Table of Contents
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain,
and entered not into glory before he was crucified:
Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross,
may find it none other than the way of life and peace,
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. AMEN
(Hour by Hour. Friday Morning Prayers, pg 87-88)
NOTES:
- Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 10.
- This post covers announcements for the next two weeks. Watch for a new post on March 19.
WINTER HEALTH ADVISORY
Welcome to the annual “sickly” season! It comes around every year but that doesn’t mean we should be complacent because even the common cold can be deadly. You can become severely ill with an array of bugs other than COVID. So protect yourself by following best health practices such as washing hands frequently, avoiding crowds or wearing masks, staying up-to-date with vaccinations, and staying home if not feeling well.
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, MARCH 10, 2024 – FORMED, FILLED & SENT (FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT)
End of Age
Son of Man, you encouraged your followers to obey only your voice, and promised that they would see your glorious presence. Show us your glory and teach us to obey. Amen.
Mark 13:1-8, 24-37; (Psalm 102:12-17)
- Preacher: Jim Unruh
- Worship Leader: Stephanie Gehring
- Children’s Time: DeAnna Goering
- Scripture Reader: Marlene Thode
- Organist: Pauline Buller
- Ushers: Rick & Glenda Hooper
- Nursery Attendant: Hilda Iwashige
- Sound Tech: Adam Pounds
- Live Stream Tech: Jay Gehring
SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2024 – FORMED, FILLED & SENT (FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT)
Great Commandment
Lord of love, you have taught us that love is your greatest commandment. Teach us to love as unconditionally as you love us. Amen.
Mark 12:28-44; (Psalm 89:1-4)
- Preacher: Anita Kehr
- Worship Leader: Carol Moore
- Children’s Time: Ama Reimer
- Scripture Reader: Cheryl Warkentin
- Pianist: Peggy Stucky
- Ushers: Rick & Glenda Hooper
- Nursery Attendant: Cindy Kroeker
- Sound Tech: Earl Ediger
- 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.
EASTER LILIES in honor of /in memory of a loved one
If you would like to remember someone this Easter, please complete the order form to purchase a lily and place it in the offering box in the sanctuary with payment of $10.00 per plant (checks made out to FMC). Order forms are on the table in the foyer. Each plant comes in a 6” pot with a bow. Deadline for orders is March 13. The church will bring them to the sanctuary for Easter morning. You take home the lily (lilies) you purchased.
OUR GOAL HAS BEEN MET FOR SOLAR PANELS & UPDATING FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
We’ve surpassed our goal of $4000 (by $50)!! Thank you for your generosity and support. At our 2023 Annual Meeting the congregation voted to pursue installation of solar panels to provide part of our building’s electricity usage, to update our fire alarm system, and to install magnetic door openers on the internal fire doors. Funding for all three of these projects will be through the Wedel Fund, the use of which requires 10% of the cost be raised in advance.
CALENDAR – LOOKING AHEAD
- March 6-13 – Pastor Tonya out of the office
- March 13 – Choir (5:30pm) and WNAF activities
- March 14 – LPC Group at 6:30pm (Listening-Prayer-Conversation)
- March 19 – LPC Group at 1:00pm
- March 20 – Faith Formation Coordination Team @ 4:30pm
- March 22 – Singing Group @ Wenger’s (potluck at 6:00pm, singing at 7:00pm)
- March 25-30 – Holy Week with Stations of the Cross and Maundy Thursday Meal/Worship (at 6:30pm)
- March 31 – Easter Worship begins at 9am with an Easter Breakfast Potluck; 10am Worship in the sanctuary
- April 7 – Western District Conference Listening Team during the Sunday School hour (everyone invited!)
- April 12-13 – Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale
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 next meeting is at 1:00pm on Tuesday, March 19
- The Wednesday evening group meets 6:30pm on THURSDAY, MARCH 14
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR EVERYONE
CHILDREN’S CLASSES: Living the Good News (Shine curriculum from MennoMedia)
- Preschool-3rd grade – meet in the basement classrooms
- 4th-6th grade – meet upstairs in Jr Youth room
SENIOR YOUTH (8th-12th grade) meet upstairs in Sr Youth room
DURING LENT: COMBINED ADULT CLASS in Fellowship Hall: MESSIAH Study
Calvin Buller is leading us in a study of the Passion/Easter parts of G. F. Handel’s MESSIAH. We will explore the music and the scriptures behind the lyrics. This 6-week series ends March 24.
And, the YOUNGER ADULTS CLASS meeting in the library. For more details, talk with Maggie or Adam Pounds.
LENT 2024: Formed, Filled & Sent: Encountering Jesus in the Gospel, at the Table, & on the Road
This year our Lenten journey will explore how we are formed, filled and sent as we encounter Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, at the Lord’s Table, and on the Road of our daily discipleship journey. The 40 days of Lent offer many opportunities to encounter Jesus:
… in the Gospel (good news!) stories, alongside the disciples and all kinds of other characters
… at the Lord’s Table, where we believe the Risen Christ is revealed in the breaking of the bread
… and on the Road, as we encounter Jesus in our ordinary lives, growing as disciples here and now
Unique to this year’s Lenten worship experience will be the invitation to come to the Lord’s Table each of the Sundays of Lent and on Maundy Thursday.
EASTER: March 31, 2024
9:00am Easter worship begins in the fellowship hall around tables (plan to be seated by 9am) for a brief Easter Morning Prayer and communion feast as we share a Breakfast Potluck (bring a dish to share & your own table service).
10:00am We’ll transition to the sanctuary for our regular worship service, including filling the cross with flowers. (There will be no Sunday School that day.)
FMC LIBRARY . . . LOTS OF GOOD READS!
The winter chill will be hanging around for a bit longer, so now’s the time to check out the great reads in our church library, including the books on the north window ledge, shared by Pastor Tonya. Listen to what contemporary authors are saying about questions and issues relevant to faithful witness in our world today. In addition to the books Pastor Tonya is sharing, the library has acquired many new books. Come . . . relax . . . find inspiration . . . take comfort . . . and be challenged to faithful Christian witness. There’s a book for every reader right here in our library!!
UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines
UPPER ROOM is available above the mailboxes. If you would like a copy of REJOICE! please let the church office know so we can replenish our supply. 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 March 6 or March 13)
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)
Pastor Tonya is out of the office March 6 through March 13.
Upcoming “Day Apart with God” dates (for silence, reading, prayer & journaling – will NOT be checking email or responding to texts/calls (except for emergencies). Typically this is the 4th Wednesday of the month. The next date is: Wednesday March 27 (8am-5pm)
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 10-13 (back in office on March 14). In addition, she has scheduled some vacation time prior to this retreat to visit family in Ohio (leaving Wednesday March 6).
A more extended chunk of sabbatical time will be taken in the summer of 2024: June 30-July 4 (for retreat) + July 23-August 9.
NEXT SINGING GROUP – FRIDAY MARCH 22 @ WENGER’S
Potluck begins at 6:00pm (bring a dish to share!). Informal hymn sing from Voices Together (and other songbooks as we are inspired!) will begin around 7:00pm. Additional instruments are welcome (piano provided!). In April, we’ll gather Friday April 19 (6:00 potluck, 7:00 singing).
WNAF (WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT FIRST) SERIES BEGINS FEBRUARY 28
Join us for a 4-session series on Wednesday evenings (Feb 28, March 6, 13, and 20):
- 5:30-6:30 Choir Rehearsal in the sanctuary (also on March 27!)
- 6:00-7:00 Meal Served (donations welcome to cover expenses)
- 7:00-8:00 Adult Program and Children’s Activities
The adult program will be led by Pastor Tonya and Pastor Jim, on the theme: Centered on Jesus & Connected in Community – Rooting Ourselves in a Better Jesus Story. We will explore practical themes raised by Mark D. Baker in his book Centered-Set Church: Discipleship and Community Without Judgmentalism. Contact the church office for the zoom link if you’d like to join remotely. Upcoming sessions:
- March 6 – What are the qualities of Jesus-Centered character? (Pastor Jim)
- March 13 – How do we ask Jesus-Centered curious questions? (Pastor Jim & Pastor Tonya)
- March 20 – Moving forward, how do we engage in Jesus-Centered peacemaking?
(Pastor Tonya & Pastor Jim)
The children’s activities will be led by Martha Miller, on the theme “Kids Can Know the Way.” Thank you to those who have volunteered to assist Martha with the children’s activities.
CRAFT NIGHT @ FMC on Monday, March 11, 2024
Craft Night is on Monday, March 11, 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 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:
March: Canned vegetables, especially green beans
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.
OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE AT THE SOUP KITCHEN – SATURDAY MARCH 23!
Check out the signup sheets for serving at the Soup Kitchen. New opportunities are available! Volunteers are needed for food preparation (2-3:30pm), meal delivery (4-5:30pm), and serving and clean up (4:45- 6:00pm). Food donations of applesauce and cookies are appreciated. The signup sheets to volunteer and to donate food are across from the mailboxes. Many volunteers are needed!
MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES announcements
Tree Planting Extravaganza – Mennonite Friendship Communities has 100 trees to plant and we need your help! The trees will arrive on campus on March 13 so we will plant them March 14 and 15. If you can help for two hours or two days, we would welcome your help. Contact Susan Nisly at 620-663-7175 or SNisly@MennoFriend.com for more information or to sign up to help.
Thank you to all who came out and supported the Liverwurst & Fried Mush supper. We served over 650 people and raised over $30,000. We are so grateful to have such a caring and supporting community.
SUPPORT FOR LightHouse . . . MENTORING
We are calling on you to consider the opportunity to make a difference with our eight young adults who are living at the LightHouse. We are excited to partner with Life Launch out of Tulsa, Oklahoma to provide a mentorship model to foster the healing power of safe, unpaid adult relationships for the LightHouse residents. Life Launch places 2-4 adults with one mentee to walk with them for a year. Mentees can be 18-24 years of age and currently residing at the LightHouse. Mentors will be asked to communicate with mentees weekly in a group text and hang out with their mentee for 3-8 hours a month. While you are a mentor, our team will walk with you throughout the year, continually coaching and training you as you build a relationship with your mentee. The goal of our program is for our mentees to be safe, secure and build a positive relationship. If you are interested in exploring this opportunity, please talk with Pastor Jim.
CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements
We hear Spring Break will be a popular time to volunteer. Space is limited–schedule now! Work continues on the Retreat Center project, which includes replacing the heating/cooling system and fixing other deficiencies. Volunteers are needed every week day (M-F). Work will start at 9am and end at 5pm. Half days are fine. Bring your own lunch and water bottle, please, and meet at the Retreat Center. Park off the edge of the road to the south of the building. Camp Mennoscah will provide tools needed. Space heaters will be used, but temperatures inside may be around 50 degrees. Camp can provide overnight housing and a kitchen in most situations, if you want to volunteer more than one day. Please let us know you are coming so we can be prepared. Contact us at 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. Thank you to the many volunteers who have already helped!
Registration for 2024 Summer Youth Camps is open! The theme for the summer is Linked By Love and looks at how God’s love teaches us about faith and commitment. Register online!
Scholarship funds are needed for summer youth camps. Just as facilities are an important part of Camp Mennoscah’s ministry, so are campers. There are campers who are unable to come to camp without assistance. Give to the Scholarship Fund or Scholarship Endowment to help more campers learn about Christ while in God’s creation. Mark your donation with the fund/endowment you prefer. The Scholarship Endowment will give up to two full scholarships a year, depending on earnings. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290 for more information.
Nurses, head cooks, kitchen staff and maintenance volunteers are needed for every week of camp. The summer camps range from 3 to 6 days and begin June 9. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org if you are interested.
Spring Cleaning at Camp Mennoscah sponsored by Western District Women in Mission (WDWM) will be held on Saturday, March 23 from 10 am – 4 p.m. Come for part or all of the time. Women, men, kids, youth groups, Sunday school groups are all invited. If children younger than high school attend, they need to be supervised by their parents (no child care or children’s activities will be provided). Projects will include cleaning staff houses, shower houses, cabins, t-shirt inventory, and other jobs. Dress warm, bring a full water bottle, $5 to cover the cost of lunch (pizza), and the following cleaning supplies if you have them: rakes, long handled brooms for cobweb reaching. Other cleaning supplies will be provided. To register send an e-mail by March 18 to westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com. Space is capped at this event to manage the jobs, so don’t delay in registering. Thanks!
The application for 2024 Summer Staff at Camp Mennoscah is open! Summer staff must be 18 years old or older. The staff leadership positions receiving stipends are naturalist, crafts leader, lifeguard, grounds/maintenance, music leader, and office/media. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. The 2024 summer camp season begins June 2 with orientation for summer-long positions and ends August 4. We can’t wait to hear from you!
OFFENDER/VICTIM MINISTRIES seeking M-2 volunteers
Want to visit someone in prison? OVM (Offender/Victim Ministries) has been visiting inmates at Hutchinson Correctional Facility for 50 years, and we are looking for new volunteers. M-2 is a visitation program for inmates with few outside visits; volunteers are paired with an inmate and visit one evening a month for conversation and encouragement. Apply for M-2 at www.ovmks.org/m2 and mark your calendar for one of the upcoming volunteer trainings: March 18, May 20, or July 15, 12:30-4pm. Contact Kenzie Brister to learn more (prison@ovmks.org or 316-281-4721).
MENNONITE MISSION NETWORK (MMN) gratitude for FMC’s contribution
Thank you for joining Mennonite Mission Network through your generous donation of $2.530.50 in 2023. In the past year, we have partnered with 116 organizations and churches worldwide and have 78 workers and partners ministering in 45 countries. We are grateful for your continued commitment to our shared mission and look forward to updating you on the impact of your donations. Blessings to you as you continue to be a beacon of God’s light in your community and beyond. – Marisa Smucker, Executive Director, MMN
BETHEL COLLEGE announcements
Tues., March 5 – Bethel College Jazz, directed by Joel Boettger, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Thurs., March 7 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Fri., March 8 – Bethel College’s Faculty Lecture Series continues with Christine Crouse-Dick, professor of communication arts, and Peter Goerzen, assistant professor of Bible and religion, “Walking Toward Racial Healing: The Transformative Potential of Shared Stories, Empathy and Listening ,” 11 a.m., Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village
Sun., March 17 & Mon., March 18 – Hartzler Bible Lectures at Bethel College with César Garcia, general secretary of Mennonite World Conference, and Sandra Baez. Sunday: 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel; Monday: 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Now in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Transmutation Speculation: Fluid Nature,” works by Marguerite Perret, through March 22. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
Fri., March 22, Sat., March 23, Sun., March 24 – Spring play at Bethel College, Rancho Mirage by Steven Dietz, Fri. & Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m. matinee, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Friday evening performance interpreted for the d/Deaf community. Ticket purchase required (buy on campus weekdays at Thresher Shop; online at https://www.bethelks.edu/fine-arts/theater/theater-department-presents/; or at the door). NOTE: Adult content, not suitable for children.
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE announcements
Coats for Asylum Seekers in Brownsville . . . would you volunteer to help FMC collect coats?
MCC partner Team Brownsville welcomes your gently used winter coats and jackets! Team Brownsville seeks to share God’s love by welcoming asylum seekers, including providing them with warm coats. It’s as easy as collecting your gently used coats and jackets, boxing them up and shipping (up to) 70 lb./box to Team Brownsville – just follow the instructions at this link http://tinyurl.com/CoatsForBrownsville Spring clean your closets and help Team Brownsville prepare for next winter! Have questions? Please email the MCC Central States Immigration Team at centralstates@mcc.org and either Abraham Diaz Alonso or Becky Teiwes, will respond. Please talk with Pastor Tonya or call the church office if you could provide a box and help ship a box of coats from FMC.
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); bath towels (dark colored, light to medium weight); laundry soap (such as Fels Naptha or Zote brands); shampoo (20 oz min) and spiral notebooks (70 sheets). 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.
Interested in working with MCC, or know someone who is? MCC is hiring a Community Engagement Coordinator! The Community Engagement Coordinator, in North Newton, KS connects with local churches, individuals, and partners to educate on MCC material resources, programs, and events. Apply at the following link: Community Engagement Coordinator or find the job and other openings at mcc.org/careers.
KANSAS MENNONITE RELIEF SALE – April 12-13, 2024 announcements
QUILTER’S CORNER welcomes your donated QUILT-RELATED ITEMS – used/unused/unfinished. Please label clearly – QUILTER’S CORNER – and drop off at the MCC Center in North Newton or contact Julie Esau. Suggested items are finished/unfinished quilt tops or quilt blocks, old and damaged quilts, quilt supplies and tools, cloth sacks, quilt books and patterns, notions and cotton fabric.
WANTED—Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, RV’s, Campers, Tractors, Modern Farm Equipment, etc. for the KS MCC Sale. Items you no longer need can help Feed and Clothe Thousands in desperate living conditions. ALL donations are Tax Deductible. Call Jerry Toews for info: 620 367 8257. Help make a difference. – KMRSale Committee
MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE newsletter ON THE LEVEL
The February edition of On the Level is now available from Mennonite Disaster Service. In our current issue: Kevin King shares his insights on Jesus passion for sharing meals, learn how MDS volunteers are finding additional work along the Texas border, and find out why one woman says MDS is the light of Canada.
Click on this link to read more: https://conta.cc/49pNHoc
ANABAPTIST DISABILITIES NETWORK
Check out the most recent edition of Anabaptist Disabilities Network’s newsletter HERE! This edition includes articles about chronic illness, as well as an interesting reflection on disability, prayer and healing. You can also read a book review of: Dancing with Elephants: Mindfulness Training for those living with dementia, chronic illness, or an aging brain by Jarem Sawatzky.
MENNONITE IMMIGRATION TO CENTRAL KANSAS 150th ANNIVERSARY . . . area events in 2024
Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association will hold its annual meeting on March 10, 2024, at 2:30 at the Wellness Center at Pine Village in Moundridge, Kansas. Refreshments will follow the meeting.
“An insiders view of the 100 year celebration of the coming of the Swiss Mennonites to America” is the focus of the presentation to be given by Frank. Frank is a lifelong resident of Newton, Kansas. He is the middle son of Harley J Stucky and Ruby Stucky, formally of North Newton. Frank graduated from Newton high school and Bethel College where he played football and basketball and had double majors in history and English and a minor in political science. He spent time with MCC in the Congo before going to graduate school at the University of Kansas. He has been an active real estate broker for over 46 years. Frank enjoys golf, watching Bethel College sports, travel, and spending time with his six grandchildren. He is married to Kathy (Jackson) and has two sons and a daughter.
Commemorating 500 Years of Anabaptism in Zurich + Swiss Alps 9-Day Tour in May 2025. Tour sites: Lake Geneva, Murren – the Swiss mountain village accessed by cable car, and Mennonite heritage in Bern and the Emmental Valley. On May 29 we will join Anabaptists from around the world in Zurich in worship and celebration of the 500 Year beginning of Anabaptism. Details and registration coming soon. Preview the tour at www.tourwithweldon.com To join the “Interested List” contact Weldon Martens at weldon.martens@gmail.com / 402-202-9276.