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This week at FMC

THIS WEEK @ FMC – January 22-28, 2025

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While we do not yet know what will unfold in 2025, we do know we have a unique opportunity as disciples of Jesus rooted in the Anabaptist tradition to, as MennoMedia puts it, take time to be “Looking Back, Living Forward” as we celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the beginnings of the Anabaptist movement.  

Mennonite World Conference’s Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday 2025 worship resources describe the beginning like this:  “A moment in 1525 serves as the symbolic beginning of the Anabaptist movement: a small group of Christian reformers gathered for a secret worship service in Zurich, Switzerland. The group was frustrated by the hesitance of their leader, Ulrich Zwingli to enact the changes to Catholic rituals that they agreed Scripture demanded. In their reading of Scripture, true Christian baptism assumed a conscious commitment to follow Jesus – something no infant could do. So on 21 January 1525, this small group agreed to baptize each other as adults. Although it would be some time before the full meaning of baptism came into focus, the early Anabaptists understood this act to symbolize the presence of the Holy Spirit in the gift of God’s grace, a commitment to a life of daily discipleship and membership in a new community of God’s people.” (excerpted from a book by John D. Roth – Stories: How Mennonites Came to Be)

This coming Sunday, January 26, we’ll launch our own 4 Sunday worship series (based on resources provided from MennoMedia) focusing in on opportunities for renewal at this anniversary moment.  This Sunday we’ll also remember, as we always do at this time of year, our global Anabaptist family represented through Mennonite World Conference (MWC). We’ll watch the “2024 Year in Review” video to update us on MWC’s work and ministry, and we’ll take a “One Lunch Offering” in which we’re all invited to donate to MWC what it would cost us to buy lunch in our community.  These funds will help MWC provide support and care to our brothers and sisters around the world.

Cesar Garcia, General Secretary of MWC, offered this past Sunday a very wise call to humility as we engage in these 500th Anniversary celebrations and conversations. If you don’t receive MWC’s emails, you can read it in its entirety here.  He closes his letter with this:  “As we commemorate the first 500 years of the Anabaptist movement this year, let’s repent from any attitude of false superiority. Let’s look for the renewal the Holy Spirit gives, which always includes others in perfect love. Let’s celebrate our strengths as a church while recognizing our weaknesses, too. Let’s remember our forebears’ faithful witness while acknowledging the Holy Spirit’s work in other churches before and beyond ours. Let’s ask for forgiveness for triumphalist, exclusivist attitudes that do not reflect our call nor the character of the Lord we are invited to follow: Jesus Christ.”

—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 26, 2025 – RENEWAL THROUGH STORY

Anabaptism @ 500 Worship Series

Throughout the Bible, we see many examples of how people used storytelling to shape a collective identity. Understanding our story and acknowledging how we have been formed helps us understand where and who we are. Poet, author, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou said in an interview with the Academy of Achievement, “You can’t really know where you are going until you know where you have been.” How do we hold our stories? How do we share our stories as a community in meaningful ways? Where have we been as an Anabaptist tradition? And how does a deeper awareness of our past help us understand where we are and where we are going?

1 Corinthians 3:11; Luke 5:1-11 (Psalm 90:14-17)

  • Preacher: Tonya Ramer Wenger
  • Worship Leader: Adrienne Derstine
  • Song Leader: TBA
  • Children’s Time: Diane Ziemer
  • Scripture Reader: Shane Miller
  • Pianist: Shelley Kauffman
  • Ushers: Russ & Jean Gaeddert, Sadie Pritchett
  • Nursery Attendant: Susan Combs
  • Sound Tech: Magdalena Wenger or Jasper Nisly
  • 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

  • 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 – FMC leads worship at Mennonite Friendship Communities (10am)
  • February 9 – Super Bowl Subs Youth Fundraiser – details below!!
  • 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, February 11 at 1:00pm
  • The Wednesday evening group meetsat 6:30 on Wednesday, January 22

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

On January 26 we begin 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 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.

HESSTON COLLEGE LECTURE . . . “WHAT’S SO BAD ABOUT BEING A CHRISTIAN NATION?

Greg Boyd, senior pastor at Woodland Hills Church, explores the intersection of faith, politics and the teachings of Jesus in a three-part lecture taking place at Hesston Mennonite Church.

The lectures are free and open to the public. Information at www.hesston.edu/melva

  • Sunday, January 26, 7-8:30pm
  • Monday, January 27, 11-11:30am
  • Monday, January 27, 7-8:30pm

WORSHIP at MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNTIES . . . FEBRUARY 9, 10am

We have the privilege of leading Sunday morning worship in the chapel six times a year. There is opportunity for sharing many gifts – being a welcoming presence, reading scripture, sharing music and so much more. Talk with Pastor Jim if you would like to be part of this ministry in February.

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

NO WEDNESDAY office hours January 22

  • 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.

SUB SANDWICHES . . . SENIOR YOUTH SUPER BOWL SUNDAY FUNDRAISER – FEB 9

Sign up after worship the next two Sundays (Jan 26 and Feb 2) for your Super Bowl Subs prepared by our Senior Youth Group. Choose turkey or ham/salami ($10/sub). Every sub comes with a little baggie of veggies (but you provide your own condiments). Sign up by February 6 and pick up your subs on Feb 9 after worship!!  If you can’t sign up on one of the next two Sundays, you can contact Jonathan Wenger or Tanya Martin Nisly directly.  

Fundraisers like this help support the youth in attending faith formation and community building events like Snow Camp at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, MC USA Convention, and participating in service projects.  The youth group also meets twice a month and funds help provide snacks and resources as needed for those gatherings. Thank you for your generosity and support of our youth group.

GALENTINE BRUNCH for FMC WOMEN, TEENS & GIRLS

You are invited to a Galentine Brunch on February 8 at 10:00am. Enjoy a time together with your “Gals” and celebrate friendship. RSVP to Jean Gaeddert by February 1.  — Julie Esau, Jean Gaeddert, Cindy Kroeker, & Julie Goering

LOST & FOUND BOX

Our  Lost & Found Box is overflowing!! If you have left a small item behind, please check the box above the mailboxes. 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  (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.

BETHEL COLLEGE announcements

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

Bethel College will offer a new course, Introduction to Hymnology, in Spring 2025, taught by Dr. Henry S. Waters, Director of Choral Music and Associate Professor of Music.The course will survey the history of hymns, mostly from the hymnal Voices Together, and analyze hymns through many lenses including music theory, poetry and theology. The class will meet weekly on Mondays at 6-7 pm, beginning Monday, Jan 27, in the Chapel of the Administration Building on the Bethel campus.  Community members may Audit the course for $100 (or $50 for persons age 65+), or enroll for credit at a higher fee.  To request the enrollment form, email registrar@bethelks.edu or visit the Registrar’s Office in the Administration Building between 8 am -12 pm, or 1-5 pm. Bethel College is located at 300 E. 27th Street, North Newton, KS.

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!

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.

BUHLER MENNONITE CHURCH CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP SUPPER FUNDRAISER

Buhler Mennonite (220 W Ave B, Buhler, KS) invites you to their annual Chicken Noodle Soup Supper on Wednesday, February 12. It will again be a carry out meal that needs to be ordered by Friday, February 7, by calling or texting 620-664-7699 with the number of meals ordered. Meals may be picked up on Wednesday, Feb 12 from 4-6pm. Payment is by donation with all proceeds going toward Outreach Meals.

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.

CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements

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 Spring Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat is March 14-16.  Registration will open in February. All activities will take place at Main Camp in the dining hall and bunkhouses.

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.

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

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 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

DYCK ARBORETUM OF THE PLAINS lecture . . “IN THE COUNTRY OF THE KAW”

On Tuesday, January 28 at 7 p.m., the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains Winter Lecture Series welcomes back former Arboretum director Jim Locklear for a presentation about his newly-published “In the Country of the Kaw.” In his book, Locklear celebrates the Kaw (Kansas) River watershed, from the high plains of Colorado to its confluence with the Missouri River. His book, which is available in the Arboretum gift shop, is based on decades of research, travel, and personal encounters throughout the central Great Plains, and includes several experiences that happened in and around Hesston. Jim’s presentation will explore the natural and cultural wonders of the Kaw watershed. The lecture will take place in the Prairie Pavilion at the Dyck Arboretum at 177 West Hickory in Hesston. Admission is $5 and can be paid at the door or ahead of time at dyckarboretum.square.site/classes.

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/