THIS WEEK @ FMC – July 23-August 5, 2025

Waiting and trusting God while at the same time offering our intention, energy and anticipation is a hard balance to find.  I have long appreciated the way this prayer by Thomas Merton, invites us into the inherent mystery of entering into a relationship of trust and desire with God.  Here it is again (it was shared during worship this past Sunday) in case you need continued reassurance of the trustworthiness of God-with-us especially when we aren’t sure which way to go or which way to turn (which, frankly, is a lot of time!)…

A Prayer of Unknowing

(by Thomas Merton)

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.

I do not see the road ahead of me.

I cannot know for certain where it will end.

Nor do I really know myself,

and the fact that I think I am following Your will

does not mean that I am actually doing so.

But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You.

And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.

I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.

And I know that, if I do this,

You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it.

Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.

I will not fear, for You are ever with me,

and You will never leave me to face my perils alone. 

Amen.

Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude, page 79

Pastor Tonya                                  

**The next update of “This Week” will be posted on August 5 .**

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 27, 2025 – PRAYERS of LAMENT & HOPE and COMMUNION

• Preacher: Tonya Ramer Wenger
• Worship Leader: Joel Iwashige
• Pianist: Shelley Kauffman
• Song Leader: TBD
• Children’s Time: Jane Wagler
• Scripture Reader: Joel Iwashige
• Prayers of the People: Tonya Ramer Wenger (text prayer concerns to 620-513-2828)
• Ushers: Jon & Martha Miller
• Nursery Attendant: Magdalena Wenger
• Sound Tech: Jasper Nisly
• Livestream Tech: Jay Gehring

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3, 2025 – OBSTACLES to SEEING GOD at WORK & JOINING IN

• Preacher: Jim Unruh
• Worship Leader: Delon Martens
• Pianist: TBD
• Song Leader: TBD
• Children’s Time: TDB
• Scripture Reader: Shane Miller
• Prayers of the People: Jim Unruh (text prayer concerns to 620-921-0314)
• Ushers: Diane Ziemer & Shane Miller
• Nursery Attendant: Joel & Hilda Iwashige
• Sound Tech: Earl Ediger
• Livestream 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

• July 28-August 4 – Pastor Tonya gone for final week of sabbatical time away
• August 2-9 – Senior Youth + Sponsors in Tucson AZ with Mennonite Mission Network Peace Pilgrimage
• August 8-9 – Western District Conference, Hesston, KS
• August 10 – Back to School blessing during worship; Peace Essay presented by Adrianna Peach
• August 10 – Baptism of Hannah Nisly and Adrianna Peach @ Camp Mennoscah (gather by 6:00pm in the  shelter, bring lawn chairs or sit on benches, fellowship with cookies will follow)
• August 18 – Peace Essays presented by Hannah Nisly and Reuben Wenger
• August 31 – Stay after worship to assemble MCC School kits

DELEGATES FOR WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE ASSEMBLY

The annual Western District Conference Assembly will be held at Hesston Mennonite Church, August 8-9, with the theme, Anabaptism@500:  Faithfulness Then and Now based on Hebrews 12:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 3:11. FMC will be represented by the following delegates: Adrienne Derstine, Julie Goering, Delon Martens, Joy Miller and Ken Neufeld. More information on the Assembly is available at  2025 Annual Assembly – Western District Conference  

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.

The Tuesday ecumenical Centering Prayer group is taking a SUMMER BREAK and will resume sometime in August. For more details, contact Pastor Tonya.    

LPC: Listening-Prayer-Conversation Groups (taking a break in June & July!)

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, August 12 at 1:00pm
• The Wednesday evening group’s next meeting is Wednesday, August 13 at 6:30pm

SUMMER 2025 WORSHP @ FMC – LEARNING TO SEE

“This capacity to recognize and respond to the presence of God in all of life is a spiritual habit and practice that keeps us connected with God’s larger purposes for us and for our world, rather than being consumed by self-interest. As we become practiced at recognizing the presence and activity of God, we are able to align ourselves more completely with what God is doing in any given moment.

— Ruth Haley Barton (Sacred Rhythms)

Our summer worship began June 15 with a story inviting us to explore what it means for us to ‘learn to see.’ The invitation to learn to see God more clearly will continue throughout the summer as we hear stories of how we see God at work in our lives, receive peace essays from our seniors, and take a long look at the story of the man born blind whose sight is restored in John 9. This story is a lesson in some of the obstacles keeping us from seeing God at work. Interspersed throughout the summer will also be 3 opportunities (the last Sundays of June, July and August) to light candles as an expression of our prayers of lament and hope, and to be fed, nourished, and seek transformation as we encounter together the presence of the Risen Christ in Communion. 

• July 27 – Prayers of Lament & Hope and Communion: Turning from Hostility to Love – Pastor Tonya (& introducing the John 9 series – John 9:1-7 – The Disciples)
• August 3 – Obstacles to Seeing God at Work & Joining In: The Neighbors (John 9:8-14) – Pastor Jim preaching
• August 10 – Obstacles to Seeing God at Work & Joining In: The Pharisees (John 9:13-17; 24-34) – Pastor Tonya preaching
• August 17 – Obstacles to Seeing God at Work & Joining In: The Parents (John 9:18-23) – Pastor Tonya preaching
• August 24 – Obstacles to Seeing God at Work & Joining In: The Healed Man (John 9:24-41)              Eldon Wagler preaching
• August 31 – Prayers of Lament & Hope and Communion: Turning from Fear to Faith               Pastor Jim and Pastor Tonya

BAPTISMS SCHEDULED @ CAMP MENNOSCAH ON AUGUST 10!

Mark your calendars for the evening of August 10 for the baptism of Hannah Nisly and Adrianna Peach in the river at Camp Mennoscah.  Stay tuned for more details, including the exact time of the event.

SUMMER Sunday School Classes and Dates

Mark your calendars for Sunday School at 11:00am on these dates:

• July 27  
• August 10 and 24

Children through junior youth will be together in one class, and will be led in activities and discussion inspired by the book: Let the Children Come to me, Nurturing Anabaptist Faith Within Families

The Adult Class studying the Salt and Light Bible Study will also be meeting in the fellowship hall to study the summer topic of “Exclusion and Embrace” – a study of the Beatitudes “in motion” and Jesus’ “living water”—which is always about more than just water. Written by Timothy J. Geddert.  A Zoom option will be available.

UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines  –  available above the mailboxes

• UPPER ROOM
• Rejoice! June-July-August issue now available above the mailboxes

STRENGTHENING Community Connections…

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

• Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am – 2:00pm
• Wednesday office hours during the summer may be irregular

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; 10-11:30 Wednesdays during Lent
• Available other times by appointment.
• Available evenings and weekends (cell phone is most reliable)

Pastor Tonya’s Sabbatical dates (spread out between summer 2023-summer 2025)

The 9^th and final retreat in “Transforming Community” is complete, but Pastor Tonya will be reading and working on the final paper/project for the program which is due in October.  She also has plans to continue meeting once a quarter remotely with the small group she was a part of in the program.  The more extended sabbatical time she has been taking this summer has been focused on connecting with friends and family, strengthening those relationships, in most cases, across many physical miles. One week of sabbatical time remains, which she is taking at the end of July (July 28-August 4). 

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:  

July: Hamburger or Tuna Helper

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.

FMC SERVES AT THE SOUP KITCHEN

On Saturday, July 26, we have another opportunity to serve a hot meal to folks in our community. Jean and Cindy will be preparing the entrée and you are invited to sign up to donate applesauce or to help with meal preparation, serving the meal or driving a delivery route. Check with Jean Gaeddert if you would like to help.

FMC YOUTH GROUP SUMMER TRIP – Just Peace Pilgrimage with Mennonite Mission Network

Members of the FMC youth group (Hannah Nisly, Reuben Wenger, Ryker Wiens, Kate Vu, and Mya Cook) plus their sponsors (Jonathan Wenger, Tanya Martin Nisly) will be traveling to Tucson AZ August 2-9 to participate in a “Christ at the Borders” pilgrimage with Mennonite Mission Network.  During this pilgrimage to the United States-Mexico border, participants seek to better understand the realities and implications of migration, including the reasons causing it and how churches or communities of faith are responding to it.  The experience invites people and communities to see, consider and then explore how to join together in response to such realities. How can we help those who, like us, seek a better life, wholeness and peace?  Please pray for the group as they prepare for and enter into this experience, and as they travel. We look forward to learning from them about their experience after they return.

Reno County VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) TORNADO RESPONSE

The Reno County VOAD’s mission is to meet the needs for ongoing coordination in Reno County by providing volunteer, financial, spiritual, physical and/or psychological support for people whose lives have been affected by a declared disaster in our community.  They are coordinating direct support for those affected, and are also offering these opportunities for those looking to help those affected by the recent tornado in Plevna and surrounding areas:

• To volunteer for cleanup efforts: Community members hoping to help clean-up efforts are asked to call the Reno County Volunteer Center and mention the Plevna disaster relief efforts: 620-665-4960.
• To donate goods: At this moment, the greatest needs are for specific donations of gift cards to Dillons or Wal-Mart for use on basic needs. Other items in need include NEW phone chargers and NEW, unopened hygiene items. These items can be donated to the Salvation Army in Hutchinson (700 N. Walnut).
• To donate financially– visit: www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/disaster or call the United Way of Reno County: 620-669-9329 and mention the Plevna Disaster Relief Fund.

BETHEL COLLEGE announcements

The 2025 issue of Mennonite Life, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with articles and reviews by Susan Fish, Ardie Goering, Don Goertzen, Peter Goerzen, Jeff Gundy, Michele Hershberger, Melanie Howard, Melanie Springer Mock, Justina Neufeld, Ken Rodgers, Mary Schertz and John D. Thiesen. 

HELP CHILDREN GET READY FOR SCHOOL!

MCC School Kits – Come to the church on Monday July 28 from 6-8pm to cut material for bags. Pick up a list of school supplies needed from the table in the foyer and bring them to church by August 31.  On that day (Aug 31) we’ll assemble kits during the Sunday School hour, so plan to stay for the fun of putting everything together!!

ADOPT-A-STUDENT . . a project of FIRST CALL FOR HELP. A donation of $67.00 will provide a backpack filled with school supplies for a student right here in our community. Mail contributions to First Call for Help, PO Box 2203, Hutchinson KS 67504-2203, or place in secure Mail Drop box outside of First Call office at 17 West 2^nd. A tax deductible receipt will be mailed to you. Deadline is August 10. All monetary donations received will be matched.

WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE WOMEN IN MISSION retreat plans

Online registration is open for the Women’s & Girls’ Retreat September 6-7 at Camp Mennoscah sponsored by Western District Women in Mission. Our speakers this year are Pastor Katherine Goerzen (Tabor Mennonite Church) and Pastor Laura Goerzen (First Mennonite, Newton). Go to westerndistrictwomeninmission.org for a detailed schedule, register and pay online, or print out forms to register and pay by mail. Registration is due August 29. Any questions? Email us at westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com. See you there – share the news and bring a friend!

EVERENCE RESOURCES

Everence Youth Savings Celebration August 4-6, 2025: Start your savings adventure at Everence Federal Credit Union, where youth will receive $5 when they deposit at least $15 into a new or existing youth savings account during this special event. Have an EFCU branch nearby? Stop in to enjoy crafts, snacks, and giveaways—plus, pick up a Youth Rewards Program Points Tracker to begin earning points toward exciting prizes! Learn more at everence.com/youth-savings-celebration. Click here: share this flyer.

Financial Choice (LSS) Webinar: Money talk for relationships: We all need to learn to talk about money, whether it’s with ourselves, our partner/spouse, and/or our friends and family. Transparency about money can lead to stronger relationships and a higher level of financial health. Steve Bustos, Everence Stewardship Consultant, will host this webinar presented by Kim Miller of Financial Choice (LSS) on Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 2 p.m. or 8 p.m. ET. Register for the time that works best for you at everence.com/partners. Click here: share this flyer.

FreedUp personal finance training: Are you looking for financial training based on Biblical principles? Discover personal finance training with the FreedUp financial program, which helps people develop strong habits for personal finances. Learn more and sign up at GetFreedUp.com Through Everence^®, we have access to a discount code: pay $19 instead of $99 when you use code fru24eve.  Click here: share this flyer.

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS

PEACE CAMP for YOUNG ADULTS

They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. (Micah 4:3)

How can we live out God’s call for justice and reconciliation through nonviolence in a world that is built on the myth of redemptive violence? If you are a young adult (18-30) concerned about the state of our world and energized to reimagine society built on God’s vision of love and justice for all, come join us for a week of experiential learning rooted in theological reflection, peacebuilding practices, and real-world application.  View and download the flyer.

When: September 21-27, 2025 
Where: Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, Divide, Colorado  
Who: Young adults ages 18-30 
How: Register here by August 31
Registration Fee: $250.00 guarantees your spot at the camp

Register today for the MCC Immigration Learning Tour in South Texas, October 4-9. This immigration-focused learning tour presents a unique opportunity to engage directly with organizations making a positive impact on our neighbors. Find out more at mcc.org/learning-tour-texas.

MENNONITE MISSION NETWORK (MMN) newsletter

Just Peace Pilgrimages

• South Africa Racial Justice Pilgrimage — This pilgrimage will explore the long history and legacy of settler colonialism and apartheid, and will focus on the social constructs created around race, land dispossession and how they so thoroughly defined, and continue to define, South African society.
• Underground Railroad Racial Justice Pilgrimage — Explore the role of faith and faith communities that helped enslaved people escape their bonds. This chapter of the Racial Justice pilgrimage series delves deeper into the struggle for freedom, exploring the ways — both literal and figurative — people took in search of their emancipation. 
• Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples — Engage with contemporary Indigenous realities, explore the histories of Indigenous Peoples, and examine the complexities of Indigenous-settler relations. What might it mean for your community to stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples and actively contribute to the work of truth telling and repair? Date: October 7-11, 2025; register by August 1. 
• Civil Rights Pilgrimage — Led by MC USA Executive Director Glen Guyton, this young-adult focused, multiracial pilgrimage through the southern United States fosters shared learning and deep understanding of the racial divides that our society perpetuates. Date: October 28-November 2, 2025; register by September 15. 

For more information on the Just Peace Pilgrimages, to sign up, or to inquire about scheduling a trip for you and your group, visit MennoniteMission.net/JustPeace or contact Stephanie Weaver at StephanieW@MennoniteMission.net.

Check out this link to hear stories about some of the many who have served in a variety of MMN programs. Might their amazing adventures inspire you to experience one of their service / learning opportunities?  https://mailchi.mp/mennonitemission.net/alumni-connections-16446729

MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE

As needs grow in Texas, MDS is there. As needs grow in the wake of deadly flooding in Texas, Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) volunteers are on the ground, continuing to clear debris, removed damaged trees, assess damages, and pray with communities. The work goes on even as new flooding hit the same areas on July 13, prompting dozens of swift-water rescues. The first deluge in Texas, over July 4, has killed at least 132 people, including 106 in Kerr County alone. Click here to read more

OVM (Offender Victim Ministries) . . . a remarkable story from

David, an M-2 participant (not his real name), has been telling me about the garden in the East Unit since I first met him in the fall of 2023, and for just as long I’ve been itching to get a tour of the garden. I remember hearing about David’s volunteer melons growing huge in his personal garden plot, and the many hot peppers shared with his bunkies. On July 14, my dream was realized: ten M-2 volunteers joined about twenty Reno County Master Gardeners for the annual Garden for Good garden tour. 

Most of the just-under-two-acre garden is dedicated to growing produce to give to local non-profits, or to sell to inmates and staff. In addition to giving away more than 20,000 pounds of produce annually, the guys in the program also donate the money they earn ($15,000 last year). The 120 inmates in the program share the labor of the garden. All have completed a nine-month Master Gardener course provided by Reno County Master Gardeners. While volunteers from the community teach the course and offer guidance and support, the actual functioning of the garden is completely run by inmates and the planning and organization led by a board of inmates elected to their positions. As I stood between the carefully tended rows of watermelon and zucchini, the entire project felt enormous, inspiring and deeply impactful.

Talking to the incarcerated gardeners reminded me yet again of one of the fundamental truths underlying OVM’s work: the people we lock behind bars are worth knowing. They may have caused real harm, but they are also humans who have stories, passion, and potential. They have hopes, dreams and regrets. Like all of us on the outside, they have gifts, ranging from long-term planning and financial management (necessary to make the garden run) to team-building, teaching, and the careful nurture of seedlings. Many of the incarcerated folks I know are curious, motivated, resourceful, compassionate, and continuously learning.

One gentleman I talked to spoke of how good the garden is for his mental health. Seeing things grow can have a healing effect on us. He proudly showed me his thriving okra plants and how he carefully waters them with buckets several times each week. We connected over our shared love of cooking and even of doing dishes and what a grounding experience both can be.

Every time I’ve seen David recently, he tells me the number of days until his release. “Fifteen days.” His excitement and anxiety are palpable. At the end of the month he will return home, living with close friends not far from his aging parents. David hopes to help his parents take care of their home, and dreams of having something to pass on to his children. He would love to be able play the guitar at his parents’ church, where they are longtime members of the church board. But David already knows he won’t be welcome there. The congregation doesn’t want anyone who’s done hard time in their fellowship. In my opinion, it’s their loss. And it is a detriment to all our communities when we can’t find ways to welcome back those who’ve caused harm.

Grace and peace,

  Kenzie Brister (she/her)
  Program Director for Prison Ministries
  Restorative Justice Associate   (316) 281-4721

Know someone who might want to build a friendship with someone behind bars? Invite them to visit in person with M-2 or correspond via letter as a pen-pal.
Upcoming volunteer trainings at the prison: Sept 13, plus a training at Hesston College on Sept 14. Email me for details! www.ovmks.org