13th Ave, Inman) on Saturday, Sept 2 for our Community Fun Night! The Fun will begin at 5:30 pm with a free cornhole tournament (arrive early, limited to 18 teams), inflatables, face painting, a car show, and food for sale. Tom Gaeddert (Faith Mennonite, Newton) will provide live music from 6:30 – 7:30 pm and the evening will end with a movie on the lawn at dusk. This year’s movie will show you a whole new world with a little magic. Come celebrate the end of summer with friends and fun at Hoffnungsau.