Table of Contents
While they were talking about this [how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread], Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” … and he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.
(Luke 24:36, 41-42)
Jesus who breaks bread and eats fish in our presence,
you are here-with-us
in our fear, terror, doubts
and in our wondering … so much wondering!
You speak peace
and you show us your wounds
invite us to touch your flesh and bone body.
You are HERE, with us.
I am astounded by this impossible news,
catching a bit of how confounded,
disoriented, and yes, joyful
these disciples must have been.
How do you witness the impossible and then go back to ordinary life?
Perhaps it is in the breaking of bread
and eating fish, together, with you.
Show us yourself, Jesus, in our ordinary and daily meals
so that we can touch you, and wonder,
and be filled with your presence.
Thank you for standing – wounded and whole –
in our presence, always. AMEN
One of the practices I invite those participating in the monthly LPC (Listening, Prayer, Conversation) groups is writing a prayer in the form of a ‘collect.’ The movements of this prayer are as follows:
- Name of God…
- A little more about God … unfold the name further
- Name one desire or intention …
- Why? Why this desire or intention? What is your hope?
- A bit of gratitude … a ‘bird of praise’
Typically, the group is sent into a time of personal silent reflection after spending time listening to scripture. Writing a collect based on what is stirring in us in the scripture is one option for that time of quiet prayer. The prayer above is what emerged for me this past Wednesday evening, based on Luke 24:35-43. I’ve always loved the post-resurrection stories of Jesus because of how personal and specific they are … Jesus seems to have a way of meeting each of us where we most need to be met. May it be so also for you!!
Pastor Tonya
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, MAY 14 – HOPE OF RESURRECTION
We were buried with him by baptism into death, so that we might walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:1-14; Matt 6:24
Recognition of Graduates and Sunday School teachers
- Preacher: Pastor Tonya Ramer Wenger
- Worship Leader: Anita Kehr
- Children’s Time: Lona Willems
- Scripture Reader: Jean Gaeddert
- Organist: Pauline Buller
- Ushers: Glenda & Rick Hooper
- Nursery Attendant: Adam & Maggie Pounds
- Sound Tech: Earl Ediger
- Live Stream Tech: Jay Gehring
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
- May 18 – Faith Formation Coordination Team – 4:00pm
- May 20 – 2:00-4:00pm Come-and-Go reception in the fellowship hall for FMC’s graduates, Sadie Nisly, Elise Unruh, Magdalena Wenger. All are invited.
- May 21 – Recognition of our graduates and Sunday School teachers (in worship)
- May 24 – Congregational Ministry Team – 6:30pm
- May 27 – FMC serves at the Christian Soup Ministry
- June 1 – Congregational Ministry Team & Coordination Teams – 6:30pm
- June 4 – Congregational meeting – vote on extending Pastor Tonya’s call @ FMC. Everyone is invited to the meeting, which will also include a budget update and information about opportunities for our congregation. A potluck meal will follow the meeting. Please bring a dish to share and enjoy the fellowship.
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
Two monthly LPC (Listening-Prayer-Conversation) groups are offered each month. Summer dates will be posted here soon!!
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL @ 11:00AM (except for the 5th Sundays of the month)
Preschool-8th Grade: SHINE! Curriculum: Your Kingdom Come
- Preschool-Kindergarten (basement – rooms 1&2)
- 1st-5th (basement – rooms 5&6)
- 6th-8th (upstairs to the right)
Senior Youth: 9th-12th grade (upstairs to the left)
ADULT Sunday School:
- Bible Study using the Salt & Light study guide meets in the Prayer Room in the basement. Copies are available in the classroom.
- The Adult Discussion/Study class meeting in the fellowship hall and on Zoom (contact Pastor Tonya for the zoom link). Currently this class is viewing and discussing a webinar series titled “Beyond Incarceration: A hard look at dismantling the prison system and building healthy communities” offered by Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite Church USA. You can learn more and view the webinars yourself during the week at this link: Beyond Incarceration Webinar series
- “Younger Adults” Class meets in the adult education room in the basement.
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL
The spring Sunday School quarter will end on Sunday May 28. The Adult Bible Study and Discussion Class will take a break over the summer. Senior Youth plans are pending (stay tuned!). The “Younger Adults” will meet on the Sundays where class is also offered for children.
Using a curriculum exploring The Lord’s Prayer, Sunday School will be offered for preschool-6th grade two Sundays/month, as follows (pending securing Sunday School teachers – if you’d be willing to help, please contact Cheryl Warkentin):
- June 11 and 25
- July 9 and 23
- August 6 and 20
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 office hours this month on Wednesday, May 31)
PASTOR TONYA’S HOURS/SCHEDULE
- 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)
MAY ‘Day Apart’ will be taken on the 5th Wednesday (May 31)
DELEGATES FOR MENNOCON23 AND WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE ASSEMBLY
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. FMC delegates to MC USA in July will be Delon Martens, Pastor Tonya, and Micah Wenger (youth delegate).
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:
MAY: Pancake mix & 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.
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.
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 are exploring our involvement in creating 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. There is a two-part training coming up next week on Tuesday May 23 and Thursday May 25.
LIGHTHOUSE OPEN HOUSE – MAY 18
You are invited to The LightHouse Open House hosted by Interfaith Housing on May 18th from 4-6pm. The Lighthouse is located at 1005 North Washington in Hutchinson and we would love for you to come check it out! During the event, you’ll have the opportunity to tour the facility, meet our staff, and learn more about the services we offer. We’ll also have light refreshments available, and make sure you bring non-perishable food items to donate to The LightHouse food pantry. We hope to see you there!
FMC SERVES AT THE CHRISTIAN SOUP MINISTRY IN HUTCH ON MAY 27
Our church has made a commitment to serve at the Christian Soup Ministry on the 4th Saturday of every other month. Our next opportunity to serve is May 27. Help is needed to cook (starting around 2:00pm) to deliver meals around 4:00pm, and to serve the meal at 5:00pm. Donations of salad greens are also requested. Bring to the soup kitchen on the 27th. A signup sheet is posted below the “Sign Up” bulletin board in the church foyer. Questions? Contact Kevin Martin Nisly or Sadie Nisly.
MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES seeks applicants for three positions
Contact Stacey Frager – SFrager@MennoFriend.com
Payroll/Accounting Assistant. Looking for someone who is detail oriented and dependable.
Renovations/Maintenance person. This position mainly works in Independent Living apartments and duplexes. Experience preferred.
Certified Dietary Manager. This full-time position is tasked with providing residents with nutritionally balanced and cost-effective meals.
CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements
Summer Youth Camp Registration is now open! We welcome you to register here for the upcoming summer season! Detailed information about our Summer Youth Camps and our Program Directors can be found here, on the Camp Mennoscah website.
Nurse needed for a partial week, July 9-12, Junior High II Camp. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org
Custodial-housekeeping help is needed at Camp Mennoscah. This is a 10 hours per week position and is paid hourly. The work times are flexible, but must fit within the group and retreat scheduling, which varies from week to week. The position requires an application, references, and background check. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.
The next Work and Play Day is May 20! Tasks will include staining part of the playground structure in the cooler morning and then it’s time for (careful) destruction of the pipes of the old HVAC system in the Retreat Center. Eight or more people will make great progress possible. Bring a water bottle and meet at the maintenance shed at 8:30am. Camp will provide lunch. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 (landline) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.
Camp Mennoscah is looking for people to provide a “main course” for approx. 12 people during the week of May 29-June 2. Camp will provide the extras for the meal and staff do the meal prep as a team building exercise. If you would like to provide the full meal, wonderful! During this week, summer staff do training for Youth Development, the Staff Handbook, Reducing the Risk of Abuse, and more. This week prepares the staff to create great camp experiences for a summer of campers. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.
PRISONER CARE KITS for men in HUTCHINSON CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
The United States is home to about 4% of the world’s population[1] and almost 16% of its prisoners[2]. People of color in the U.S. are incarcerated at disproportionate rates.[3]
MCC Central States is working toward rectifying these imbalances and meeting the basic human needs of prisoners by offering a prisoner care kit. 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.
MCC is partnering with OVM to distribute prisoner care kits to indigent men at Hutchinson (KS) Correctional Facility. OVM Executive Director Todd Lehman explains, “In our current work at HCF, we routinely hear how much it means to the inmates simply to know that someone is thinking about them. The care kits will provide so much more for the indigent inmates than the products in the kit; the kits will be a tangible reminder that they are loved and that they matter.”
These are the items needed for kits. The greatest needs are deodorant, lotion, and toothpaste. Please limit your generosity to the items listed.
Prisoner care kit contents (new items only):
- 1 deodorant (minimum 2.25 oz.)
- 1 bottle of lotion (maximum 2 oz.)
- 1 tube of toothpaste (minimum 6 oz.)
- 1 bar of soap (minimum 4 oz.)
- 1 pair of white underwear (briefs)*
- 1 pair of white crew socks*
- 1 white crewneck undershirt*
*Clothing items are accepted in two sizes: men’s L and men’s XL. Please choose one of these sizes and purchase underwear, socks, and undershirt in the same size.
BETHEL COLLEGE announcements
Thurs.-Sat., May 18-20 – Pop-up exhibit, “Mennonites in East Germany,” Kauffman Museum (2801 N. Main St., North Newton 67117); hours are 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays, 1:30-4:30 p.m. weekends.
Sat., May 20 – Pastor Bernhard Thiessen from the University of Hamburg will speak on “Mennonite Peace Efforts Under Communist Observation,” 4 p.m. in the museum auditorium.
Sun., May 21 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program with Dr. Mary Dusenbury from the University of Kansas, “Of Wool & Silk: Textile Explorations in Central Asia,” 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. In conjunction with the current special exhibit “Reeds & Wool: Patterned Screens of Central Asia,” which closes May 28.
EVERENCE® to hold May 30 MEDICARE WEBINAR
Everence will hold an informative Medicare webinar on Tuesday, May 30, starting at 6:30 p.m. Topics will include, when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare does (and doesn’t) cover, Medicare Parts A, B, C and D in clear, understandable language plus budgeting for health care costs in retirement. There will also be time for your questions. Information will be presented by staff from the Everence offices in Central Kansas. To register contact Everence at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.