Table of Contents
A beautiful thing happened during the prelude this past Sunday. The music was of course a gift. Along with it, in our pew, a real-life parable of ‘give and you shall receive’ was unfolding. Little Alex had been sharing a cup full of gummy bears with many people, accompanied by an expression of sheer joy and delight on his face as he handed those gummy bears out, one by one. As we sat in the pew with Alex and his great-grandpa, and the prelude started, Alex gave the last gummy bear away to Bryan in the pew in front of us. When Alex realized it was the last gummy bear, you could see the look of dismay pass over his face. He hadn’t saved any for himself. In that moment, Bryan (who I don’t think realized he’d received Alex’s last gummy bear), turned around and handed Alex a thin mint. I wish you all could have seen Alex’s face light up! He pumped his arm and said “YES!” And those of us in the pew couldn’t help rejoice with him (with apologies to Pauline and others if we were a distraction to the prelude!).
In the prayer Jesus taught us there is a line where we pray that we will be given our daily bread … that we’ll receive each day what we need to not just survive, but thrive. Little Alex (and Bryan!) were both doing their part on Sunday to model the joy of both receiving and giving that satisfies our hunger – both physical hunger and the hunger to connect with and support each other. The prayer below expands on this line of the prayer and invites us to consider it more deeply:
Lord,
We are such hungry people.
Give us this day our daily bread.
We hunger for food,
for acceptance,
for love.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Lord, we hunger for mercy and truth,
for righteousness,
and simplicity of heart.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Lord, we hunger for forgiveness,
for enlightenment,
for holy vision,
for peace.
Give us this day our daily bread.
We hunger in hope …
for the needy,
for the downtrodden and forgotten,
for the weak,
for ourselves.
Lord,
We are such a hungry people.
Give us this day our daily bread.
(from the book Becoming Jesus’ Prayer, Palmer, McCalmont, Milford)
NOTE: The church office will be closed on Tuesday, July 4. Our next THIS WEEK will post on July 11.
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 as COVID-19 numbers and other illness spike, 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 2 – PEACE WITHIN – Peace of Heart & Mind
Prayer Brings Peace
Phil 4:4-9
- Preacher: Tonya Ramer Wenger
- Worship Leader: Calvin Buller
- Children’s Time: Julie Goering
- Scripture Reader: Cheryl Warkentin
- Pianist: Peggy Stucky
- Song Leader: TBD
- Ushers: Russ Wedel & Diane Ziemer
- Nursery Attendant: TBA
- Sound Tech: Earl Ediger
- Live Stream Tech: Jonathan Wenger
SUNDAY, JULY 9 – PEACE WITH OTHERS
- Preacher: Katerina Gea, Pastor at Wild Church in Fresno CA and Organizer with the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery
- Worship Leader: Michaela Esau
- Children’s Time: Michaela Esau
- Scripture Reader: DeAnna Goering
- Organist: Pauline Buller
- Song Leader: TBD
- Ushers: Cheryl Warkentin & Marlene Thode
- Nursery Attendant: Russell & Julie Goering
- Sound Tech: Adam Pounds
- 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
- June 28 – Congregational Ministry Team @ 6:30pm
- June 29 – LPC (Listening-Prayer-Conversation) Group @ 6:30pm
- July 3-8 – MC USA convention in Kansas City, with delegate sessions July 7-8
- July 8-10 – FMC hosts the Annual Meeting of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery
- July 15 – Lola Beth Ediger memorial service @ 2:00PM
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 evening LPC group will meet: Thursday June 29 @ 6:30pm and Wednesday August 9 @ 6:30pm
- The afternoon group meets Tuesday June 27 and Tuesday August 8, both @ 1:00pm.
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 2 Peace Within: Peace of Heart and Mind (Philippians 4:4-9) Praying brings peace
- July 9 Peace With Others — Guest Preacher: Katerina Gea from the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery; Worship Leader & Children’s Time: Michaela Esau
- July 16 Peace With Others: Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25:19-34; 27;32:1-12; 33:1-17) Peacemakers forgive
- July 23 Peace With Others: Isaac and His Neighbors (Genesis 26:12-33) Peacemakers sometimes walk away from conflict
- July 30 Peace With Others: Abigail and David (1 Samuel 25:1-35) Peacemakers act creatively to prevent violence
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
- July 16 and 23
- 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 June 7 and 14)
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 (or 5th) 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)
Pastor Tonya will be attending the Mennonite Church USA convention in Kansas City July 3-8.
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)
CONGREGATION CALLS PASTOR TONYA TO ANOTHER 5 YEARS OF MINISTRY
On June 4, the congregation voted unanimously to call Pastor Tonya for another 5-year term at FMC. She has accepted the call, which officially begins in August. Thank you for your prayers for Pastor Tonya and for us as a congregation as we continue to minister to each other and to our community together.
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.
ALL CHURCH POTLUCK – JULY 9, 2023 WITH GUESTS & SHARING FROM MICHAELA ESAU!
Plan to bring a generous potluck dish (we will have 37 guests from the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery with us!!!) to share on Sunday July 9. During the potluck we will also have opportunity to hear from Michaela Esau about her year in Tucson AZ serving with Mennonite Voluntary Service. We are also looking for people to volunteer to help in the kitchen that morning: receiving potluck food before worship, setting up for potluck beginning at 11:00am, and then clean up.
DELEGATES NEEDED FOR WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE ASSEMBLY IN AUGUST!
We are still looking for delegates from our congregation to attend Western District Conference Assembly, which will be held at Tabor Mennonite Church, rural Newton August 11-13. Contact Jennalee Boggs if you are interested. As a reminder, FMC delegates to MC USA Delegate Assembly in July will be Delon Martens, Pastor Tonya, and Micah Wenger (youth delegate).
CRAFT NIGHT @ FMC
Craft night is July 10, 6:30-8:00pm in the church Fellowship Hall. Bring your project – knitting, crocheting, other crafts – and enjoy this time of friendship and ministry together. Any questions . . . contact Cheryl Warkentin or Diane Ziemer
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.
STAY STRONG, STAY HEALTHY
Health and fitness together help us maintain a better quality of life. A healthy body also enables us to carry on the church and community activities that are meaningful to us and provide service to others. Check out the new 8-week exercise program starting on August 1. The class meets twice a week at 10:00am. Details are posted on the bulletin board or call the church office for more information. This program is sponsored by the K-State Extension service.
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.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP HOST THE COALITION TO DISMANTLE THE DOCTRINE OF DISCOVERY JULY 7-10, 2023
Hospitality Hosts and Kitchen Helpers are needed to help us host the annual meeting of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery. Guests will arrive Friday evening and their meetings will take place Saturday morning and afternoon, Sunday afternoon, Monday morning and afternoon. A public event will take place in our sanctuary on Saturday evening (see announcement directly below for more details about that).
If you can help in the kitchen with prep, serving and clean up during one or more of the meals listed below, please let Pastor Tonya know ASAP:
Saturday Lunch, Saturday Dinner, Sunday Potluck Lunch, Monday Lunch
Also let her know if you would be willing to be present in the building as Hospitality Host (welcome people, keep coffee/tea stocked, answer questions, unlock doors, etc.) during these timeframes:
Saturday morning (8am-12:30pm); Saturday afternoon (12:30-3:30pm)
Monday morning (8am-12:30pm); Monday afternoon (12:30-4:00pm)
COALITION to DISMANTLE THE DOCTRINE OF DISCOVERY movie showing at FMC July 8
The Custodians: A Story of Ancient Echoes is a film exploring the work of local landowners, volunteers and municipal government of Herschel, Saskatchewan, in protecting and conserving the many signs of historic Indigenous presence in the region. The film showing is scheduled for Saturday, July 8, at 6:30pm, at FMC and is part of FMC’s hosting of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery meetings. The evening will also include a conversation with panelists Mark Charles and Jonathan Neufeld, and a book signing with Mark Charles, author of Unsettling Truths.
SOUP KITCHEN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES SATURDAY JULY 22
Our next opportunity to serve at the Soup Kitchen is Saturday July 22. Our usual organizers will be gone, so we will need MORE VOLUNTEERS THAN USUAL! Sign up at church or contact Pastor Tonya or the church office!
- Provide donations of applesauce or green salad.
- 2:00-3:30pm – Help prepare food at the Soup Kitchen.
- 4:00-5:30pm – Take a home delivery route (there are 3 routes that need covered).
- 4:45-6:00pm – Help serve the meal at the soup kitchen and clean up.
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.
HUTCHINSON REFUGEE PROJECT
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 number of people from FMC have committed to be part of a support group of 6-10 people to walk with a refugee family. Check out www.hutchinsonrefugeeproject.com. If you are interested in getting involved talk to Joel Iwashige. Training (5 hours) through International Rescue Foundation is now available virtually, and is required for all who are involved.
CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements
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. A basket in the foyer is designated for your donations. See the list there.
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE announcements
Tell the young adults in your life! MCC is organizing two Peace Camps this year for those ages 18-30 who are hungry to connect, root themselves in intentional, theological reflection and apply that to the real-world work of peace and justice in their communities. The registration cost is $200 and all other expenses are covered, including travel, lodging and food! July 23-28: Peacebuilders Training in Colorado Springs, CO. Oct. 15-20: Descolonizando la construcción de paz | Decolonizing Peace training in Puerto Rico in Spanish. Information and registration can be found at https://mcc.org/peace-camps.
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.
WESTERN DISTRICT STAFF POSITIONS OPEN
Fund Development Coordinator: quarter-time beginning July 2023 to cultivate donor relationships and congregational giving, promote planned giving, and generate creative fundraising initiatives. Qualifications include communication, fund-raising and development skills. Info here: https://mennowdc.org/employment/. Please submit application and letter of interest to heidirk@mennowdc.org.
MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE opportunity
The Kansas MDS (Mennonite Disaster Service) Unit is sponsoring a Learning and Service trip to Red Lake MN. August 18-26, 2023. Participants will leave on Friday traveling to Minneapolis MN., staying two nights, learning about Native American culture, eating at Owamni Native American restaurant and learning about long term recovery from disasters. Your cost will be three nights lodging and meals on the days we travel. MDS is covering the transportation, meals and lodging while on the MDS project in Red Lake MN. We will be replacing siding, windows and doors with MDS from Monday through Friday. To make your reservations or for more information contact Wayne Stucky at wstucky@cox.net 785-554-8756 or Cleo Koop at cleohkoop@gmail.com or call 316-282-0797.
SWISS MENNONITE CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION – PLOWING BEE
150 Years since our ancestors came to the USA. 1874-2024. Glen Goering and his Ag Committee have invited horse and plow owners to show us how plowing was done, on Saturday, July 15, at a 22-acre field west of the Moundridge Museum, 8:30-2:00. Concessions will be available from Gospel Mennonite and a tent for shade. You might bring a lawn chair. The Museum will also be open. Some of you will remember the annual Plowing Bee and the one at the 125th celebration. Some of you have never seen horses working the field. Come out and see it on Saturday, July 15. The main celebration will be on August 22-25, 2024 at Eden Mennonite Church in rural Moundridge Kansas.