Table of Contents
Keeping up with the unfolding story of Jesus’s teaching and healing in the Gospel of Luke, today’s text includes the familiar story of the healing of the centurion’s son, and the raising from the dead of the widow’s son in Nain. Both stories focus in on people who were on the edges of Jewish society – a Gentile soldier (the centurion) and the widow (who had just become very vulnerable with the death of her only son). And both give us a glimpse into the powerful effects of Jesus’ heart in action.
LUKE 7:1-17
After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly and who was ill and close to death. 3 When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his slave. 4 When they came to Jesus, they appealed to him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us.” 6 And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; 7 therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me, and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and the slave does it.” 9 When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and, turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.
11 Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. 12 As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow, and with her was a large crowd from the town. 13 When the Lord saw her, he was moved with compassion for her and said to her, “Do not cry.” 14 Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stopped. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, rise!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 Fear seized all of them, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” 17 This word about him spread throughout the whole of Judea and all the surrounding region.
—Pastor Tonya
NOTE: If you would like a printout of your annual giving report from FMC, please let our treasurer, Mike Dirks, know! Please contact him directly. You can reach him at mikedirks@earthlink.net or 620-474-1224. Thank you for your generosity to our shared ministry at FMC!!
NOTE: New 2025 FMC Directories are available in the rack next to the mailboxes.
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, FEBRUARY 16, 2025 – RENEWAL at the LORD’S TABLE
Anabaptism @ 500 Worship Series
We are invited into renewal as siblings in Christ around the Lord’s Table.
The Lord’s table offers a space to gather, to be fed and nourished, and to renew ourselves both as individual believers and as communities as we remember the ongoing invitation from Jesus. The table of our Lord offers us a space to gather and to be sent from. As we engage in communion and experience renewal at the table, may we be attentive to the continued work that the Holy Spirit is doing among and through us.
Mt 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Cor 11:22-26
- Preacher: Tonya Ramer Wenger
- Worship Leader: Calvin Buller
- Song Leader: Jon Miller
- Children’s Time: Lona Willems
- Scripture Reader: Eldon Wagler
- Organist: Pauline Buller
- Ushers: Glenda & Rick Hooper
- Nursery Attendant: Kris & Joyce Lindenberger
- 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
- February 12 – 6:30-7:30pm LPC Group
- February 26 – 5:30pm PCRC (Pastor Congregation Relations Committee)
- March 3-5 – MCC Comforter Blitz, Journey Facilities; MCC Comforter Blitz near Yoder, Kansas on March 3-5.
- March 5 – 5:30pm Adult Choir Rehearsal; 7:00pm Ash Wednesday Worship with Community Church of the Brethren (in FMC Fellowship Hall)
- March 6-8 – Pastor Tonya at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary training (Goshen IN)
- March 9 – First Sunday of Lent (Pastor Jim preaching)
- March 9-12 – Pastor Tonya on sabbatical leave “Transforming Community” retreat (Chicago IL)
- March 12 – First Lenten Lunch (Noon-1pm) – more details below
- April 6 – Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus concert – Tabor College, 4:00pm
- April 11-12 – Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale – state fairgrounds in Hutchinson
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, February 11 at 1:00pm
- The Wednesday evening group meets on Wednesday, February 12 at 6:30pm
Prayer Station at the back of the sanctuary … feel free to leave your written prayers and/or to ‘light’ an electric candle to reflect your prayers. You can visit this station during the week or on Sunday mornings before, during or after the worship service.
CORRECTION TO A RECENT PRAYER REQUEST
Gloria Gehring’s brother who died recently is named Kurt, not Kurk. Many apologies for the confusion and mistake in our publications over the past few weeks. You can read his obituary at the following link: Kurt Graber obituary
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.
UPCOMING WORSHIP @ FMC – ANABAPTISM @ 500
The last worship service in this series is coming up this Sunday…
February 16 – Renewal at the Lord’s Table (Anabaptism @ 500) – Pastor Tonya preaching
We are invited into renewal as siblings in Christ around the Lord’s Table.
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.
LOCAL LENTEN LUNCHES BEGINNING MARCH 12 – Noon-1:00pm
Pastor Tonya is partnering with pastors at Grace Episcopal, Trinity United Methodist, Emmanuel Lutheran, and First Presbyterian to provide a Lenten Lunch series with the theme “The Wisdom of Lent.” Each lunch will include worship, a short meditation/presentation, and a simple lunch. The location will rotate among the churches/pastors involved. The schedule is below. If you would be interested in helping prepare and serve lunch on April 2 when we will host at our church, please let me know!
- March 12 @ Grace Episcopal
- March 19 @ Trinity UMC
- March 26 @ Emmanuel Lutheran
- April 2 @ First Mennonite
- April 9 @ First Presbyterian
ANABAPTISM 1525-2025 – FIVE CENTURIES, FIVE LECTURES
This series of lectures, each addressing a difference century, will be held in-person in Virginia, and livestreamed. Find livestream information at https://mennonitearchivesofvirginia.net/. All sessions begin at 7pm Eastern Time. Recordings are available!
- January 30 – 16th Century (1500’s): Dr. John Roth
- February 6 – 17th Century (1600’s): Dr. Mary Sprunger
- February 13 – 18th Century (1700’s): Elwood Yoder
- February 20 – 19th Century (1800’s): Caleb Schrock-Hurst
- February 17 – 20th Century (1900’s): Dr. Andrew Suderman
UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines – new issues beginning with March
- UPPER ROOM
- Rejoice!
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 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). Next day apart is scheduled for February 26.
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 March 9-12.
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:
February: 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.
EVERENCE announcements
Webinar: 55 and Counting – Six questions to ask as you prepare for retirement: When is the right time? Will I have enough? Will I be OK? These are the types of questions we ask as we prepare for retirement. Join Stewardship Consultants Lynette Morales and Lyle Miller and other Everence experts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 13, for a webinar that explores these topics and more. Information: share this flyer. Register at everence.com/partners.
FreedUp: Everence® is offering this popular stewardship training program once again. The FreedUp program is a way for everyone to get their finances in order – and gain a deeper faith perspective on your money. Everence facilitators will lead the group sessions. Sign up early – these fill up fast! Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET beginning Feb. 27, ending April 10. Register at everence.com/partners. Information: share this flyer
College scholarships: Everence College Scholarships Everence offers college scholarship opportunities for you or your children. Eligible students can be chosen to receive scholarships of $3,000, $2,000 or $1,000 for the coming academic year. Applications are accepted through Feb. 28. Visit everence.com/college-scholarships to download the application. Talk with Pastor Tonya or Susan Combs for more information.
BETHEL COLLEGE announcements
Sun., Feb. 16 – KIPCOR Film Series presents The Third Harmony, 2 p.m.,Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. The 44-minute documentary directed by Michael Nagler is a study of nonviolence in academic and practical terms. Audience talkback follows with Keren Kandel, KIPCOR executive director.
Now in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, “Untethered,” ceramics by David Long, through March 14. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
Tues., Feb. 18 – Bethel College Organ Recital Series: Dr. Kevin Vaughn, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
Tues., Feb. 25 – Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Sun., March 9, 4 p.m. – Bethel College Choir Spring Tour Send-off Concert
Sun., March 9, 7 p.m. – Bible Lecture (the book of Isaiah) at Bethel College with Doug Miller
REMEMBER the special exhibit at Kauffman Museum, “Unlocking the Past: Immigrant Artifacts and the Stories They Tell.” Open Tuesday-Friday 9:30am-4:30pm; Saturday-Sunday 1:30-4:30pm. The museum store is also open during those hours, with books, games, art and other gift items for sale (see kauffmanmuseum.org/museum-store/).
FIRST MENNONITE CHURCH (HALSTEAD KS) . . . annual VERENIKE SUPPER – FEB 22
You are invited to join them for their annual Verenike Supper on Saturday, February 22, from 4:30 – 7 p.m. The church is located at 427 W. 4th St. in Halstead. Both dine-in and carry-out options will be available (carry-out is available on the west side of the church on Santa Fe street). Proceeds from the meal will go to the MCC Relief Sale as well as First Mennonite’s youth groups and service trips.
WESTERN DISTRICT WOMEN IN MISSION
Save the Date! Western District Women in Mission invites women & girls to our annual potluck salad supper on Monday, April 28 at 6 p.m. at the Tabor Mennonite Church, rural Newton. The theme is “For the Beauty of the Earth” presented by WDWM executive committee member and Kansas City floral designer, Becca Schrag. Bring a salad to share and a small vessel to make a floral design in – a tea cup, bowl, or small vase. This is a free event with an offering taken to help cover expenses. RSVP not required but appreciated by emailing westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com.
KANSAS MENNONITE RELIEF SALE announcements
WANTED: Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, Campers, Tractors, Farm Machinery and anything of value to be sold at this year’s Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale. Your donations can be used as a Charitable Tax Donation. Call Jerry Toews, 620 367 8257 for more information.
HELPING THOSE IMPACTED BY THE FIRES IN THE GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA
MC USA provided Info on donating for those impacted by the fires in the greater Los Angeles area – Please consider how you, your family and congregation might help in this time of great loss and need.
– To help Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference congregations and families, you can contribute to their wildfire fund (no PayPal account required): https://bit.ly/3Puimbs
– Support long-term recovery efforts in Southern California by donating to Mennonite Disaster Service (select “California Wildfires” from the dropdown menu): https://mds.org/donate-usa/
MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES announcements
This spring, leading up to Easter, Calvin Buller will lead a study of G. F. Handel’s MESSIAH. Through lecture, listening to a recording and discussion, participants will learn about the scriptures that inspired the text and how Handel paints pictures of the story in sound. Sessions will be once a week (for 9 weeks) on Wednesdays at 10:00am in IMES Center beginning February 19, 2025. Study guides and MESSIAH scores will be provided. If you are interested in attending, please contact Susan Nisly at snisly@MennoFriend.com or 620-663-7175.
HESSTON COLLEGE announcements
Prairie Window Concert, February 23
Join Dyck Arboretum Sunday, February 23 at 4 p.m. to hear Alisa Amador. Alisa Amador points folk music toward its future – a future that’s cosmopolitan, multifaceted and multilingual; qualities that have in fact been at the community’s heart all along. Once again, the amazing Crust & Crumb will serve their delicious food items during intermission. For tickets visit dyckarboretum.org/events.
Coming in March! Hesston College Theatre to present “Urinetown” March 5 through 9
This three-time Tony award winning musical is set in a Gotham-like city facing a severe water shortage due to a 20-year drought. The government has imposed a ban on private toilets, forcing citizens to pay a corrupt corporation for access to public restrooms. While this may sound like super serious stuff, Urinetown uses satire, comical characters and even makes fun of the musical genre itself to tell the story of a hero who, fed up with the whole stinking system, plans a revolution to restore freedom to the people. Filled with excellent music, dancing and hilarious dialogue, come spend an evening with us in Urinetown. Tickets can be purchased now at the Hesston College Bookstore or by calling 620-327-8104.
CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements
Registration is open for the 2025 Summer Youth Camps! The theme for the 2025 summer is Another Way, looking at how Jesus invites us to re-imagine who we are and to live in another way. There has been a change in age groups for the camps. There are two Junior Camps for those going into grades 6, 7 and 8 in the fall of 2025. There is one Junior High Camp for grades 8 and 9. Other age groups remain the same.
The Spring Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat is March 14-16. Online registration is open! All activities will take place at Main Camp in the dining hall and bunkhouses.
Interviews for the 2025 Summer Staff have started! Staff positions are nature, office, music, lifeguards, crafts and grounds/maintenance. Further information and application available on the Camp Mennoscah webpage or contact 620-297-3290.
Projects left to do 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.)
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.
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (MCC) announcements
The Mennonite Central Committee Central States board will hold its annual meeting on Saturday, March 1 from 2-3:30 p.m. at MCC Central States in North Newton, KS. All are welcome to attend.
Exciting Summer Internship Opportunities with MCC! Mennonite Central Committee is offering exciting 2025 summer internship opportunities designed to provide hands-on experience while making a meaningful impact. Over the course of 10–12 weeks, interns will gain valuable skills, explore their interests, and contribute to meaningful projects in areas like human resources, historical exhibit development, immigration, climate communications, global service learning, and the sewing room. This is a unique opportunity to grow professionally while engaging in work that matters. Don’t miss out—learn more and apply today! Apply Here
CANNER JOB OPENING: Do you know a hands-on person looking for a unique opportunity? MCC is seeking two Canner Operators for its mobile meat canner beginning the Fall 2025 Canning season. The Canner operates from October through April by traveling to 30 different locations in the U.S. preserving hundreds of thousands of cans of beef, turkey, chicken and pork for communities in need across the globe. Canner responsibilities including operating steam and pressure vessels, coordinating volunteers, maintaining and communicating USDA regulations, and the maintenance of all machinery in the canning process. MCC is accepting applications until March 3rd by completing an online form here, by contacting marilynpeters@mcc.org, or by calling 1-888-563-4676.
The Great Winter Warm-Up is back! Spread warmth around the world this winter by helping MCC reach a goal of 7000 comforters by the end of March. You can sponsor, donate one (or more!) comforters, or attend a comforter event to tie in community with others! If you host an event in your home, church or community please let tinaschrag@mcc.org know about it (we’ve got some small gifts for those who host events!). Check mcc.org/great-winter-warm-up for instructions, coloring pages for kids and more!
Come join the fun at 17th annual MCC Comforter Blitz on March 3, 4 and 5 at the Journey Facilities Building behind Charis Community Church, (3605 E. Long View Rd, Haven, KS) near Yoder, KS. Monday 9-5, Tuesday 9-9 and Wednesday 9-4. Note the hours are extended on Tuesday. No sewing skills are required! Lunch is available by donation each day, or you may bring your own sack lunch. Snacks are welcome to share during the workday. This event is hosted by Kansas Friends of MCC. Find out more at mcc.org/comforter-blitz or email brociamueller@mcc.org, 316.283.2720.
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 MISSION NETWORK . . . “JUST PEACE PILGRIMAGES”
Just Peace Pilgrimages are rooted in the belief that when you walk alongside someone, and you listen to one another’s stories, you create space for real transformation. Join communities across the country and around the world to witness the stories of people engaging in the holy work of peace and reconciliation.
How will you be changed? Learn about all the Just Peace Pilgrimage destinations.
MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE (MDS) announcements
Our January edition of On the Level is now available. In this edition, an update on the MDS response to the LA Wildfires, a new job opportunity with MDS, plus all the details for the upcoming MDS 75th Anniversary Celebration. Click on this link to read more: https://conta.cc/40gJGz2
MENNONITE CHURCH USA CONVENTION REGISTRATION EARLY BIRD PRICING
Speak to Pastor Tonya if you’d like to attend. Dates are July 8-12, 2025, Greenboro, North Carolina. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/registration-jan6 Register here: convention.mennoniteusa.org/
Register now for the 500 YEARS OF ANABAPTISM & SWISS ALPS TOUR, May 21-31, 2025.
Sites: The Swiss Alps, Swiss Mennonite sites, & the 500 Year Celebration in Zurich on May 29.Preview the tour at www.tourwithweldon.com. For information & registration details contact Weldon Martens at weldon.martens@gmail.com or 402-202-9276.