THIS WEEK @ FMC – May 18-24, 2022

Paying attention to where God is at work is a life-long, daily, practice.  The prayer of examen is one tool at our fingertips, functioning like a magnifying glass to help us examine our ordinary days for signs of God’s activity and potential re-arranging of our hearts/minds/lives.   

The prayer of examen is a traditional Christian practice of self-examination typically gone through at the end of the day as a way to both celebrate and grieve what the day has held.  For most of us our days are filled with events and moments bringing joy, causing gratitude to rise to the surface. And then there are the moments that didn’t go so well.  Perhaps we said something we now regret, we made a choice that harmed someone else or ourselves, or we failed in some way to love God and our neighbor as ourselves.  These moments rightly bring us to confession, seeking forgiveness and grace. 

 As I discussed in Sunday’s sermon, a practice of self-examination can be challenging to keep in a healthy place.  Marjorie J. Thompson, in her book Soul Feast, points out the potential for such a practice to be either superficial or an exercise in despair.  Thus, she reminds us of 2 truths to keep before us when engaging in self-examination: (1) God loves us – without condition.  (2) The reality of “our human weakness and brokenness in relation to God. We are creatures damaged by the disorientation of sin,” (84) which Thompson describes as being ‘off target,’ like an arrow going off course.  And so, we are dependent on God’s grace to bring us back on target. The bottom line is we can’t earn God’s love and neither can we achieve our own security and perfection. (from Chapter 6 in Marjorie J. Thompson’s book Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life. Westminster John Knox Press. 1995.)

With these truths in mind, we are ready to engage in a practice of self-examination, based on a practice created by Ben Campbell Johnson and included in Thompson’s book.  I’ve adapted his practice somewhat, and led you through it during the sermon on Sunday.  I’m also including it here for those who missed Sunday’s service (you can always head to our website www.hutchfmc.org and click on the link for the archive of Sunday morning worship – or just go to our YouTube channel to find the recording) and for those who would like it for future reference:

(based on a practice created by Ben Campbell Johnson and included in Soul Feast, page 94-95)

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 22:  Terms of Resurrection:  Paul and Silas

Acts 16:16-34; (Luke 6:18-19, 22-23)

Paul and Silas in prison at Philippi, jailor and his family are baptized

Recognition of high school graduates; blessing for high school & college grads

• Preacher: Jim Unruh
• Worship Leader & Scripture Reader: Heidi Unruh      
• Children’s Time: TBA
• Organist: Pauline Buller
• Ushers: Glenda & Rick Hooper
• Nursery attendant: Diane Ziemer
• Sound Tech: Murray Reimer
• Live Stream Tech: Sadie Nisly

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES MEET @ 11:00am – EXCEPT ON 5^TH 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 18 – Church Office CLOSED
• May 19 – Faithful Community Coordination Team – 1:30pm
• 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!!
• June 5 – Mennonite Friendship Communities Community Worship Service – 6:30pm (outdoors)

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 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 5^th SUNDAYS!)

CHILDREN & YOUTH: Becoming Disciples (SHINE Curriculum from MennoMedia)

• PreK-Kindergarten (basement, room 3 – or outside)
• 1^st-5^th grade (basement, rooms 1-2 – or outside)
• 6^th– 7^th grade (all the way upstairs in the Jr Youth room – or outside)
• 8^th -12^th 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 5^th Sundays of the month!!

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Sunday School will be offered for children (preschool-5^th 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.

SINGING GROUP @ WENGER’S ON FRIDAY MAY 20

Everyone is welcome to the first post-COVID singing group at the Wenger’s on Friday May 20.   Potluck dinner at 5:30pm following by informal singing at 6:30pm.  RSVP’s helpful, but not at all required!!  Please come if you can for all or part of the evening, even if it’s a last minute decision.   Contact Pastor Tonya (tonya@hutchfmc.org) for more details.

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!

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

2022 FMC DIRECTORIES . . . pick up your copy in the foyer.

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)

Pastor Tonya’s upcoming travel schedule:

• May 17-18 – vacation
• May 27-31 @ MC USA Special Delegate Session in Kansas City
• June 15-29 visiting Kallyne (Kelly) Silva in Brazil (our former MCC IVEP’er)
• June 30-July 11 in Indonesia at Mennonite World Conference

STRETCHING to Serve as Christ Served…

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!!

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. 

“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.

ANABAPTIST DISABILITIES NETWORK offers webinar

“Dementia and Congregational Care” – Thursday, June 16, 1 pm ET, noon CT, 10 am PT 

Dementia affects individuals, their family members and the congregation. Many times, we want to offer support but we do not know where to start. We often back off because we don’t want to do the wrong thing. This webinar will help you understand basics of dementia and learn how to reach out. We will offer communication tips and practical ways to stay connected. 

This webinar will be led by Heddie Sumner, RN, BSN, and co-hosted by Church of the Brethren Discipleship Ministries and Anabaptist Disabilities Network.  Visit our website to register and learn more at this link:
https://www.anabaptistdisabilitiesnetwork.org/Resources/Webinars/Pages/Dementia-and-Congregational-Care.aspx

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 is looking for people willing to provide a “main course” for meals during the week of staff orientation, June 5-11.  Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.

Work & Play Day on May 21!  Camp Mennoscah has projects to complete and plenty to prepare for the summer.  You are invited to join in fellowship and service!  Projects for all ages and weather are available.  Let us know you’re coming so we can be prepared for you!  Bring your lunch and a water bottle.  The day will start at 8:30 at the maintenance shed.  End your day with a leisurely kayak ride or stroll to the sandbar.  Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org to sign up.

Want to volunteer either before or after May 21?  Give us a call!  This week we’re working on mowing and the swimming pool!

‘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!

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.

MCC ACTION ALERT!   Since March 2020, using a Centers for Disease Control Title 42 order, the U.S. government has blocked and expelled people seeking protection at the southern border without allowing them to apply for asylum, as U.S. and international law requires. The Biden administration recently announced the termination of the Title 42 border closure order, effective May 23. Now, legislation has been proposed to expand and strengthen the Title 42 policy, disproportionately being used to expel Black migrants, deepening racial inequities inherent in our immigration system. Congress could vote on the bill in the next week or two. Contact your congressmen now, urging them to oppose effort to extend Title 42 border restrictions!

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.

Gardening for good: Creation care tips for your backyard and stories from Bolivia, May 26 at 7 pm CDT, 6 pm MDT. In this virtual visit, we’ll explore what it looks like to care for the planet––from our own backyards to remote Bolivian communities. Join us to learn gardening and conservation tips in your own garden, then travel south to hear incredible stories from MCC’s projects in Bolivia. Learn more and register at mcc.org/virtual-visits.

MCC Central States Offices in North Newton has several staff positions open.  Check this link for more information.  https://mcc.org/get-involved/serve/openings

BETHEL COLLEGE announcements

Bethel’s Summer Camps – Register is now!  Summer Science Institute; Kauffman Museum” Uncle Carl’s Camps.

Sun., May 22 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program, Dave Kreider, “Collecting for College and Community: Past, Present and Future,” 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium.