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This week at FMC

THIS WEEK @ FMC – February 19-25, 2025

Table of Contents

Prayer of Thanksgiving – A Sixteenth Century Anabaptist Prayer                    

Oh God, preserve us and your keeping,
that we may not faint and abandon your word.
Let us enjoy the faithfulness which you have shown
through your son, Jesus Christ.
Kindle in us the fire of divine love;
lead us to practice love as your dear children.
Let the light of your divine glory illuminate us,
that we may walk in it.
Oh God we ask you for one thing more:
send us your Holy Spirit,
endue us with power,
renew our hearts,
and make us strong in you,
that we may obey you
and praise your name.
Amen.
(from Appendix A in Stuart Murray’s book The New Anabaptists, pg 231)

—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 23, 2025 – FORGIVEN AT JESUS’ FEET

Luke 7:36-50  (Psalm 103:3-6)

  • Preacher: Tonya Ramer Wenger
  • Worship Leader: Jacob Myers
  • Song Leader: Jon Miller
  • Children’s Time: Delon Martens
  • Scripture Reader: Randy Rempel
  • Pianist: Shelley Kauffman
  • Ushers: Ken Neufeld & Carol Moore
  • Nursery Attendant: Russell & Julie Goering
  • Sound Tech: Jasper Nisly
  • 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 19 – 5:30pm Congregational Ministry Team (CMT) meeting
  • February 19 – 6:30-8:00pm Letter-writing to elected officials regarding changing humanitarian policies
  • February 23 – 11:00am 2nd opportunity for writing letters to elected officials (announcement below)
  • February 23 – “My Coins Count” – Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale kick-off for food needs around the world
  • February 26 – 5:30pm PCRC (Pastor Congregation Relations Committee)
  • March 2 – Mitch Stutzman from Anabaptist Disabilities Network preaching and leading Sunday School
  • March 2 – M&Ms meet 12 noon – 1:30pm
  • 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 retreat/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
  • March 30 – Demonstrating use of the AED (automated external defibrillator), FMC lobby following worship
  • 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, March 25 at 1:00pm
  • The Wednesday evening group meets on Thursday, February 20 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.

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.

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.

LENT WORSHIP @ FMC:  everything [in] between (A Sanctified Art resource)

Lent begins this year on Wednesday March 5, with an Ash Wednesday service held jointly with the Community Church of the Brethren. We’ll gather in the fellowship hall (and on livestream) at 7pm that evening.  Our worship theme, everything [in] between, comes to us from A Sanctified Art (sanctifiedart.com) and is based on the Narrative Lectionary texts in the Gospel of Luke. Here’s an excerpt from their summary of how this theme emerged:

“As we studied these scriptures, we were struck by how Jesus’ ministry was rooted in relationships that disrupted the established social, political, and religious divides of his time. As modern readers, we sometimes lose the ‘shock factor’ behind Jesus’ words, as his teaching tactics likely felt extreme for those in his context. He described a stigmatized Samaritan as a good neighbor. He emphasized the value of 1 sheep in a herd of 100. He dined with a tax collector who amassed wealth through extortion. While dying on the cross, he told a convicted criminal he would soon find paradise. Jesus intentionally highlighted the cultural and political polarities of his time to emphasize the radical, inclusive and surprising love of God.  …. This series is an invitation to navigate the polarities in our lives with more faith, intention, and openness to be transformed. Each weekly sub-theme explores two supposed binaries (like “faith & works”) … ideas we often consider to be opposing. However, as we explore these concepts within the scriptures, we find nuance and complexity. We find that these dichotomies are false. We might begin to see a full spectrum instead of black and white. We might find that God is present in between.”

A set of daily devotional cards based on the worship themes will be available for you to use to support your Lenten journey this year.  You can pick up a physical set of cards, or sign up (email Pastor Tonya) to have those sent to you daily in your email inbox.

LENTEN ART EXHIBIT: THE LAST HOURS OF THE LIFE OF JESUS THROUGH THE EYES OF LOCAL ARTISTS . . . February 28-April 20

  • Art on Exhibit Fridays during Lent, 5:00-6:30pm
  • Wine & Cheese Reception – mingle with artists, February 28, 5:30-7:30pm
  • Grace Episcopal Church (2 Hyde Park Drive)

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 Pastor Tonya 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 in our 500 year history, has been recorded and is available here: https://mennonitearchivesofvirginia.net/.

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 (no Wednesday office hours on February 26)

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. Prior to her March retreat, Pastor Tonya will be attending the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary training, “Orienting With the Word,” March 6-8 in Elkhart, IN.

MARCH 2 – LEARNING FROM ANABAPTIST DISABILITIES NETWORK

On March 2, in worship and Sunday School, we are looking forward to welcoming Mitch Stutzman from Anabaptist Disabilities Network (https://www.anabaptistdisabilitiesnetwork.org/) . He’ll be preaching and leading a discussion during Sunday School (in the basement fellowship hall).  His visit is part of the work of our Accessibility Committee, which has been processing the MC USA Accessibility Resolution and evaluating how FMC is doing in various levels of accessibility and awareness.

SPRING 2025 WNAF (Wednesday Nights at First): March 12-April 9

Our spring WNAF (Wednesday Nights at First) session will begin with a stand alone session on March 12 (Jon & Martha Miller sharing about their recent Medical Mission Trip), followed by 4 Wednesdays of “Reading Scripture Together in the Anabaptist Tradition,” using the Bible Study practice provided in the Anabaptist Community Bible.  Pastor Tonya and Pastor Jim will lead the Bible Study sessions.

The evening schedule will also include children and adult choir rehearsals, and a meal:

  • 5:30-6:30pm  Adult Choir Rehearsal (beginning MARCH 5)
  • 6:00-7:00pm  Meal (donations welcome to cover cost)
  • 7:00-8:00pm  Program
  • 7:00-8:00pm  Children’s Choir with Peggy Stucky (March 12, 19, 26)

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        March: Canned Veggies (especially green beans)

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.

LETTER-WRITING to share our concerns about US policy with our ELECTED OFFICIALS

Heidi Unruh is planning to be at the church from 6:30-8:00pm on Wednesday, Feb. 19 with supplies for writing letters to our elected officials. If you share concerns about recent policies, such as dismantling USAID and suspending asylum, let our political leaders know. Another opportunity for letter-writing is planned for after church on Sunday, Feb. 23. 

KANSAS MENNONITE RELIEF SALE ANNOUNCEMENTS – April 11 & 12

MY COINS COUNT. According to the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale website Home – Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale there are 52 days left till this year’s sale.  On February 23, during the children’s story My Coins Count will be introduced.  Each Sunday we will collect coins during our worship service and we will hear stories relating to this year’s focus on food. On February 23, please bring clean 28 oz. tin cans to collect the coins. (Remove labels and make sure there are no sharp edges.)  Delon will have a special label for your can and then we will use them to collect coins. And, bring coins!  We want to collect a lot of pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. to help “food” needs around the world. More information at My Coins Count | Mennonite Central Committee

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.

RUN FOR RELIEF. An easy way to support the MCC sale is to sponsor participants in the Run For Relief. Once again, Jean Gaeddert (and perhaps others from our congregation) will be participating. If you would like to sponsor her and support MCC, please make checks out to: KMRS and include “Run For Relief: Jean Gaeddert” in the memo line. You may also donate cash through Jean. Your gift to MCC is greatly appreciated.

MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES LIVERWURST & FRIED MUSH FUNDRAISER

The Liverwurst & Fried Mush supper is coming! Friday, February 28th, come to the Journey Activity Center in Yoder for a fun filled evening with good food and fellowship and it all benefits Mennonite Friendship Communities.  We will be serving Liverwurst, Fried Mush, Sausage, Tomato Gravy, Cream Gravy and fixings from 5-8 pm.  We hope you will join us! For more information talk with our MFC Board Members (Joretta Penner or Russ Wedel) or contact Susan Nisly at SNisly@MennoFriend.com.

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

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.

NOTE CHANGE OF DATE: Thursday, Feb. 20 – Bethel College Organ Recital Series: Dr. Kevin Vaughn, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel

  • Tues., Feb. 25, 7 p.m. – Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, Krehbiel Auditorium
  • Sun., March 6, 7p.m. – Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, Krehbiel Auditorium 
  • 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. 

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/

HESSTON COLLEGE announcements

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. 

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.