Table of Contents
An excerpt from the Third Sunday of Advent reflection: Do the Good that is Yours to Do (by Kayla Craig; part of A Sanctified Art: Words for the Beginning worship resource)
This Advent, in the quiet spaces of our hearts, where God’s still, small voice speaks, we are called to discern what is ours to do. Frederick Buechner articulates this discernment: “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
As you light the third Advent candle, consider what specific opportunities you have to contribute to your community. What makes you come alive? How does that meet a need? Maybe you can extend hospitality to a lonely neighbor, volunteer at your local school, or do the personal work of healing that prevents the passing on of generational wounds.
We are all called to participate in God’s restorative story—a plan set in motion from the creation of the stars. The work of our hands and our hearts takes time, but that doesn’t mean our labor is in vain.
Our work might seem small or insignificant, but when we look at the lineage of Christ and the history of God’s people, we see lots of ordinary, flawed people giving their small and shaky “yes” to God. Could they have fathomed that their lives were part of an extraordinary story where heaven breaks through and alters the course of history?
Labor pains of the world are real and often feel never-ending. But as we journey toward the birth of Christ, we must remember the promise that new life can spring from pain. Each good work, no matter how small, is a thread in the fabric of God’s ongoing creation story—
one where love overcomes, peace prevails, and new life emerges.
This Advent, remember that your efforts, though they might seem modest, are part of a larger, divine tapestry. With God’s help, may our acts of love and works of justice lead to the flourishing of all people.
Blessing: You are uniquely situated to bring light into the world. May you find courage this season
to do the good that is yours to do. It matters. May you see the ripples of your actions expand
outward, touching lives and mending the fabric of our shared humanity.
NOTE: our next THIS WEEK will post on December 24.
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, DECEMBER 15, 2024 – WORDS FOR THE BEGINNING: Do the Good That is Yours to Do
Luke 3:7-16; Isaiah 58:9b-12
As John the Baptist is teaching about bearing good fruit, the crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers ask him, “What, then, should we do?” His answer to each group is slightly different, but ultimately the same: “Do the good that is yours to do.” We can each bear good fruit through acts of justice and righteousness. We can all be what Isaiah calls “repairers of the breach” by satisfying the needs of the afflicted.
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Service
- Worship Leader: Delon Martens
- Congregational Singing Leader: Trae Gehring
- Advent Candle Reading/Lighting: Randy Rempel, Mark Chase
- Scripture Readers: Micah Wenger, Jacob Unruh, Juliet Nisly
- Pianist & Children’s Choir Director: Peggy Stucky
- Guitarists: Magdalena Wenger & Shane Miller
- Adult Choir Director: Calvin Buller
- Choir Accompanist: Pauline Buller
- Ushers: Glenda & Rick Hooper
- Nursery Attendant: Susan Combs
- Sound Tech: Earl Ediger & Allen Yoder
- Live Stream Tech: Jay Gehring
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2024 – WORDS FOR THE BEGINNING: Hope is Worth the Risk
Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:46-55
Hope is vulnerable and can feel like a tremendous risk, especially if you’ve experienced loss or trauma. But Mary shows us a resilient hope that takes risks—she risks her body to bear a son who will become the hope of her people. Similarly, Joseph makes a risky choice to stay with Mary; dismissing her quietly would have kept him safe. But instead, he chooses hope. He chooses to trust the angel, and it makes all the difference. It can feel safer and easier to be a cynic, but the world doesn’t need more cynics. It needs people who say, “It can be better” and make it so.
- Preacher: Pastor Jim Unruh
- Worship Leader: Maggie Pounds
- Song Leader: TBD
- Advent Candle Reading/Lighting: TBD
- Children’s Time: Jennalee Boggs
- Scripture Reader: Delon Martens
- Organist: Pauline Buller
- Ushers: Susan Combs & Joretta Martens
- Nursery Attendant: Anna Crable & Jalen Crable
- Sound Tech: Murray Reimer
- Live Stream Tech: Jonathan Wenger
FMC’s ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
ACTION items:
- Minutes of the October 27, 2024 FMC Budget Meeting were approved.
- Gifts Discernment roster offered by CMT and the Gifts Discernment Committee was approved.
- Audit Committee – Todd Esau (3-year term)
- Gifts Discernment Committee – DeAnna Goering (2-year term), Gardell Stucky (3-year term)
- Pastor Congregation Relations Committee (PCRC) – Cheryl Warkentin (3-year term)
- Congregational Ministry Team chair-elect – Todd Esau (2-year term, then 2-year term as chair)
- Congregational Ministry Team member at large – Judy Langley (3-year term)
- Congregational Ministry Team member at large – Julie Goering (2-year term to complete Todd Esau’s unexpired term)
- Faith Formation Coordination Team – Joy Miller (1-year term)
- Expansion of columbarium into the two side wings, adding 32 niches, was approved.
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
- December 14 – Christmas Singing Group @ Wenger’s (potluck at 5:00pm, singing at 6:00pm)
- December 15 – Service of Nine Lessons and Carols – music by adult and children’s choirs, Bible readings
- December 21 – 6pm Longest Night Service (for the weary and grieving); 6:45pm soup dinner; and 7:30pm Christmas Caroling in the church neighborhood
- December 24 – 7:00pm Christmas Eve Service, followed by Food & Fellowship (bring finger foods to share!)
- December 29 – 1st Sunday after Christmas – Worship at usual time; no Sunday School – stay for fellowship!
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 next meeting Tuesday, December 10 at 1:00pm
The Wednesday evening group meetsat 6:30 on Wednesday December 18 (note date change!)
SUNDAY SCHOOL – WINTER QUARTER began December 1
Please join us for Sunday school
- 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:
The Adult Discussion Class and the Salt & Light Bible Study classes will join together for this quarter (December-February) to engage the Salt & Light study that coincides with the 500th anniversary of anabaptism. 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.
ADVENT & CHRISTMAS 2024 – WORDS FOR THE BEGINNING
“Advent is a season of endings and beginnings. As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church year rushes in. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving—and yet, we feel the weight of many things coming to an end. The world as we know it spins madly on. What are the reminders we will need in order to move faithfully through this threshold? … In many ways, pregnant Mary was surrounded by endings—large and small, personal and political. And yet, Mary proclaimed hope in a God who was and is making all things new. As we also move through new personal and political chapters, may these words for the beginning renew us and remind us of the ways we are called to live out our faith. No matter what you are facing, no matter what this new day brings, let love be your beginning.” © sanctified art | sanctifiedart.org
- Dec 15 – Advent 3: (Lessons & Carols) Words for the Beginning – Do the Good That Is Yours to Do
- Dec 21 – 6:00pm Longest Night Service (6:45pm Soup Dinner; 7:30pm Christmas Caroling)
- Dec 22 – Advent 4: Words for the Beginning – Hope is Worth the Risk
- Dec 24 – 7:00pm Christmas Eve: Words for the Beginning – Love Knows Your Name
- Dec 29 – First Sunday after Christmas: Words for the Beginning – Don’t Forget to Laugh
- Jan 5 – Epiphany: Words for the Beginning – The Road Isn’t Straight (with Star Words)
An Advent Devotional (with poetry, artwork, and questions for journaling) is available in the foyer, along with an Advent Calendar to color and discuss – especially for children, but really for anyone!
CHRISTMAS SINGING GROUP @ WENGERS – SATURDAY DECEMBER 14
Come for a potluck at 5pm (bring a dish to share if you can), followed by a time of informal singing from the hymnal(s) at 6:00pm.
LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE – SOUP DINNER – CHRISTMAS CAROLING
On the longest night of the year (Dec 21) we gather to create space to grieve and acknowledge our weariness and despair. We do this through song, prayer and scripture in a Longest Night Service, which will be held at 6:00pm on Saturday December 21. Following this short service, we’ll gather in the basement fellowship hall for a simple soup dinner beginning around 6:45pm, followed by Christmas caroling in the church neighborhood at 7:30pm, weather permitting. Come for all or part of the evening. We will plan to livestream the Longest Night Service.
Thanks to those who have volunteered to bring soup for our shared meal that evening!! Everyone is invited to bring finger food (sweet or savory) to enjoy after Christmas Caroling.
GLOBAL ANABAPTIST COMMUNITY BIBLE READ-A-THON invitation
This is an invitation to participate in the read-a-thon to be held on January 21, 2025. Anabaptist Community Bible. I’m writing today to invite you—and members of your congregation—to participate in one last exciting project as we look forward to the launch of Anabaptism at 500 on January 21, 2025. The concept is simple: we are looking for 500 people to record themselves reading a small portion of the Bible. When combined, we will have a recording of the entire Bible, read in various languages, by 500 Anabaptists around the world. To participate in this grand project, all you need to do is register your name/email by clicking the link below. We will send you instructions regarding your passage of Scripture along with a Zoom link. Then you would click on the Zoom link and read your passage (in whatever language is most comfortable). The whole process shouldn’t take more than 10-15 minutes. We’ll do the rest! Click here to register
WESTERN DISTRICT RESOURCE LIBRARY . . . new digital resources available
The WDC Resource Library is now providing the CloudLibrary app for ebooks and audiobooks. You can also stream Bible studies and kids’ videos through StudyGateway via their group subscription. You will need a WDC Resource Library card and you will find a library card request form through their online card catalog here. Learn more about accessing these resources at https://mennowdc.org/library/ or contact Jennie (the librarian) at crlib@mennowdc.org Check with the church office if you need assistance.
UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines
- UPPER ROOM – The November-December issue is available above the mailboxes.
- Rejoice! – December-February issue is now available
STRENGTHENING Community Connections…
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
- Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am – 2:00pm
- Wednesday 10:00am – 1:00pm (No office hours on December 18 or December 25)
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
- 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). December “Day Apart” TBD.
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 December 15-18. She will be back in the office on Thursday, December 19.
LOST & FOUND BOX
A Lost & Found Box has been placed above the mailboxes. If you have left a small item behind, please check the box and claim it. Jackets 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:
December: 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.
CHRISTMAS GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
The Spirit of Christmas inspires compassion and generosity. Here are invitations to share joy and hope through our local and global communities who minister to needs around us:
- MCC Infant Care Bundles are distributed around the world to families whose lives have been disrupted by conflict and natural disaster. The bundles have been prepared and two sample bundles are on display in the foyer. Your donation of $25 covers the cost of one bundle. Place your contributions (checks payable to FMC) in the offering box at the back of the sanctuary, designated for Infant Care Bundles. Our bundles will be dedicated on Christmas Eve and then taken to the MCC Center in North Newton.
- Give Joy Christmas Drive for YOUTHRIVE participants
YOUTHRIVE is collecting gifts to brighten the holidays for young adults and teens who have aged out of foster care. Often forgotten, most of these youth will not be receiving any gifts for the holiday season and most often spend this time of year struggling with loneliness. There will be a box in the FMC foyer next to the drinking fountain – deadline December 15. Please consider contributing items such as:
- Gift cards (retail, groceries, restaurants, coffee)
- Personal care products (soaps, nail polish, skin care, grooming kits)
- Hoodies, socks, slippers, hats and gloves
- Books, journals or art supplies
- Baked goods and holiday cards
- Toys (we have a couple of young moms in our programs this year)
- Monetary donations may also be given to YOUTHRIVE
Please wrap your gift and also put the contents of your gift on a sticky note on the present. The YOUTHRIVE director will be able to match up the gifts to the recipients. Thank you!!
- Hats, mittens and socks to be donated to the Salvation Army may be hung on the tree in the foyer. Watch for it near the north entrance in the next week or two. Deadline for donations is December 15.
CHRISTMAS WITH THE CENTRAL KANSAS MASTER CHORALE
Please join us for Christmas with the Chorale, a festive concert under the direction of Dr. Joel Garber, and featuring the Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble. This free event will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 15 at Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 S Main Street, Hesston, KS. For more information, visit the chorale website at www.centralkansasmasterchorale.org.
STAN KENTON BRASS CHRISTMAS on Sunday, December 15, 3:00pm
Enjoy the music of the season at Trinity United Methodist Church (1602 North Main Street, Hutchinson). Free and open to the public – offering to cover costs.
CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements
There are currently materials on hand for 18 of 35 projects remaining on the HVAC renovation at the Retreat Center. Work groups can be of any size (within reason). Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 or Olivia at 316-293-7313 to set up a time for you or your group. If you are interested in working on a weekend, advance notice of two weeks is needed. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping. Willing hands and the ability to follow directions are the only requirements. (Activities for those under 18 are limited and likely not at the Retreat Center.)
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (MCC) announcements
MCC Borderlands Peace Camp, Jan. 19-25, 2025 Young adults, ages 18-30, are invited to join MCC in El Paso, TX and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico in January! This MCC Peace Camp will explore topics of peace and justice through the lens of migration, including the Biblical mandate of hospitality. Find out more and register by January 5 at mcc.org/borderlands-peace-camp.
Serving And Learning Together (SALT) applications now open for 2025! Each year, MCC offers 80+ unique opportunities to serve with our local partners working for relief, development and peace around the world. Explore the numerous possibilities that match your passions, skills, and experience. If you’re between the ages of 18-30, the SALT program might be the epic adventure you’ve been waiting for. Check it out at mcc.org/salt!
Current needs in the material resources center in North Newton:
- new infant sleepers (6-12 month sizes)
- toothbrushes (in manufacturer’s packaging—no contact info.)
- wide toothed combs (6-8 in. long)
You can shop online and have them shipped to MCC or drop them off in the donation room at MCC! These items are needed for infant care and relief kits. MCC Central States, 121 E. 30th St., North Newton, KS 67117 – thank you!
MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE (MDS) announcements
Our November edition of On the Level is now available. In this edition, learn about Bridging Together, a new partnership with Lutheran Disaster Response, read how hope is being renewed in Santa Cruz plus get all the details for the upcoming 75th Anniversary Celebration. Click on this link to read more: https://conta.cc/4fWz7HD