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This hymn text, written by George Croly (England, 1867), creates a perfect bridge for us between our Pentecost celebration last Sunday and the beginning of our next worship/sermon series on 1 John next Sunday. I invite you to use this text as a prayer this week, continuing to open yourself to the movement of God’s Spirit within you, and to the love of God the Spirit pours into our hearts (Romans 5:5) and calls us to share with God, neighbor, and self. May our hearts indeed be an altar, and the love of God through the Spirit, the flame!
“Spirit of God! Descend upon my heart.
Wean it from earth, through all its pulses move.
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as thou art,
and make me love thee as I ought to love.
I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,
no sudden rending of the veil of clay,
no angel visitant, no opening skies,
but take the dimness of my soul away.
Hast thou not bid us love thee, Holy One?
All, all thine own: soul, heart, and strength, and mind.
I see thy cross – there call my heart to run.
Oh, let me seek thee, and oh, let me find!
Teach me to feel that thou art always nigh.
Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear,
to check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh;
teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.
Teach me to love thee as thine angels love,
one holy passion filling all my frame;
the baptism of the heav’n descended dove,
my heart an altar, and thy love the flame.”
—Pastor Tonya
NOTE: Our next THIS WEEK will post on June 4.
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, MAY 26, 2024 – OVERVIEW of 1 JOHN SERIES
Led by the Spirit of Christ, we are brought into fellowship and love for one another and God. This first Sunday of our new worship/sermon series exploring 1 John will offer an overview of what’s ahead.
1 John 1:1-5
- Preacher: Pastor Jim Unruh
- Worship Leader: Joel Iwashige
- Song Leader: Bryan Kehr
- Children’s Time: TBA
- Scripture Reader: Jon Miller
- Organist: Pauline Buller
- Ushers: Glenda & Rick Hooper
- Nursery Attendant: no attendant this Sunday
- Sound Tech: Murray Reimer
- Live Stream Tech: Jay Gehring
SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2024 – TO WALK IN THE LIGHT IS TO LOVE
1 John 1:5-2:11
“The ones who say they are in harmony with the Great Spirit must walk in the footsteps of Creator Sets Free (Jesus). This is how we know we are living in harmony with him.” (1 John 2:5-6 First Nations Version) As we continue our 1 John series, we’ll explore together the way of Jesus which leads not to hate, but to illuminating love.
- Preacher: Pastor Tonya Ramer Wenger
- Worship Leader: Delon Martens
- Song Leader: TBA
- Children’s Time: Diane Ziemer
- Scripture Reader: TBA
- Pianist: Peggy Stucky
- Ushers: Susan Combs & Joretta Martens
- Nursery Attendant: Russell & Julie Goering
- 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.
CALENDAR – LOOKING AHEAD
- May 23-28 – Pastor Tonya gone on vacation
- May 25 – FMC serves at the Soup Kitchen
- May 26 – New Worship Series exploring 1 John begins. No Sunday School
- June 2 – Mennonite Friendship Communities Community Worship Service (6:30pm)
- June 9 – Color Green, Gospel/Bluegrass ensemble, will share their music in our worship service
- June 9 – 6:30pm Ice Cream Social @ FMC
- June 15-16 – FMC’s Camp Mennoscah Weekend – Sunday Worship @ Camp (no livestream)
- June 30 – Potluck after Worship – bring a dish to share + your own table service
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 Tuesday June 11 at 1:00pm
- The Wednesday evening group next meeting is at 6:30 on Wednesday, June 12
SUMMER 2024 SUNDAY SCHOOL
Summer Sunday School will be offered twice a month during the summer months, following this schedule:
- June 9 and 23
- July 7 and 21
- August 4 and 18
Classes will be offered for preschool-3rd grade, 4th-7th grade, 8th-12th grade. The younger groups will be
using the Shine curriculum that follows the Peace With Creation Peace Path in The Peace Table (Bible Story book). Additionally, Circle of Grace curriculum will be covered with each class, led by Tanya Martin Nisly and Jonathan Wenger.
- Preschool-3rd grade – meet in the basement classrooms
- 4th-7th grade – meet upstairs in Jr Youth room
- 8th-12th grade meet upstairs in Sr Youth room
The Adult Discussion Class will meet June 9 and 23 and then take a break for the rest of the summer.
Plans for the other adult classes are still in process – stay tuned!
JUNE 9 Color Green – Local Bluegrass/Gospel Group
Color Green will share their music with us in our morning worship service. Members are Doug Yoder, Jim Shimel, Nate Hershberger, Susan Parker Edwards and Jackie Parker Beaver. Invite a friend or neighbor to join us for this time of worship in music and message.
SUMMER WORSHIP @ FMC
You have heard it said, “You shall love your God and love your neighbor as yourself.” Sounds so simple, doesn’t it? 1 John reminds us that it is that simple and that messy when we try to practice Jesus’ summary of the commandments. We will spend time in 1 John in the simplicity and the mess. This series begins May 26 and will end July 7 (with a break for Camp Mennoscah Sunday on June 16).
Following the 1 John series we’ll begin a series called “Quest: The Awakened Traveler”, adapted and expanded from a resource created by Worship Design Studio. These scriptures/themes will invite reflection and storytelling around travels (physical, spiritual, etc.) we have taken. Be watching for some invitations for sharing stories. This series will take us through the first Sunday of September.
UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines
- UPPER ROOM – May through June – is available above the mailboxes.
- Rejoice! – June through August – is available above the mailboxes.
STRENGTHENING Community Connections…
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
- Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am – 2:00pm
- Wednesday 10:00am – 1:00pm
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)
Upcoming “Day Apart with God” dates (for silence, reading, prayer & journaling – will NOT be checking email or responding to texts/calls (except for emergencies). Pastor Tonya’s next day apart is June 26.
Upcoming Vacation: May 23-28, 2024
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 June 30-July 2.
A more extended chunk of sabbatical time will be taken this summer: June 30-July 4 (for retreat) + July 23-August 9.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE FUND DONATIONS REQUESTED
The fund we use to provide internal congregational support to individuals or families during times of crisis has been depleted. If you are able to make a donation to this fund, please designate your donation as “Congregational Care Fund.” Thank you!!
NEW SUMMER BOOK STUDY – BEGINS WED JUNE 12
A new book study is beginning, meeting the second Wednesdays of June, July and August. The book we’ll be reading and discussing is: Love Without Limits: Jesus’ Radical Vision for Love with No Exceptions by Jacqueline A. Bussie. Come early for finger-food snacks (bring a snack to share!) at 12:30pm, or join us for the book study at 1:00pm. We meet in the Common Grounds room. All are welcome to participate. If you need help getting a book, let Pastor Tonya know. A Zoom option is available with advance planning!
MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES COMMUNITY WORSHIP – June 2
Annual Community Worship – Sunday, June 2 at 6:30 pm worship service followed by the ice cream social! Bring your own chair, if you like. An offering will be received.
ICE CREAM SOCIAL AT FMC – JUNE 9 @ 6:30PM
The Faithful Community Coordination Team (Joretta Martens, Mary Wade, Hilda Iwashige) invite everyone to participate in an ice cream social on Sunday evening, JUNE 9. Gather with church friends new and old to strengthen relationships and enjoy ice cream and other treats! If you can bring a canister of homemade ice cream, please let someone on the Faithful Community team know. Everyone else is invited to bring finger foods to share, and also an ice cream topping if you’d like!
FMC WEEKEND @ CAMP MENNOSCAH – JUNE 15 & 15, 2024
SATURDAY JUNE 15
- 4:00pm Arrive at camp (or anytime after 4)
- 5:30pm Dinner coordinated with those who sign up to attend
- 7:00-8:00pm (tentative) Swimming pool open
Additional activities available: walking trails, canoeing, river play (bring separate clothes/shoes for the river), frisbee golf, conversation. Bring games and snacks to share. Sleep in cabins (no electricity) or your own tent; bathhouses close by. Bring your own bedding, flashlights, bug spray, etc.
SUNDAY JUNE 16
Those who stay overnight will coordinate a shared breakfast.
- 10:00am WORSHIP
- 11:15-12:15 SWIMMING or fellowship time!
- 12:30pm LUNCH (main dish provided, bring a salad or dessert to share)
- 1:30pm CLEAN UP and DEPART BY 2:00pm
*Sign up in the foyer if you plan to attend any portion of the weekend. If you need transportation for Sunday morning or would be able to provide transportation, please note that on the signup sheet.
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:
May: Pancake mix & syrup (June: Crackers)
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.
SUPPORT FOR LightHouse . . . MENTORING
If you are interested in exploring this opportunity to serve as a mentor for a youth at LightHouse, please talk with Pastor Jim.
FMC SERVES AT THE SOUP KITCHEN
Thank you to all who have volunteered to serve the meal at the Soup Kitchen on May 25. The schedule is filled for this month. Your help is greatly appreciated.
ANABAPTIST COMMUNITY BIBLE now available for preorders!
Celebrate 500 years of Anabaptism with the Anabaptist Community Bible. This study Bible features commentary from 60 Anabaptist scholars, biblical insights from 16th-century Anabaptists, and marginal notes from nearly 600 study groups from Anabaptists around the globe. Perhaps you will remember that FMC participants in WNAF in spring 2023 engaged with assigned scripture passages and responded to the challenge to provide insights for this new volume. The Anabaptist Community Bible uses the Common English Bible (CEB) translation. The volume is available in leather, soft touch or hard cover binding. Click here and scroll down to view the options and to place an order… https://rb.gy/gacw7p
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE announcements
Soft Plastic Recycling is now available at MCC! We invite you to start a new habit of recycling all soft plastics (plastic bags, bread bags, any plastic packaging that you can stretch) at MCC Central States in North Newton! This is a NEW and ONGOING recycling project. Plastics must be clean, dry and free of food waste. A basket under the table in the foyer is designated to receive your recyclables. You may also bring your soft plastic recycling to MCC any time, placing them in the marked bin outside the warehouse. Once at MCC, the plastic is baled into 1000 pound bales. These bales are then sold to the TREX company. They melt down the plastic and use it in making their deck boards. Questions, please contact duaneunruh@mcc.org.
MCC’s Sharing With Appalachian People (SWAP) home repair program is seeking summer staff in Kimball, West Virginia or Elkhorn City, Kentucky. These three-month positions for Job Site Coordinators and Meals Coordinators will allow you to explore new cultures, develop skills, build friendships and live out your faith. Applicants should be at least 19 years old, but the roles are not limited to young adults. An hourly wage plus room and board are provided. For more information and to apply, visit mcc.org/swap-summer-meals or mcc.org/swap-summer-job-site. Or contact the MCC Appalachia SWAP office at (606) 634-4418 or AppalachiaAdmin@mcc.org.
CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements
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.
MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE . . . cabinet shop open house plus music and more!
The churches of Western District Conference, MCUSA, are invited to the dedication and celebration of the new Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Cabinet Shop and Warehouse. The event will be held on Sunday, June 9th at 604 E. Main Street, Goessel, Kansas from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free.
During the celebration, we will offer tours of the cabinet shop and warehouse, and an opportunity to learn more about this innovative MDS initiative to draft and distribute kitchen cabinets to be installed in MDS volunteer-built homes across the U.S. We have already distributed cabinets to more than 75 homes.
The celebration will also feature a fundraising concert by September River, a family band featuring Jude and Doug Krehbiel and daughter Stefanie (Krehbiel) Giffin. The band incorporates elements of bluegrass, gospel, blues, acoustic rock, Irish, and folk music. The concert will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Additionally, the MDS Storm Encounter will also be on hand for those who want to experience a simulated tornado—then see how MDS volunteers respond to bring hope to communities impacted by disaster.
MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE (MDS) monthly newsletter – May edition of On the Level is now available. In this issue, Kevin King introduces you to some of our national partners, learn how MDS is helping those who help the homeless in Selma, Alabama, and take a look at the volunteer opportunities for this summer and fall. Click on this link to read more:https://conta.cc/4akQLBQ
BETHEL COLLEGE announcements
Sat., June 1 – An outdoor trifecta! 6 a.m.-8 p.m., the public is invited to Walk Sand Creek Trail Day, part of National Trails Day®. Water will be available for people and leashed dogs at the trailhead at Memorial Grove on the Bethel College campus, courtesy of the Sand Creek Trail Committee, with members there to answer any questions about the trail. 7 a.m., Kauffman Museum monthly bird walk, led by experienced local birders; 9 a.m., Kauffman Museum-sponsored wildflower walk with Brad Guhr of Dyck Arboretum in Hesston. The bird walk begins at the kiosk in the museum parking lot at the corner of North Main and 27th streets in North Newton, the wildflower walk begins at the museum, and both walks will follow part of Sand Creek Trail.
Enrollment is open for Uncle Carl’s Camp at Kauffman Museum at Bethel College. Half-day camps are offered in art, history and nature for kids ages 4-18. New this year is Creative Writing Camp for students finishing grades 7-12, with instructor Lydia Chappell Deckert. The writing camp starts June 3, so sign up soon! Go to www.kauffmanmuseum.org/uncle-carls-camp/ for more information about this and other camps with space still available, and to register online.
NEW BEGINNINGS needs socks!
New beginnings offers transitional housing, shelter and transitional employment services for folks right here in our community. AND New Beginnings needs socks – clean, new socks! Please drop off your donations at 400 West 2nd Avenue, Suite C in Hutchinson.
EVERENCE© resources for financial planning
Everence® May workshop: Make Medicare an Easy Step
Everence will hold its popular Medicare workshop at its office in North Newton on Tuesday, May 28 at 6:30 p.m. Topics will include, when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare covers, plus an explanation of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare. 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.
Budgeting for the unexpected webinar: You never know when a financial emergency will happen – don’t let surprises derail your financial plans. Discover practical strategies to safeguard your finances against unforeseen expenses. On May 23 at 2 p.m. ET, Steve Bustos, Everence Stewardship Consultant, and Kim Miller, Partner Relationship Specialist for LSS, will present a webinar called “Budgeting for the Unexpected.” Register at everence.com/partners. Click here for more information, share this flyer.
Teaching children faith and finance: Teaching lessons of stewardship can start young and in the home! Everence and Financial Choice are here to provide resources and encouragement on your parenting journey. Read more here.
HESSTON COLLEGE announcements
June 16 to 22 – Summer Theatre Camp
Student actors ages 11 to 18 are invited to stage a live theatre performance at Hesston College’s annual summer theatre camp June 16 to 22. The weeklong theatre immersion will culminate in a public performance of the musical “Mean Girls” at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 22, in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary on the Hesston College campus. Theatre camp registration is $335 per person and includes lodging and meals for seven days and six nights, or $285 for day camp only. A discount is available for families registering more than one student. Participants can visit hesston.edu/theatrecamp to register online. Registration is due June 10.
MENNONITE IMMIGRATION TO CENTRAL KANSAS 150th ANNIVERSARY . . . events
Binding and setting up shocks of the Turkey Red Hard Winter Wheat planted last fall, starting at 2:00 p.m. June 1st at our wheat field just West of Moundridge Museum, weather permitting. Last July and September, we saw horses and vintage tractors plow the field and plant the wheat. Now a binder pulled by horses and old tractors will cut it. You may even have an opportunity to get hot and dirty picking up straw bundles in the field and experience building wheat shocks like our ancestors did. And have K3 Creamery homemade ice cream, too.