Table of Contents
“Open my ears, Lord, to hear You speaking through other people. Open my eyes, Lord, to see you working in other people. Open my heart, Lord, to receive Your help from other people today.”
(Lectio 365 Morning Devotion May 10, 2022)
One way we hear the voice of God and experience the presence of God is through other people. This past Sunday during the sermon I invited sharing about times when we believe we saw God at work, or when we saw the ‘footprints’ of Jesus on this earth and in our lives. Many of my stories would definitely include people who helped me see the face of God more clearly: teachers, pastors, friends, and even strangers. One day a number of years ago when I was working at Metro Coffee here in Hutch, a perfect stranger came up to me and spoke words of encouragement that were a true gift to my soul that day. He told me his words were rooted in a strong feeling from God that I needed to hear them. And he was right. I don’t remember his exact words, but I remember the gift of his willingness to speak a word of hope and encouragement to a stranger.
“Open my ears, Lord, to hear You speaking through other people. Open my eyes, Lord, to see you working in other people. Open my heart, Lord, to receive Your help from other people today.”
(Lectio 365 Morning Devotion May 10, 2022)
Pastor Tonya
SUNDAY MORNING Worship In Person & Live Stream @ 9:30am
The link for Sunday morning worship (as well as archives of past worship services) is found on our website: www.hutchfmc.org! Join at 9:25am to see the announcements!
FELLOWSHIP TIME is back with coffee/tea/juice between Worship and Sunday School!!
A signup sheet is posted for you to sign up to host this social time.
SUNDAY, MAY 15: Terms of Resurrection: Paul’s Conversion
Acts 9:1-19a; (Matthew 6:24)
- Preacher: Tonya Ramer Wenger
- Worship Leader & Scripture Reader: Delon Martens
- Children’s Time: Lona Willems
- Pianist: Shelley Kauffman
- Ushers: Cheryl Warkentin & Marlene Thode
- Nursery attendant: Russell & Julie Goering
- Sound Tech: Earl Ediger & Allen Yoder
- Live Stream Tech: Jay Gehring
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES MEET @ 11:00am – EXCEPT ON 5TH SUNDAYS when there is no Sunday School!!
SHARING JOYS & CONCERNS
During each worship service, you are invited to text your prayer joys and concerns – usually to Pastor Tonya. You are also welcome 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 (beginning around 9:25) and after the worship service. 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 by Thursday each week.
CALENDAR – LOOKING AHEAD
- May 12 – Pastor Congregation Relations Committee (PCRC) – 5:00pm
- May 19 – Congregational Ministry Team (CMT) – 3:00pm
- May 24 – Faith Formation Coordination Team – 4:00pm
- May 25 – Meal @ 5:45, conversation @ 6:30 on MC USA “Repentance and Transformation Resolution”
- May 28 – FMC serves at Soup Kitchen
- May 29 – No Sunday School – stay for an extended Fellowship Time!!
FMC CENTENNIAL . . . LightHouse Giving Opportunity
The good news that we have to share with you is that we have reached our LightHouse fundraising goal of $22,000! To date, the total raised is $24,200. (As of 5/3/22 the total is $26,350). The Centennial Committee really believes that this speaks to the tremendous generosity of you all and we would like to thank you for your gifts. The $22,000 will be used for construction costs and furnishings for the apartments. But we are not finished! More dollars are needed for ongoing maintenance needs, so your donations are still very much appreciated from now until October and beyond.
Here is a brief construction update that we received from Interfaith Housing Services. Exterior siding has been installed, a concrete parking lot has been poured and the ramp addition for the ADA apartment has been completed on the south side. Currently, plumbers are installing pipes and fire blocking and floor underlayment are being installed. In the coming weeks, the sprinkler system, the electrical rough-in and the HVAC system will be installed. After that comes the drywall installation, along with taping, mudding and texturing. In the final stages, they will be looking for volunteers for painting, trim work, cabinet installation, floor work, etc. Hopefully we can help with some of that work at some point in the future. Interfaith’s goal is to have the building finished by sometime this fall or winter.
As for the furnishings, Interfaith is looking to secure special pricing to purchase new items so that the apartments can be more or less identical with each other. These furnishings will include beds, side tables, dressers, sofas, tables, chairs, microwaves, stoves and refrigerators. There will be two shared laundry rooms for the eight apartments. Welcome baskets for the residents will include a variety of kitchen utensils, towels, sheets, bathroom and laundry cleaning supplies.
The LightHouse tenant leases, the residents’ handbook and case management procedures are all in the process of being drafted.
LightHouse aims to provide young people with safe, stable, temporary housing, with supportive connections and with access to resources for long-term success. Thank you again for your support in empowering young people in our community!
DEEPENING in Christ…
EASTER SEASON WORSHIP – TERMS OF RESURRECTION
Our Easter Season worship will once again draw on worship resources provided by Worship-Well on the theme “Terms of Resurrection.” The authors write: “… In Jesus’ rising, death was unseated as the end of existence, the owner of the last word, and the hardest wall of absolute certainty. The empty tomb bears witness to a new truth. Now we live in a different world with different rules. Now we stand up. No longer bound by the limited laws dictated by death, we can live according to the terms of resurrection. We speak and sing and see the world with the language and lenses of this deep and destabilizing power that God has revealed in the risen Jesus.”
Upcoming Worship:
MAY 15 – Terms of Resurrection: PAUL’S CONVERSION (Acts 9:1-19a) Pastor Tonya preaching
Recognition and Thanks for FMC Sunday School Teachers
MAY 22 – Terms of Resurrection: PAUL & SILAS (Acts 16:16-34) Pastor Jim preaching.
Recognition of High School Graduates & Blessing for High School & College Graduates
MAY 29 – Terms of Resurrection: PAUL IN ATHENS (Acts 17:16-31)
JUNE 5 – Terms of Resurrection: PENTECOST (Acts 2:1-11; Philippians 4:4-7) – tentatively outside on the church parking lot. Pastor Tonya preaching.
“I HAVE SEEN THE LORD!” – A CALL FOR STORIES SHARED DURING THE EASTER SEASON (MAY)
The first words out of Mary Magdalene’s mouth, fresh from the garden where the Risen Christ appeared to her, were: “I have seen the Lord!” Where have you ‘seen the Lord’ in the garden of your life? When have you realized, even just for a moment, you are not alone but rather accompanied by a presence and life much greater than you? Can you recall a time when you expected nothing, and instead received a surprising sign or gift of renewed life? When instead of seeing emptiness, you saw angels? God draws near to us in many different ways, and we would love to hear your story in worship sometime during May. If you’d be interested in sharing a story during worship, please let Pastor Tonya know ASAP (tonya@hutchfmc.org) to schedule a Sunday. And if you are uncomfortable reading your story yourself, we can arrange for someone else to read it on your behalf. Thank you for considering this invitation!!
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 Tuesdays (ZOOM) and Thursdays (in person @ FMC) from 12:30-1:30pm. If you’d like to learn more, contact Pastor Tonya.
SUNDAY SCHOOL @ 11:00am (NO SUNDAY SCHOOL on 5th SUNDAYS!)CHILDREN & YOUTH: Becoming Disciples (SHINE Curriculum from MennoMedia)
- PreK-Kindergarten (basement, room 3 – or outside)
- 1st-5th grade (basement, rooms 1-2 – or outside)
- 6th– 7th grade (all the way upstairs in the Jr Youth room – or outside)
- 8th -12th grade (all the way upstairs in the Sr Youth room)
ADULTS:
Younger Adults Class – meeting in the basement adult Sunday School Room
Adult Bible Study/Discussion – meeting in the basement fellowship hall. This group is using The Bible Project’s Reflections Bible Study to guide study and conversation, which includes a short video on a Biblical theme, topic, or book. Check it out here: https://bibleproject.com/bible-studies/reflections/ and feel free to watch the videos during the week if you choose in preparation for shared discussion.
Adult Bible Study using Salt & Light – meets from 11:00-11:45am in the Prayer Room (right beside the elevator in the basement).
Reminder: No Sunday School on the 5th Sundays of the month!!
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Sunday School will be offered for children (preschool-5th grade) on the SECOND and FOURTH Sundays during the summer from 11:00-Noon. The Younger Adults Class will meet at the same time as the children.
- June 12 and 26
- July 10 and 24
- August 14 and 28
The two Adult Bible Study groups will take a break during the summer and begin again in the fall when weekly Sunday School for all ages will also resume.
UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines
REJOICE! and UPPER ROOM . . . new issues are available above the mailboxes. Please let us know if you would like a copy mailed to you.
STRENGTHENING Community Connections…
NEW DATE!! MAY 25 –MORE DISCUSSION ABOUT the MC USA ‘REPENTANCE & TRANSFORMATION’ RESOLUTION to be considered at the delegate assembly May 27-30.
As requested at our April 20 dinner and discussion, we are scheduling another Wednesday evening to spend more time considering the Resolution for Repentance and Transformation coming to MC USA delegates at a special delegate session the end of May. Links are below for the resolution and accompanying webinar (which is well worth watching and considering).
A Resolution for Repentance and Transformation
Watch webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWN8iSrD54s
Join us on May 25 for the meal at 5:45 and the conversation at 6:30pm.
CAMP MENNOSCAH YOUTH CAMP registration is open!!!
Check out the website and register online here! FMC offers half tuition for each child attending camp. https://www.campmennoscah.org/vnews/display.v/SEC/Programs%7CSummer%20Youth%20Camps The adventure of the unknown is before us! We do not know exactly what to expect for the 2022 summer, but once again we will build on the Rock and play in the sand. While we continue to hope for a summer with minimal restrictions, the pandemic may change by June and camp guidelines will change with it. Campers and staff may be asked to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test and/or wear masks when indoors.
FMC WEEKEND @ CAMP MENNOSCAH (June 19)
Thanks for your donations to help pay for our church’s weekend at camp the third weekend in June! Those interested in staying overnight on Saturday June 18 in cabins are welcome to do so (will need to plan/provide your own food for Saturday evening and breakfast Sunday morning – there is a kitchen available). Sunday morning will include worship and lunch (please watch for more information about lunch details!!!). The cost for this event is not covered by our general budget, but is instead funded by donations from the congregation each year. Additional contributions are appreciated – checks in the offering designated for FMC Sunday at Camp. We appreciate your generosity in supporting Camp Mennoscah through our ongoing rental commitment, and in supporting the opportunity for those who wish to spend time together at Camp that weekend!
PCRC (Pastor Congregation Relations Committee) MEETS THURSDAY MAY 12
Members are Dohn Fast, Jolene Yoder and Peggy Stucky. Contact any of them if you have feedback (concerns or affirmations) about any aspect of the relationship between Pastor Tonya and the congregation.
FMC YOUNG ADULTS PARTICIPATING IN MISSION NETWORK SERVICE PROGRAMS (FALL 2022)
This fall both Michaela Esau and Micah Wenger are participating in Mennonite Mission Network voluntary service programs. Michaela will be with Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) in Tucson AZ. Micah will be with Service Adventure in Colorado Springs, CO. We are asked as a congregation to provide various kinds of support for Michaela and Micah, including prayer and financial support. Each are asked to raise $4000 to help cover the costs of participation. If you would like to donate to either Michaela or Micah (or both!), you can:
- send a check to the church (note in the memo line who the donation is for),
- send a check to Mennonite Mission Network (718 N Main Street, Newton, KS 67114 … for Michaela put MVS and her name in the memo line; for Micah put SA and his name)
- or donate on their personal fundraising pages:
Micah https://igfn.us/vf/SAColorado/MicahWenger
Michaela https://igfn.us/vf/MVSTucson/MichaelaEsau
NEW!!! 2022 FMC DIRECTORIES . . . pick up your copy in the foyer.
If you would like an electronic version, please let the church office know.
BEAUTIFUL SALT CITY PODCAST
A future story tells us what we want (vision), why we want it (values), and how we will create it (resources). Our own Pastor Jim Unruh talks with people in our community to learn their life stories and to dream together for a future story for our beautiful salt city. Find it here: https://hutchfmc.org/beautiful-salt-city-podcast/. While new episodes are not being added right now, this is your chance to catch up on previous conversations!
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
- Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am – 2:00pm
- Wednesday 10am-1pm
PASTOR TONYA’S HOURS/SCHEDULE
- Monday: Sabbath Day
- Tuesday-Friday: generally working 9:00am-5:30pm
- 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)
REMINDER: If you are last one out of the church building, be SURE the doors lock behind you when you leave. Go out, watch the doors latch, give both door handles a tug, and make sure they are locked! Thank you.
STRETCHING to Serve as Christ Served…
CHURCH PLANTING COMMISSION of Western District Conference conversation
The Church Planting Commission invites us to join a Zoom conversation on May 11 @11:00am-12:00pm to consider how we can share our faith stories with our neighbors.
1) How can we begin to have meaningful conversations with our neighbors?
2) How do we talk about our experiences with Jesus?
3) What unique perspectives might our faith community have to share?
4) After sharing the story, how can we invite others into the story?
Pastor Tonya provides leadership in this commission. This is a good way of hearing voices across our area conference and share ideas with others. Join the conversation with the following Zoom link on May 11th: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84792614360?pwd=V050eTluY2dzcFpmbUQyRjhEWHN4QT09
MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE (MDS) response to Andover tornado
The Kansas Mennonite Disaster Service Unit is responding to the recent Andover tornado. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Cleo Koop, Kansas Unit Chair at cleo.koop@gmail.com or 316-282-0797.
SOUP KITCHEN MINISTRY – MAY 28
Sign up at church or contact the church office if you are able to help with our turn to serve at the Soup Kitchen. We have enough applesauce but could use lettuce salad donations. Volunteers are needed to help cook (2:00-3:30pm), cover the delivery routes (4:00pm-done), and serve (4:45-6:00pm). Thank you!!
“EARTH MATTERS” ECUMENICAL WORKING GROUP
Pastor Tonya has been part of the formation of a new ecumenical working group in Hutchinson growing out of a shared concern for God’s earth and a desire to do what we can to help preserve and care for the little section of the earth we’ve been gifted with here in Reno County. The group has settled on the name “Earth Matters” and this mission statement: “To inspire, educate, and network with neighboring congregations and community organizations to respectfully and responsibly care for God’s gift of Creation.”
Still in formation stage the group is working on their own education alongside deciding on an action to promote to inspire and care for creation in Reno County. The desire is to have at least two representatives from each group and so the invitation is open to any of you out there who might want to join this group in its work moving forward. Meetings, right now, are Tuesday afternoons from 1:30-3:00pm. Please talk to Pastor Tonya if interested or you just want to learn more.
SUNDAY MORNING DONATIONS FOR RENO COUNTY FOOD BANK – ITEM OF THE MONTH FOR MAY
DURING THE MONTH OF MAY we invite your donations of pancake mix and syrup!!
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, tooth paste and tooth brushes. Travel size – new & unopened – are desirable.
WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE announcement
WDC annual assembly will be July 29-31! We invite WDC delegates, friends, and their families to gather with us at Camp Copass, Denton, TX. There will be lots of time for recreation for all ages, as well as sharing around tables about faith issues in our conference, congregations, and in our lives. Join us! More details coming soon.
CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements
Camp needs to prepare for groups using the dining hall and other main camp buildings this spring. Help is needed to make these spaces welcoming and ready for fellowship. We can work with your schedule, including evening and weekend hours. Tasks include basic cleaning, washing cookware and dishes and moving tables. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org
Other happenings at Camp Mennoscah:
- ‘Tis the Season for Mowers and String Trimmers! Camp Mennoscah is looking for people to help us keep the campgrounds trimmed and looking neat. Let us know when you would be able to mow or string trim! Call 620-297-3290 or email office@campmennoscah.org –we’ll get you scheduled!
- Camp is looking for people willing to provide a “main course” for meals during the week of staff orientation. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.
EVERENCE retirement income workshop
The retirement income workshop (Tuesday, June 7 at 6:30 p.m.) will cover, Social Security strategies including when to begin taking benefits, strategies to help your income last throughout retirement, and risks that can impact your retirement savings. The in-person workshop will be held at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton. Those interested in attending should contact the Everence office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (MCC) announcements
Welcoming newcomers and addressing the trauma of migration Stressors and trauma-producing events abound in the migration experience. Join Saulo Padilla, MCC U.S. Immigration Education Coordinator and Elaine Zook Barge, a trauma and resilience educator and consultant, on Tuesday May 10 at 1 PM CDT, for this migration and trauma webinar. Come and learn how trauma and resilience-informed individuals, churches and communities can be better equipped to ensure the overall wellbeing of newcomers and their receiving community. Register here.
Take action today! Around the world, MCC partners are experiencing the negative impacts of climate change, including natural disasters and unpredictable seasonal rainfall which contribute to food insecurity, increased migration and conflict. Countries that have historically contributed the least to climate change often suffer its worst impacts. Ask Congress to invest in global resilience to climate change.
Make your voice heard! Join MCC in urging President Biden to pursue peaceful solutions in Ukraine. MCC asks the United States government to continue considering approaches that do not rely on military intervention or military support. Engage with your elected officials on this topic and many others through MCC today!
Join the MCC Central States team! Please contact krystalklaassen@mcc.org with any questions.
Young Adult Program Coordinator – Plan, facilitate and recruit for young adult programming in the MCC Central States region. This includes the International Volunteer Exchange Program (IVEP), Summer Service Worker (SSW) program, the Serving and Learning Together (SALT) program, Seed, and other expanding opportunities for young adults to join with the work of MCC. Check out all the details and apply today!
Material Resources Center (MRC) Volunteer Coordinator – The MRC in North Newton, Kansas hosts volunteers of all ages working together to support the mission of MCC. Primarily, the part time Volunteer Coordinator will welcome, host, educate, assist and supervise the daily volunteers as well as receive donations in the MRC. Please visit mcc.org/get-involved/serve/openings for more information and to apply.
MCC response in Ukraine: MCC continues to be in communication with our program partners, many of whom have reduced capacity because of the conflict. Currently, partners are responding in some regions as they are able with supplies they can secure. This includes distributing food, blankets, medications and fuel as well as other emergency supplies. The changing situations in the various cities and regions in Ukraine where there is conflict makes this work difficult and at times dangerous. MCC will continue to determine how it can support short-term needs. However, MCC’s strength continues to be mid and long-term disaster response and we are working to formulate these plans for Ukraine. MCC has been working in Ukraine for 100 years and we will continue to serve in Ukraine long after the crisis disappears from the news cycle. Donate today to support these efforts at mcc.org/ukraine
RENO COUNTY COTTONWOOD COMPLEX . . . community response
The most tangible way to help the fire victims in our community is through financial gifts. Checks and/or cash need to be directed to United Way of Reno County, note VOAD Fire Fund in the memo. Funds and/or gift cards can be dropped off or mailed to: United Way of Reno County, 924 North Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501
Donations can also be made online at: United Way of Reno County |
HESSTON COLLEGE announcements
The Hesston College Chorale is preparing for their European concert tour and will perform a send-off concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 13 at Hesston Mennonite Church. A free-will offering will be taken.
BETHEL COLLEGE announcements
Bethel’s Summer Camp Registration is now open!
Summer Science Institute (high school age) and Kauffman Museum Uncle Carl’s Camps
Sat., May 14 – Spring choral concert, including pre-Europe tour program by the Bethel College Concert Choir, 4 p.m., Memorial Hall. Please note that this is a change in date and time from some previously printed sources.