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This week at FMC

THIS WEEK @ FMC – January 15-21, 2025

Table of Contents

“In this new year, may you find comfort knowing that, like the Magi, a light will guide you home. Rest in the hope that you never truly go alone – the love that knows your name goes alongside you and before you. Let this assurance fill you with peace and courage, open to the new and unexpected paths that God may reveal in the days to come.

Blessing: It’s okay if your journey hasn’t looked like you thought it would. As you navigate twists and turns, stay curious and open to where God might be leading. May you find the courage to explore new routes and the wisdom to follow the One who will never leave or forsake you. May each new path be a chance to trust God and discover deeper truths about the love that will never let you go.”

(above quote and blessing written by Kayla Craig – an excerpt from commentary created for A Sanctified Art “Words for the Beginning” worship series)

If you have not yet picked up a Star Word at church they will be available through the end of January.  The basket is on the table under the bulletin boards at church, and I’m also happy to drop one in the mail for anyone who would like one (send me an email: tonya@hutchfmc.org to request one).  Star Words have the potential to open up new ways of attending to the presence and guidance of God in our lives.  You are encouraged to carry it with you through the year, and then at the end of 2025, to spend some time reflecting on what your journey was like, what new insights you might have gained, questions asked, horizons opened, etc.

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!!

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, JANUARY 19, 2025 – JESUS’ SERMON @ NAZARETH

Luke 4:14-30  (Psalm 146)

  • Preacher: Heidi Unruh
  • Worship Leader: Santalena Caudillo
  • Song Leader: Bryan Kehr
  • Children’s Time: DeAnna Goering
  • Scripture Reader: Jennalee Boggs
  • Organist: Pauline Buller
  • Ushers: Dennis & Jennalee Boggs
  • Nursery Attendant: Jonathan & Joanna Wenger
  • Sound Tech: Earl Ediger
  • Live Stream Tech: Joel Iwashige

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

  • January 18 – 7:00-8:30pm The Men Cook Salthawk Community Support Fundraiser (more details below)
  • January 19 – M&Ms meet 12:00-1:30pm in the fellowship hall
  • January 19 – 3:00pm Anabaptism at 500: Hymn Festival @ Hesston Mennonite Church
  • January 21 – “500 Years of the Anabaptist Movement” – worship & celebration livestream, 6pm – sanctuary
  • January 22 – 6:30pm Wednesday LPC (Listening.Prayer.Conversation) Group
  • January 29 – 6:30pm CMT/CT (Congregational Ministry Team/Coordination Teams) Joint Meeting
  • February 8 – Galentine Brunch for FMC Women, Teens & Girls, 10am (watch for details)
  • February 9 – Super Bowl Subs Youth Fundraiser – watch for details and opportunity to order!!
  • March 3-5 – MCC Comforter Blitz, Journey Facilities; MCC Comforter Blitz near Yoder, Kansas on March 3-5.

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’s next meeting is Tuesday, January 14 at 1:00pm
  • The Wednesday evening group meetsat 6:30 on Wednesday, January 15

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.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY WORSHIP @ FMC – LUKE & ANABAPTISM @ 500

This winter we are following the Narrative Lectionary’s exploration of the Gospel of Luke, with a brief break beginning January 26 for a 4 Sunday Anabaptism @ 500 Worship Series inviting us into various areas for renewal.  Please note we will be receiving a “One Lunch Offering” for Mennonite World Conference on January 26, and we will share communion together on February 16.

  • January 19 – Jesus’ Sermon @ Nazareth (Luke 4:14-30) – Heidi Unruh preaching
  • January 26 – Renewal Through Story (Anabaptism @ 500 Worship Series) – Pastor Tonya preaching

We are invited toward renewal by highlighting our Anabaptists stories and identity as an Anabaptist congregation. One Lunch Offering for our global Anabaptist family (Mennonite World Conference)

  • February 2 – Renewal Through Repentance: Repenting of our failures and sins as Anabaptist families of faith (Anabaptism @ 500) – Pastor Jim preaching.  We are invited toward renewal by repenting of our failures and sins as Anabaptist Christians and experiencing the restored joy of the Holy Spirit.
  • February 9 – Renewal through Trust and Yieldedness (Anabaptism @ 500) – Pastor Tonya preaching We are invited toward renewal as we learn anew to trust God’s guidance and yield ourselves to Jesus Christ’s lordship. This service includes an opportunity to remember or anticipate our baptism.
  • 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.
  • February 23 – Forgiven at Jesus’ Feet (Luke 7:36-50) – Pastor Tonya preaching

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

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 January 22.

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.

FMC DIRECTORY UPDATES . . . last minute reminder!!  THANK YOU!!

Please send changes in your contact information to the church office this week!! Directories go to print next week. Send an email office@hutchfmc.org or leave a note on the office desk with your updates.

GALENTINE BRUNCH for FMC WOMEN, TEENS & GIRLS

You are invited to a Galentine Brunch on February 8 at 10:00am. Save the date to enjoy a time together with your “Gals” and celebrate friendship. More details to follow.  – Julie Esau, Jean Gaeddert, Cindy Kroeker, & Julie Goering

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:  

January Peanut Butter

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.

SALTHAWK COMMUNITY SUPPORT FUNDRAISER – A TASTE OF HUTCHINSON – January 18

This Saturday, January 18 from 7:00-8:30pm come to the Hutchinson Art Center for a ‘taste’ of The Men Cook and support a local non-profit working to remove barriers to students’ success at HMS 8 and Hutchinson High School.  Pastor Tonya and Tanya Martin Nisly both serve on the board of this organization. Pastor Tonya has tickets to sell, which are $45 each. You can also get tickets at Apron Strings, Wool Market, or at the door.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. events in HUTCHINSON . . . January 19-20 . . . all at Stringer @HCC

  • Sun Jan 19 – Community Celebration, Dr. Marché Fleming-Randle (2pm); Gospel Concert including Hutch High Choir (3:30pm)
  • Mon Jan 20 – Unity Project, 10am-12pm, preparing care packages for unhoused in Hutchinson, Conversation – “Debunked” – strategizing to build bridges to resolve local concerns.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. events at BETHEL COLLEGE

Mon., Jan. 20 – Bethel College’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center, with local pastor (retired) and community leader Larry Lee.

Sat., Jan. 25 – Kauffman Museum annual Kansas Day event, “At Home on the Range,” noon-4 p.m., museum parking lot and grounds. Featuring food trucks, exhibits and activities indoors and out, and much more. For more information, see the Kauffman Museum Facebook page or kauffmanmuseum.org

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/).

KANSAS MDS ANNUAL CELEBRATION . . . February 14-15 in Wichita

You are invited to the 2025 Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Annual Celebration on February 14 – 15, 2025, at the Ridgepoint Church, 8000 W 21st St, in Wichita, KS.  MDS is celebrating 75 years of Responding, Rebuilding, Restoring after disasters.  You will hear stories from clients and volunteers, and a keynote address: MDS in an Upside-Down World – God’s Faithfulness. You can attend workshops on today’s key issues facing the MDS organization.  You can enjoy good food and good fellowship.  Childcare will be provided on Friday evening and Saturday morning (limited numbers so register early).  The event is FREE, including meals.  Tours have a fee.  For more information about the activities and registration, go to the website: mds.org/annual-celebration.  Registration deadline is Monday, January 27, 2025.

Volunteers needed February 14-15 for MDS event

MDS estimates the need for 150 volunteers for this 2-day event to help with the following:

  • Welcoming / hospitality / registrations.
  • Serving beverages and cleanup for meals during this event.
  • Driving shuttle vans between hotels and Ridgepoint Church
  • Monitoring meeting and workshop rooms to ensure appropriate seating and technology is working.

You have the option to sign up for one or more of the areas. Shifts will vary from 1.5 hours to 4 hours. Please contact Russ Gaeddert to put your name on the volunteer list. 

After you have declared your interest in volunteering, someone from MDS will contact you with more information. Thank you!

CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements

Camp Mennoscah Hoodies available for ordering!  Click here to order online (https://forms.gle/QmPwMxrxD8ii9tRH6) or contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org.  The camp sign logo will be on the chest.  Youth sizes are $40.  Adult sizes S – XL are $40 and sizes 2XL – 4XL are $45.  Colors can be found in the ordering form.  Youth colors do not match adult colors exactly due to color availability.  Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 with questions.  Ordering closes January 20.  We need a minimum of 15 hoodies ordered to proceed.  Available ONLY through this online order.

The summer youth camp schedule for Camp Mennoscah has been posted. Note changes 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. Registration will open in February 2025. 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. Click for information: https://www.campmennoscah.org/

The application for 2025 Summer Staff is open.  Staff positions are needed for nature, office, music, lifeguards, crafts and grounds/maintenance.  Further information available on the Camp Mennoscah webpage under Programs/Summer Youth Camps or contact 620-297-3290.

Still 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.)  

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (MCC) announcements

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 learning opportunities

Mennonite Mission Network invites you to join a Just Peace Pilgrimage this spring. Embark on one of these life-changing learning experiences:

  • United States Civil Rights Pilgrimage — Explore the history, significance, and ongoing implications of the civil rights movement in the United States.
    • Unique opportunity – Young adults are invited to join Glen Guyton, MC USA executive director, for an enlightening journey. To foster dialog and understanding you are invited to join this pilgrimage with a partner of a different race. 
  • Christ at the Borders (Calais, France) — Thousands of people migrate to Calais in hopes of crossing the English Channel and entering the United Kingdom to find a better life. Meet those walking alongside the vulnerable who search for a peaceful home and the travelers themselves.
  • Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples (Yakima, Washington) — Led by Sarah Augustine. Become better acquainted with Indigenous Peoples, their connection to the land upon which we live, and the consequences of settler colonial history.

For more information and to sign up, visit MennoniteMission.net/JustPeace
or contact Stephanie Weaver at StephanieW@MennoniteMission.net.

MCC U.S. NATIONAL PEACE & JUSTICE PEACE MINISTRIES

“If we are silent, then these stones will cry out!” (Luke 19:40). Are you a young adult concerned about the global threats of climate change and forced migration, the groanings of Creation and the shouting out of stones, and eager to join a collective cry for positive change? The Stones cry out Peace Camp from March 10-15, 2025, may be for you! MCC Peace Camps are one-week, hands-on learning experiences for young adults to build community together, experience personal transformation and apply Anabaptist foundations of peace and justice to real world issues. As climate change and other environmental pressures create difficult living conditions, more and more people are forced to leave their homes. The Stones cry out Peace Camp will grapple with ways to address the two intersecting issues of climate and migration. Together, participants will delve into alternative visions for a society rooted in hospitality and share these powerful messages in person with members of Congress. The Stones cry out Peace Camp will take place at the MCC Welcoming Place in Akron, Pennsylvania. Young adults ages 18-30 are invited to apply. MCC covers all costs of travel, lodging and meals beyond the $250 registration fee. Register here https://mcc.org/events/stones-cry-out-peace-camp

MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE (MDS) announcements

Our December edition of On the Level is now available. In this edition, Executive Director Kevin King shares thoughts and inspiration from a deer stand, and celebrate with family in West Virginia who will be home for Christmas, thanks to MDS volunteers, plus get all the details for the upcoming 75th Anniversary Celebration. Click on this link to read more: https://conta.cc/49FzaWp

ANABAPTISM at FIVE HUNDRED: Hymn Festival . . . Sun Jan 19 @ 3:00pm

Hesston College announces a celebration of faith, music and heritage to be held Sunday, January 19 at 3:00pm, at Hesston Mennonite Church. The Hymn Festival will feature historical narrative by Ken Rodgers tracing the evolution of hymns and texts central to Anabaptist worship over the past 500 years. Central to the event will be congregational singing led by Dr. Russell Adrian and Karen Unruh. This community-wide event is part of worldwide celebrations commemorating the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism, a faith movement that began with the first Anabaptist adult baptisms in Zurich, Switzerland, on January 21, 1525. These baptisms sparked the spread of Anabaptism across Europe and eventually around the globe, shaping religious history and traditions for half a millennium. The Hymn Festival also coincides with the release of the Anabaptist Community Bible, a significant new publication that reflects the shared theology and values of Anabaptist communities. Join us for an inspiring afternoon celebrating a significant milestone in history through music and storytelling.

ANABAPTISM at FIVE HUNDRED: Worship Service . . . Tues Jan 21 @ 6:00pm (livestream)

MennoMedia, in collaboration with Goshen College and College Mennonite Church, is hosting a special worship service to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Anabaptist movement and launch of the Anabaptist Community Bible. This commemorative event will take place at College Mennonite Church in Goshen, IN, and will be available on livestream. We invite everyone to join us in the sanctuary at 6:00pm to participate in the livestream. The livestream link will also be made available so you can watch at home.

The evening will feature worship, singing, and reflections on the centrality of Scripture in the Anabaptist tradition and in the life of the church today. Contributions from college choirs Vox Profundi, Voices of the Earth, and the Chamber Choir will be part of the service, and a variety of historical Anabaptist Bibles from the Mennonite Historical Library collection on campus will be on display. In addition to celebrating the official release of the Anabaptist Community Bible, the service will also mark the culmination of the Global Anabaptist Bible read-a-thon, in which 500 voices from around the world have joined together to read through the entire Bible in multiple languages.

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.

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/