THIS WEEK @ FMC – July 17-30, 2024

Leaving home, we set our seeing,

on a quest for deeper meaning.

What we find can change us for the love of all

the creation and its beings.

Far from home, we know we’re seeing,

everywhere is full of meaning;

diff’rent folx expand our world and awe of all

the creation and its beings.

Coming home, we set our seeing

to hold onto deeper meaning;

loving life and making home a place for all

the creation and its beings.

(Lyrics for “The Quest” original theme song.  Worship Design Studio)

PLEASE NOTE: Our next THIS WEEK post is scheduled for July 30.

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, JULY 21 – QUEST: THE AWAKENED TRAVELER, “LEAVING HOME”

(The second in an 8-week series)

Leaving Egypt was not a pleasure excursion for the Hebrew people. But the story of their pilgrimage in the desert in the Book of Exodus reminds us that traveling, moving, leaving home, is part of our Judeo-Christian tradition. Each of us finds ourselves sometime in life needing to leave the familiar in order to grow and to thrive. Beginning a journey involves leaving “home”–whether that is a physical place in order to explore another part of the world or changing a mindset that keeps us from expanding our spiritual capacity. What must we do to embark into the unknown?

Exodus 13:17-21; Psalm 121

• Preacher: Pastor Tonya Ramer Wenger
• Worship Leader: Sadie Nisly
• Song Leader: Jon Miller
• Children’s Time: Lona Willems
• Scripture Reader:
• Pianist: Shelley Kauffman
• Ushers: Glenda & Rick Hooper
• Nursery Attendant: Adam & Maggie Pounds
• Sound Tech: Earl Ediger
• Live Stream Tech: Jay Gehring

SUNDAY, JULY 28 – QUEST: THE AWAKENED TRAVELER, STORIES OF “LEAVING HOME”

(The third in an 8-week series)

All of us have stories of leaving home, whether literally or metaphorically, in order to grow and thrive.  The point is not where we travel, but our openness to have our horizons expanded and preconceived notions challenged. Leaving home invites us into soul-widening adventures.  On this Sunday we’ll hear stories of “Leaving Home” from Adrienne Derstine and Adam Butler.

Psalm 145:10-19; Ephesians 3:14-21

• Worship Leader: Joel Iwashige
• Story Tellers: Adrienne Derstine and Adam Butler
• Musicians: Shane Miller & Adam Pounds
• Children’s Time: Diane Ziemer
• Scripture Reader: Cheryl Warkentin
• Ushers: Susan Combs & Joretta Martens
• Nursery Attendant: None assigned
• Sound Tech: Murray Reimer
• 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.  

VOLUNTEERS FOR READING SCRIPTURE

If you would be willing to read scripture, please sign up on the bulletin board opposite the mailboxes. We welcome readers of all ages, and we’d be happy to bring a mic to you if you would prefer reading from your seat.

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

• July 23-August 9 – Pastor Tonya gone on sabbatical time
• July 27 – FMC serves at the Soup Kitchen – sign up on the bulletin board opposite the mailboxes
• August 11 – FMC leads the 10:00am worship service at Mennonite Friendship Communities
• August 18 – Sr. Youth Kick-off event beginning with lunch
• August 25 – Assemble MCC School Kits after worship in the fellowship hall

REMINDER:  If you are last one out of the church building, be SURE the doors lock behind you.

ANABAPTIST WORLD . . . current readers and new subscribers

Our church has a group subscription to the Anabaptist World, a publication that connects us to the wider anabaptist community with thoughtful articles, news from around the world, and stories to keep us informed. The group subscription offers this publication at $39.00 for one year (12 issues) – a greatly reduced price from individual subscriptions of $54.00. Our group subscription expires in November. If you are a current subscriber in our group plan, please let the church office know whether you wish to continue. If you are interested in becoming a subscriber in our group, please let us know that too. Forms are available on the table in the foyer. As a new or renewing subscriber, please make checks payable to First Mennonite Church, (memo: Anabaptist World). Payment due August 20. As a part of our group plan, you would receive each issue at your home address. If you wish to take a look at a current issue, please pick up a copy from the table (under the TV monitor) in the foyer. Join us! It’s a great read!

DEEPENING in Christ…

PRAYER GROUPS

A Prayer group meets Thursday mornings from 10-11am in the Prayer Room.  All are welcome. 

A small ecumenical Centering Prayer group meets on Thursdays (in person @ FMC) from 12:30-1:30pm.  If you’d like to learn more, contact Pastor Tonya.     

LPC: Listening-Prayer-Conversation Groups

These groups meet for an hour once/month in the Common Grounds room and are facilitated by Pastor Tonya.  The format allows for time in prayer by yourself and also with the group.  Any are welcome to join, or to just come and check it out! It’s also possible to join on Zoom if you prefer.

• The Tuesday group next meeting Tuesday August 13 at 1:00pm
• The Wednesday evening group next meeting is at 6:30 on Wednesday, August 14

SUMMER 2024 SUNDAY SCHOOL

Summer Sunday School will be offered twice a month during the summer months, following this schedule:

• July 21
• August 4 and 18

Classes will be offered for preschool-3^rd grade, 4^th-7^th grade, 8^th-12^th grade.  The younger groups will be

using the Shine curriculum that follows the Peace With Creation Peace Path in The Peace Table (Bible Story book).  Additionally, Circle of Grace curriculum will be covered with each class, led by Tanya Martin Nisly and Jonathan Wenger. 

• Preschool-3^rd grade – meet in the basement classrooms
• 4^th-7^th grade – meet upstairs in Jr Youth room
• 8^th-12^th grade meet upstairs in Sr Youth room

Both the Adult Discussion Class and the Adult Salt & Light study class will be taking a hiatus during the summer.       

QUEST: THE AWAKENED TRAVELER WORSHIP SERIES (JULY 14-SEPT 1)

July 14 – Introduction to the series.  Psalm 23; Acts 9:1-19 (Pastor Tonya preaching) + Communion

July 21 – “Leaving Home” : when we need to leave the familiar in order to grow and thrive; Psalm 121, Exodus 13:17-21  (Pastor Tonya preaching)

July 28 – Stories from within the congregation about “Leaving Home” : Adam Butler & Adrienne Derstine;  Psalm 145:10-19 and Ephesians 3:14-21

August 4 – “The Encounter” : the experience of being open to new encounters, new people, new relationships; Psalm 146, John 4:7-20  (Rebecca Shetler preaching)

August 11 – Stories from within the congregation about “The Encounter” : Genesis 1; Delon and Joretta Martens

August 18 – “The Reflection” : the inner work we’re invited into when we bump up against disorienting differences.  Isaiah 65:17-25; Revelation 21:22-26 (Pastor Jim preaching; Heidi Unruh storytelling)

August 25 – “Returning Home” : when we travel far away from the familiar, we return changed, and find the familiar holds more than we had noticed before.  Psalm 36:5-9, John 15:1-17  (Pastor Tonya preaching)

September 1 – Stories from within the congregation about “The Reflection” and/or “Returning Home”: Magdalena Wenger, Jean Gaeddert

Be sure to pick up a hard copy of the Quest Guided Reflection Journal on the table outside the sanctuary (or use the electronic copy sent out via email – contact Pastor Tonya if you need it resent!).  This journal makes use of a variety of Rick Steves video clips to dig into the various themes of the series.  The hard copy has QR codes to scan to access the videos; the electronic copy has links to click on. 

PHOTO INVITATION – “SOUL-WIDENING ADVENTURES”

As part of our Quest: The Awakened Traveler worship series, we invite you (beginning Sunday July 21) to bring 1 or 2 physical photos to the church to add to a collection of photos depicting some aspect of a ‘soul-widening adventure’ you have had.  When have you been a traveler – not merely a tourist?  Is there a journey you’ve embarked on that especially sparked your curiosity, wonder, reflection and transformation?  Please label the back of your picture with your name and add it to the collection that will be found to the left of the large screen TV in the foyer.  When the series is over (Sept 1) you can take your picture(s), or they will be put in your church mailbox later that week. 

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE at MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES (mfc)

FMC leads the 10:00 service at mfc on the second Sunday of the even numbered months. We welcome your participation in reading scripture, sharing worship music, accompanying hymns, greeting residents, and more. Please talk with Pastor Jim if you would be willing to participate in this ministry. Our next opportunity to lead is August 11.

UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines

• UPPER ROOM – We hope to have the July-August issue here very soon. Check back to pick up your copy!
• Rejoice! – new issues for August-September will be available soon above the mailboxes.

STRENGTHENING Community Connections…

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

• Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am – 2:00pm
• Wednesday 10:00am – 1:00pm (No Wednesday office hours July 24 or 31, or August 7)

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 on Wednesday
• Available other times by appointment.
• Available evenings and weekends (cell phone is most reliable)

Please note: Pastor Tonya will be out of town Sunday afternoon through Wednesday (July 14-17), visiting Micah, who is on staff at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp.

Upcoming “Day Apart with God” dates (for silence, reading, prayer & journaling – will NOT be checking email or responding to texts/calls (except for emergencies). Watch here for her next day apart.

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 September 15-18.

She will also be taking an extended sabbatical time away July 23-August 9.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE FUND DONATIONS REQUESTED

The fund we use to provide internal congregational support to individuals or families during times of crisis has been depleted.  If you are able to make a donation to this fund, please designate your donation as “Congregational Care Fund.”  Thank you!!

SUMMER BOOK STUDY – Third session August 14

We are reading and discussing: Love Without Limits: Jesus’ Radical Vision for Love with No Exceptions by Jacqueline A. Bussie.  Come early for finger-food snacks (bring a snack to share!) at 12:30pm, or join us for the book study at 1:00pm. We meet in the Common Grounds room. All are welcome to participate.  If you need help getting a book, let Pastor Tonya know. A Zoom option is available with advance planning! We’ll conclude our summer season on August 14.

HEARTLAND CENTER FOR SPIRITUALITY . . . retreat August 23-24

Heartland Center for Spirituality will be presenting a retreat, “Are you a Mystic?” The retreat will begin on Friday evening August 23 at 6:00 pm (CDT) and end on Saturday August 24 at 3:00 pm (CDT). Join us to enter the faith journey of the Saints and use them as your guide to discover ways to continue growing onto spiritual journey. Workshop will be held at the Great Bend Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse 3600 Broadway, Great Bend, Ks. The $110 fee includes a room on Friday night, breakfast and lunch on Saturday. The commuter fee is $70 and includes lunch on Saturday. Saturday only fee is $50 and includes lunch on Saturday. For more information or to register contact Ann Axman at ann.axman@heartlandspiritulaity , visit our website at www.heartlandspirituality.org (Upcoming Retreats and Workshops).

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:  

• July: Hamburger or Tuna Helper
• August: 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.

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE announcements

School Kits! FMC will assemble school kits on August 25.

There will be tasks for persons of all ages – young children on up! Lend your hands to providing these tools for learning to students around the world. Our goal is to collect enough supplies to fill 40 kits! If you are able consider sewing a few bags. Fabric is cut and ready for you with sewing instructions on the table in the foyer. The list of school supplies to assemble the school kits is also available on the table. The date to bring all items for the school kits has been extended until August 18. Please place them in the purple bin provided.  On August 25 we will assemble the school kits in the fellowship hall following the worship service.

MCC Material Resources Center in North Newton critically low on inventory: An MCC kit cannot be distributed until each item for the kit is assembled, but some supplies in the Material Resources Center are so low that kits cannot be processed for shipping. You can help by filling the following needs: new infant sleepers (6-12 month sizes); hand towels (dark colored); bar soap; bath towels (dark colored, light to medium weight); wide toothed combs (6-8 inches long); laundry soap (such as Fels Naptha or Zote brands); and shampoo (20 oz min). Buy online and ship it to MCC or bring items to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117). Questions are always welcome, please contact brociamueller@mcc.org or 316.836.5045. A full list of MCC kit contents can be found at mcc.org/kits.

Soft Plastic Recycling is now available at MCC!  We invite you to start a new habit of recycling all soft plastics (plastic bags, bread bags, any plastic packaging that you can stretch) at MCC Central States in North Newton! This is a NEW and ONGOING recycling project. Plastics must be clean, dry and free of food waste. A basket under the table in the foyer is designated to receive your recyclables. You may also bring your soft plastic recycling to MCC any time, placing them in the marked bin outside the warehouse.  Once at MCC, the plastic is baled into 1000 pound bales. These bales are then sold to the TREX company. They melt down the plastic and use it in making their deck boards. Questions, please contact duaneunruh@mcc.org. 

KANSAS MENNONITE RELIEF SALE . . . QUILTER’S CORNER seeks donations

The MCC Sale Quilter’s Corner is looking for donations of quilts, quilt tops, fabric, books, magazines and vintage linens for our next sale.  We hope to have an October sale if we receive enough donations. Donations can be dropped off at the MCC Center in North Newton labeled for Quilter’s Corner or at Stitches Quilt Shop in McPherson.  If you have questions, please contact Ann Yoder Smith at 919-604-3282.

ANABAPTIST COMMUNITY BIBLE now available for preorders!

Celebrate 500 years of Anabaptism with the Anabaptist Community Bible. This study Bible features commentary from 60 Anabaptist scholars, biblical insights from 16th-century Anabaptists, and marginal notes from nearly 600 study groups from Anabaptists around the globe. Perhaps you will remember that FMC participants in WNAF in spring 2023 engaged with assigned scripture passages and responded to the challenge to provide insights for this new volume. The Anabaptist Community Bible uses the Common English Bible (CEB) translation. The volume is available in leather, soft touch or hard cover binding. Click here and scroll down to view the options and to place an order… https://rb.gy/gacw7p

CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements

Camp Sing! On Saturday, August 3rd, at 3:00 PM at Faith Mennonite Church (Newton, KS) we will be holding our annual Camp Sing event. All are welcome to join us for a gathering of the Camp Mennoscah community to sing camp songs led by the Summer Staff, enjoy a recap of the summer, and hear testimony to the great work camp is doing. Following the singing we will have popcorn and generic pop together! We would love to see you all there. 

WDC WOMEN IN MISSION . . . ANNUAL WOMEN’S & GIRLS’ RETREAT

Women & Girls! Western District Women in Mission retreat September 7-8 at Camp Mennoscah!

Bring a friend!

Theme: Peaceful Practices with Kristine Regehr as our keynote speaker

Girls’ Programming for 5th grade – high school with Janna Duerksen

Registration is due August 30. Retreat brochure and registration form are available at:  https://www.westerndistrictwomeninmission.org/register 

Come early at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning to tie Camp Mennoscah t-shirt comforters! They will also be available to tie throughout retreat. We hope to get 6 comforters tied and give them to Camp to sell as fundraisers. At least 15 years of past camp T-shirts are in the comforters!  

HESSTON COLLEGE announces on-campus Bible classes

Lifelong learning is a goal of many individuals. Did you know Hesston encourages community members to enroll in Bible courses? We even have a discounted rate for senior citizen attenders. This coming fall semester we have opportunities to take two Bible classes on campus: Biblical Literature (at two different times) and Missional Leadership on Monday evenings. These classes will only be offered in person this semester. To learn more, visit hesston.edu/bible. If you are interested in enrolling in a course, contact Michele Hershberger at michele.hershberger@hesston.edu.

MENNONITE IMMIGRATION TO CENTRAL KANSAS 150th ANNIVERSARY . . . events

GOESSEL – MENNONITE HERITAGE & AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM & the 150^th ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE

What was it like to travel from the home you knew across a vast ocean to start all over on a treeless prairie. The presentation on Friday, August 2, 2024, “From Russia to Kansas: A Story of the 1874 Mennonite Immigration” will help give some insight. A narrated pictorial presentation, with firsthand accounts, will describe the journey of the Alexanderwohl immigrants leaving South Russia and finding a new home in Kansas. The event will take place at the Goessel High School Auditorium (100 E. Main, Goessel, Ks) on August 2, 2024 at 7:00pm. This is a benefit event for the Mennonite Heritage & Agricultural Museum. Donations gratefully accepted.

150th Swiss Volhynian Celebration August 23-25, 2024 . . . Registration is open on the swissmennonite.org website for the August 23-25, 2024 Celebration of the 150th Anniversary of our ancestors coming to the U.S. in 1874. On the site, click on Registration and Celebration Information and then on Step 1 to register and on “See available seminars” there to see that list. After indicating choice of seminars is an invitation to join the mass choir and a request to indicate which part you sing. On Step 2 you can reserve and/or purchase your ethnic meal on Saturday evening 5:00 provided by Bread Basket in Newton. You can pay here or reserve and pay at the door. If you have difficulty with reservations on the website, you may call Kathy Goering at 316-371-6189 for assistance. Hopefield Church will be open for visitation 9:00-2:00 on Saturday, even serving coffee, lemonade, and cookies. The Moundridge Museum will be open for visitors 1:30-4:30 Saturday afternoon if you want to check that out.

Starting the Saturday August 24, 2024, day of activities, part of the 150 Years Celebration of Mennonites Coming to U.S., is John McCabe-Juhnke’s Readers Theater, “Schweitzers Talking.” A cross-generational dialogue based on (probably) true and (mostly) entertaining stories told by Schweitzers.  Featuring the dramatic talents of Jerod Kaufman, Julianna Kaufman, John McCabe-Juhnke, Leann Toews, Aaron Tschetter, Karin Kaufman Wall.  Saturday, 8:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Eden Mennonite Church, Moundridge, KS.  I wonder what they will be talking about.  Be sure to make your reservations at swissmennonite.org.

Commemorating 500 Years of Anabaptism + Swiss Alps Tour. Sites: Lake Geneva, cliffside Murren, Mennonites near Bern, & 500 Year Celebration in Zurich.9-day tour in late May 2025. Details and registration coming soon. Preview tour at www.tourwithweldon.com Interested? Contact Weldon Martens at weldon.martens@gmail.com / 402-202-9276. Persons registering interest will receive early notification when registration opens.