Table of Contents
Our Father-Mother, who is in the heavens, may your name be made holy.
May your dominion come, may your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today the bread we need;
and forgive our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors;
And do not put us to the test, but rescue us from evil.
For yours is the dominion, and the power, and the glory forever. AMEN
(from the New Century Hymnal, The United Church of Christ)
SUNDAY MORNING Worship at 9:30am
The link to join is on our website: www.hutchfmc.org Join 5 minutes early for announcements.
COLD, FLU and COVID-19 safety suggestions
Along with recommending that everyone traveling on planes, trains, buses, and other public transportation wear masks, the CDC also recommends that wearing a mask indoors in public spaces is a good idea. Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get tested if you have symptoms. Stay home if you are not feeling well.
SUNDAY, JULY 30 – PEACE WITH OTHERS – Abigail and David
Peacemakers act creatively to prevent violence
1 Samuel 25:1-35
- Preacher: Jim Unruh
- Worship Leader: Anita Kehr
- Children’s Time: Hilda Iwashige
- Scripture Reader: Mary Wade
- Organist: Pauline Buller
- Song Leader: TBD
- Ushers: Don Wiens & Russell Goering
- Nursery Attendant: Fred & Mary Wade
- 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
- July 26 – Congregational Ministry Team @6:30pm
- August 6 – Sadie Nisly Peace Essay, Farewell Blessing for Krehbiel family, and Celebrate Delon & Joretta’s 50th anniversary during fellowship time
- August 13 – Back to School Blessing of the Backpacks
- August 27 – Final Sunday of Summer Worship Series & Celebration of Communion
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
The next LPC groups will meet on Tuesday August 8 at 1:00pm or Wednesday August 9 @ 6:30pm. All are welcome (content is the same at both gatherings), even if you’ve never come before.
SUMMER WORSHIP – SEEKING PEACE TOGETHER
Our Summer worship series comes from MennoMedia (written by Joanna Harader) and will lead us on an exploration and application of Biblical themes of peace: Peace With God, Peace Within, Peace With Others, and Peace With Creation.
- July 30 Peace With Others: Abigail and David (1 Samuel 25:1-35) Peacemakers act creatively to prevent violence (Pastor Jim preaching)
- August 6 Peace With Others: Elisha and the Soldiers (2 Kings 6:8-23) Peacemakers eat with their enemies (Pastor Tonya preaching)
- August 13 Peace With Creation: God Tends a Garden (Genesis 2:4-23) Peacemakers join God in caring for the earth (Pastor Jim preaching)
- August 20 Peace With Creation: Celebrating the Harvest (Leviticus 23:33-43; Deut 16:13-15) Peacemakers share the bounty of the earth (Pastor Tonya preaching)
- August 27 Peace With Creation: Rejoicing with Creation (Isaiah 65:6-13) Peacemakers celebrate the beauty of the earth (Pastor Tonya preaching) COMMUNION
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL & FELLOWSHIP TIME
Using a curriculum exploring The Lord’s Prayer, Sunday School will be offered for preschool-6th grade two Sundays/month, as follows. Many thanks to all who volunteered to teach or bring snacks for the group.
August 6 and 20
Fellowship Time following the worship service will continue every Sunday. Enjoy this time to offer greetings, share stories, and nurture the connections that bind us together in this congregation and in the family of God.
Senior Youth and the “Younger Adults” will also meet on the Sundays when class is also offered for children. The Adult Bible Study and Discussion Class will take a break over the summer.
UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines
New issues of UPPER ROOM and Rejoice! are available above the mailboxes. Please let us know if you would like a copy mailed to you.
STRENGTHENING Community Connections…
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
- Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am – 2:00pm
- Wednesday – 10:00am – 1:00pm (NO Wednesday office hours on July 26)
PASTOR TONYA’S HOURS/SCHEDULE
Office hours:
- Monday: Day Off
- Tuesday-Friday: generally working 8:00am-5:30pm
- “In Office” Hours: 9-2 Tuesday and Thursday; 10-1 on Wednesday
- Available other times by appointment.
- Available evenings and weekends (cell phone is most reliable)
- 4th Wednesdays** (8-5pm) set aside as “Day Apart with God” for silence, reading, prayer &
- journaling – will NOT be checking email or responding to texts/calls (except for emergencies) **NEXT “Day Apart” is Wednesday July 26
Pastor Tonya’s Sabbatical dates (spread out between summer 2023-summer 2025)
Pastor Tonya has joined a study program called, “Transforming Community.” Retreats take place in Chicago. These are her scheduled retreats for the remainder of this year:
- September 10-13 (second Transforming Community retreat; back in office on Sept 14)
- December 10-13 (third Transforming Community retreat; back in office on December 14)
“THANK YOU” PANCAKE BREAKFAST HOSTED BY MAGDALENA WENGER & FAMILY – AUG 13
You are invited to a pancake breakfast on Sunday August 13 between 8:00am-9:15am (before worship) hosted by Magdalena Wenger and family. Magdalena would like to thank the congregation for their past and future support of her educational (specifically FMC’s Mennonite college scholarship support!), spiritual and personal growth.
At the end of August, Magdalena will begin a one year Mennonite Voluntary Service term in Tucson AZ (where Michaela Esau was last year). Her volunteer position will be with the Casa Alitas Program, serving migrant families who have left their home countries to escape violence and poverty. The program provides hospitality and humanitarian aid, medical services, short-term shelter and help to reunite with family members in the U.S. One way MVS serves their partner agencies is to make the cost of an MVS volunteer more affordable for them, resulting in most agencies paying around 65% of the MVS volunteer’s living expenses. If you’d like to contribute toward the $4,000 needed for Magdalena’s additional expenses in the MVS unit, you can send a check to: Mennonite Mission Network 718 N Main St, Newton KS 67114, with Magdalena’s name and MVS on the memo line. Or you can donate online here: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/MVSTucson/MagdalenaWenger Thank you (and don’t forget to come and enjoy some pancakes on August 13)!!!
NOTE OF THANKS from GLORIA GEHRING
Thank you to all who remembered me with your phone calls, cards, letters, visits and prayers after my June 4 auto accident. Again thank you so very much. I pray that God will bless each of you. Sincerely, Gloria Gehring
CONGREGATIONAL BUDGET MEETING and ANNUAL MEETING PLANNED
Mark your calendar for these dates:
- Budget meeting – October 29
- FMC annual meeting – December 3
Details about both meetings will be coming.
WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE ASSEMBLY: AUGUST 11-13, 2023
Our delegates are Russ Gaeddert, Joretta Martens, Carol Moore, Ken Neufeld and Pastor Tonya. You can participate too – either in person or virtually. Check this link for the schedule and registration details: https://mennowdc.org/2023-wdc-annual-assembly/ . Through worship and workshops the assembly will help us explore listening to God and to each other through our theme, “Holy (Wholly) Listening.” The assembly takes place at Tabor Mennonite Church, rural Newton, beginning with the opening session Friday evening at 7:00pm. Nathan Koontz will be the preacher.
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 now 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.
IMPORTANT UPDATED INVITATION FOR LightHouse:
Thanks for all the donations for the food pantry at LightHouse!
Here is an updated invitation for items to donate:
- laundry soap (pods only)
- games and puzzles for the common room
- kitchen small appliances (like blender or waffle maker) – doesn’t have to be new
- simple art and craft supplies like markers, drawing pads, tape, colored pencils
SOUP KITCHEN MINSITRY ORGANIZER(S) NEEDED – BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 23
We are in need of someone new (or a few new people) to step into the organizer role for this ministry! The church office takes care of announcements and recruiting volunteers to help. The organizer(s) do the shopping and oversee the cooking, serving and cleaning up. We are responsible for the 4th Saturday of the odd months of the year. There is a clear plan and menu to follow, which makes it quite doable. Please consider whether this is something you could do, or could help with even part of the time, and talk with Pastor Tonya!
SALTHAWK COMMUNITY SUPPORT announcements
Donations of Chapstick and deodorant are always needed. You can place these and other toiletries, along with any teenage appropriate clothing/shoes (a recent specific request was hoodies) in the basket at church or drop off directly at Trinity United Methodist Church. Financial donations for ongoing program costs are also invited throughout the year.
The Hawks Nest at HMS-8 is currently looking for the following items in preparation for next year:
- Board games, art supplies, card games
- Moon chairs/bean bag chairs, Big Joe Chairs, floor chairs/giant pillows
- Xbox 360 games (age appropriate)
- Wii games (age appropriate)
- Ping Pong Accessories, as they have a ping pong/air hockey table
You can message Kylie Campbell on the Salthawk Community Support Facebook page if you need items picked up, or call her at (620) 474-5563.
Anabaptist World . . . FMC’s group subscription at greatly reduced price
This magazine – 16 issues per year – is an independent publication giving voice to the faith and ministry of anabaptists around the world. Every issue is full of news and stories that inform and challenge our perspectives and help us to see God at work in the world. The special group subscription rate of $39.00 per year is available. Please complete the blue half-sheet form (available on the table in the foyer) and submit with your $39.00 payment by August 22. Make checks payable to First Mennonite Church and write AW group subscription in the memo. Issues are sent directly to your home address. If you have questions, please see Pauline in the church office.
MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES (mfc)
The mfc annual community worship service is planned for Sunday, August 6 at 6:30pm. This year also marks mfc’s 50th anniversary. This outdoor service brings together the community of churches that support mfc in a time of worship and fellowship. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy worship and the ice cream social to follow. This event is held on the east side of the main building near the independent living entrance.
HUTCHINSON REFUGEE PROJECT – DONATIONS NEEDED!!
This pilot program is dedicated to growing the workforce in Hutchinson while creating a caring, supportive community for refugees who are starting new lives in the United States. A group from FMC has formed and been trained to walk with a refugee family and we are close to being ready to receive a family! That means we need to start gathering items to furnish a home. Please watch your email for more details about the donations that are needed! Questions about home furnishing needs can be directed to Hilda Iwashige and/or Pastor Tonya.
BETHEL COLLEGE announcements
The 2023 issue of the Bethel College journal Mennonite Life is now live at ml.bethelks.edu and includes a poem by Cheryl Denise and prose poems by Abigail Carl-Klassen; a sermon by Sheri Hostetler; Brad Gregory’s Menno Simons Lectures from 2022; articles by Johnny Wideman and Nathan Garber; and reviews by Ben Woodward-Breckbill, Hannah Neufeld, Willmar Harder, Brad Born, Josue Coy Dick, Daniel Shank Cruz, Rachel Waltner Goossen, Joe Smucker, Kimberly Schmidt and Melanie Springer Mock.
CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements
The Camp Sing will be August 5 at Hope Mennonite Church in Wichita. This is a time to celebrate a summer of faith formation and camp songs! All ages, campers and others–everyone is invited! Details will be forthcoming. Put it on your calendar so you don’t miss out.
The Women & Girls Retreat will be September 9 & 10 at Camp Mennoscah sponsored by Western District Women in Mission. The theme this year is “Women Talking, Listening and Creating.” Come for a time of friendship, fellowship, and story-telling in a variety of forms with Tammy Duvanel Unruh, Wendy Funk Schrag and others. Watch for details and registration information on the WDC website and this newsletter. Follow us on Facebook: Western District Women in Mission.
Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. (The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations.) Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!
PRISONER CARE KITS for men in HUTCHINSON CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
MCC Central States is partnering with OVM to distribute prisoner care kits to indigent men at Hutchinson (KS) Correctional Facility. Donations of basic hygiene and clothing are welcome for these kits to help MCC share God’s love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by reminding people that their needs are not forgotten. Please be mindful of these specific requests:
- Deodorant (minimum 2.25 oz.)
- Bottle of lotion (maximum 2 oz.)
- Toothpaste (minimum 6 oz.)
- Bar of soap (minimum 4 oz.)
- Pair of white underwear (briefs) – men’s L or XL
- Pair of white crew socks – men’s L or XL
- White crewneck undershirt – men’s L or XL
Thank you for your generous donations of toiletries. Donations of the clothing items would help us complete the kits. A basket in the foyer is designated for your donations. The list is also posted there. Deadline to donate items is August 6.
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE announcements
Colorado Peaches are coming! The Palisade peaches on the Western Slope are supposed to be a good crop this year thanks to the moisture during the winter and spring. Please email patsydirksen@mcc.org to place your peach order from July 24-August 5. Two sizes are available: 10 lbs. for $30 and 18 lbs. for $41. Checks should be made payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “Peaches” in the memo line and payment (cash/check only) is due by August 5 to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th St.). Peaches will be available for pickup from the MCC Material Resources Center on Monday, August 21. This is a fundraiser for the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale held in Rocky Ford, Colorado October 20-21.
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 onesies and sleepers (3-12 month sizes); notebooks (70 sheets) and black or blue ballpoint pens. 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 316.283.2720. A full list of MCC kit contents can be found at mcc.org/kits.
SWISS MENNONITE CULTURAL and HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
RESCHEDULED: Plowing with Horses and Vintage Tractors on Saturday, July 29, 2023, just west of Moundridge Museum, 8:30-2:00. Again concessions by Gospel Mennonite. We tasted their homemade ice cream and that really makes a trip to Moundridge double worthwhile. Come and see.
–Kathy Goering for 150th steering committee