Table of Contents
a blessing for keeping your heart soft when everything is broken (by Kate Bowler)
Blessed are you who see it all now. The terrible, beautiful truth that our world, our lives seem irreparably broken. And you can’t unsee it. The hungry kid. The exhausted mom. The woman who wonders if any of this is worth it. The loneliness and despair.
Blessed are you who glimpse reality and don’t turn away. This kind of seeing comes at a steep cost, and it is a cost you may not have paid intentionally, but here you are. Seeing things clearly. Blessed are you who have worked hard to keep your heart soft. You who live with courage, fixing what is in your reach, praying about what is not, and loving, still.
May you experience deeper capacity and glimpses of hope, as you continue to see the world as it is. Terrible. Beautiful. Fragile.
** This blessing can be found in Kate Bowler’s book: Good Enough: 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection.
You might also enjoy Kate’s podcast (I do!): Everything Happens. Kate is also the author of Everything Happens For A Reason and Other Lies I’ve Loved, a book that emerged out of her experience of cancer. I find her frank honesty and willingness to look straight into what is uncomfortable and painful to be insightful and refreshing! She encourages us, as we read in the blessing above, to see things as they are in their fullness, and still keep our hearts soft with hope. May it be so in these days we are living.
—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. The bulletin can be found under the BULLETINS tab on our home page.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2024 – DO UNTO OTHERS: Week 4
Living Together on Uncommon Ground: Respect
I Corinthians 12:1-26
“R.E.S.P.E.C.T., find out what it means to me,” so sang Aretha Franklin. And she convinced us that it means a lot. Sometimes we think having respect means to
agree or be the same. But that is not actually the depth of what respect is about. It comes from the Latin respect us which means “the act of looking at one often, to consider, to observe.” We are called to respect by tending to one another–regarding each other, considering each other–early and often. As we live on uncommon ground (because the reality is that common ground is sometimes not possible), what can we do to keep tending to one another as “kin” worthy of respect despite our differences?
- Preacher: Robert Yutzy, Senior Associate for Congregational Ministries at KIPCOR
- Worship Leader: Pastor Tonya Ramer Wenger
- Song Leader: Bryan Kehr
- Children’s Time: Adam & Maggie Pounds
- Vocal Ensemble: Maggie Pounds, Hilda Iwashige & others
- Scripture Reader: Julie Goering
- Organist: Pauline Buller
- Ushers: Dennis & Jennalee Boggs
- Nursery Attendant: Fred & Mary Wade
- 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
- November 13 – Adult Choir rehearsals begin in preparation for Lessons & Carols service (Dec 15)
- November 13 – WNAF 6:00 dinner, 7:00 Delon & Joretta presentation on Bolivia & Children’s Choir
- November 16 – Singing Group @ Wenger’s (potluck at 5:30pm, singing beginning around 6:30pm)
- November 17 – Mission Festival with speaker during Sunday school, followed by potluck lunch
- December 1 – First Sunday of Advent
- December 8 – FMC Annual Meeting & Youth Fundraiser Silent Auction & Lunch
- December 15 – Lessons and Carols Sunday
- December 21 – (Saturday) Longest Night Service & Christmas Caroling
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, November 12 at 1:00pm
- The Wednesday evening group next meeting is at 6:30 on THURSDAY, November 14
SUNDAY SCHOOL – FALL QUARTER continues through November
Please join us for Sunday school this fall!
- Preschool through 4th grade meet in the basement Sunday School wing.
- 5th grade-8th grade meet upstairs in the Junior Youth room
- Senior Youth (9th-12th) meet upstairs in the Youth room
Adults:
- Salt & Light Bible Study meets in Adult SS room in the basement
- Connection & Conversation meets in the library
- Adult Discussion Class meets in the fellowship hall and can be joined via Zoom
Nov 17 Sunday School: Do we see the world as it is? Or as we are?
Our guest speaker, Robert Yutzy, will focus on how what we perceive feeds our assumptions and vice versa. We tend to see what we are looking for and miss things we are not looking for. What does this say about how we might view others? In 2 Cor. 5:16, Paul shows that it takes intentional effort to not view others with worldly standards. Robert will use a mix of lecture, powerpoint, and table participation. “I won’t put anyone on the spot.” We will look together at the importance of seeing others with Respect, Humility, and a Sense of Wonder.
CURRENT WORSHIP SERIES: DO UNTO OTHERS
Our world seems to be consumed with division–often typified in the colors red and blue. Rather than stay in our monochromatic silos, the Golden Rule in scripture challenges us to engage in conversation andseek to create whatever common good we can with our relatives, friends, and neighbors who we might consider to be on the “other side” politically and ideologically. As we attempt to come together, the idea is not that we are obliterating either one or trying to change each other, but rather we discover the beauty that can be created when we work together to make the world a better place. The “purple space” is where we cultivate kindness, compassion, humility, respect, and love for one another and for the good of all the world, no matter what. This series was created as a collaboration between Worship Design Studio and Resurrection, a United Methodist Church, for the 2024 Kindness Campaign, “Do Unto Others.” We’ll be adapting it for our use at First Mennonite as we make our way through and beyond the election season.
- November 17: Living Together on Uncommon Ground: Respect (1 Corinthians 12:1-26) MISSION FESTIVAL – Robert Yutzy from KIPCOR preaching (see below)
- November 25: Malice Toward None: Love (Matthew 22:34-40) Pastor Tonya preaching
MISSION FESTIVAL NOVEMBER 17!
Our fall Mission Festival speaker on Sunday November 17 will be Robert Yutzy, Senior Associate for Congregational Ministries at KIPCOR (The Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution). KIPCOR is “a regional institute affiliated with Bethel College (North Newton, KS), dedicated to resolving human conflict – both locally and globally – and promoting peace and social justice.” (kipcor.org) As is our practice, the offering that morning (unless otherwise designated) will go to support our guest organization, KIPCOR.
Plan to stay for a Sunday School session with Robert at 11:00am and a church potluck at Noon. Bring a dish or two to share! To extend our hospitality, please note these specific dietary needs: please label your dish if it includes an artificial sweetener of any kind, or if it is gluten free. Thank you!
WESTERN DISTRICT RESOURCE LIBRARY . . . new digital resources available
The WDC Resource Library is now providing the CloudLibrary app for ebooks and audiobooks. You can also stream Bible studies and kids videos through StudyGateway via their group subscription. You will need a WDC Resource Library card and you will find a library card request form through their online card catalog here. Learn more about accessing these resources at https://mennowdc.org/library/ or contact Jennie (the librarian) at crlib@mennowdc.org Check with the church office if you need assistance.
UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines
- UPPER ROOM – The November-December issue is available above the mailboxes.
- Rejoice! – December-February issue is now available
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 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). Next “Day Apart” is Wednesday November 27.
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 December 15-18.
LOST & FOUND BOX
A Lost & Found Box has been placed above the mailboxes. If you have left a small item behind, please check the box and claim it. Jackets will be hung on the coat rack by the drinking fountains.
FALL WNAF (WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT FIRST) CONTINUES THROUGH NOVEMBER 20
There are 2 more Wednesday nights for you to come to FMC for dinner, an adult program focused on various work/ministries of Mennonite Central Committee. Adult Choir begins THIS WEEK (Nov 13). Children’s Choir meets during the adult program.
WNAF EVENING SCHEDULE:
- 5:30-6:30pm Adult Choir (details below)
- 6:00-7:00pm Dinner served
- 7:00-8:00pm Adult Program
- 7:00-8:00pm Children’s Choir (and also Dec 4, 11, 18)
WNAF ADULT UPCOMING PROGRAM DETAILS (7-8pm):
- November 13–Delon & Joretta Martens will share of their MCC Learning Tour experience to Bolivia
- November 20–Delon & Joretta Martens will share of their MCC Learning Tour experience to Zambia and Malawi
ADULT CHOIR REHEARSALS begin November 13 @ 5:30pm
The choir will prepare music for the “Lessons and Carols” service on December 15. There will be four Wednesday rehearsals beginning on November 13 (no rehearsal November 27). All rehearsals will be at 5:30 in the sanctuary. All singers are invited. Please talk with Calvin Buller if you have questions.
SINGING GROUP @ WENGER’S – SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16
All are welcome to come for food, fellowship and informal singing from our hymnals at the Wenger’s on Saturday November 16. Potluck will begin at 5:30pm and singing around 6:30pm. Hymnals will be provided, or you can bring your own if you prefer. We also welcome additional instruments (to add to piano!). Come for dinner, for singing, or for both!
FMC’s ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
. . . Plus Sr. Youth Fundraiser Lunch and Silent Auction
Plan to join us for an exciting and delicious and informative time for this annual event! Here are the details:
- Silent Auction Youth Fundraiser donations will be received beginning December 1 and must be in place by 9:00am on December 8. Place them in the basement and complete a bid sheet for each item. Suggested donations may be home décor, games or puzzles, children’s activities/crafts, baked goods or treats. Small packages give children an opportunity to bid. Bidding is open 9:00-9:30am, after worship until 11:00am, and 12:00-12:45pm. High bidders may pick up their item(s) and make payment 12:45-1:45pm. New this year: all bidders will receive a number for bidding (instead of using names on the bidding sheets). Look for a sign up sheet to determine your number.
- Fundraiser lunch will be served 12:00-12:30pm. Funds raised help fund registration and travel expenses for youth convention to be held in North Carolina in July, 2025.
- Annual Congregational Meeting will review the work of FMC over the past year and consider governance changes and new initiatives for the future. Annual reports and meeting agenda will be sent electronically on November 26 (printed copies available in the foyer).
- PLEASE COME, ENJOY TIME TOGETHER, AND PARTICIPATE IN DECISION-MAKING IN OUR CHURCH LIFE!
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:
November: Canned fruit
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.
WE’LL LEAVE OUR LIGHTS ON Thanksgiving Food Drive
FMC, along with Hutchinson area churches will participate in the food drive for the Reno County Food Bank on Wednesday, November 20, 5:00-7:00pm. Non-perishable food including pancake mix, pasta and sauces, dry cereal, peanut butter, and canned soups, fruit, vegetables and meat/tuna are appreciated.
FMC SERVES AT THE SOUP KITCHEN
Our opportunity is coming up again on November 23 to serve a meal at the Soup Kitchen. It takes many helping hands and lots of smiles to prepare and serve the folks who drop by. Put your name on the list to help prepare food, to make deliveries, and to serve food and clean up. Check the sign-up sheets – you’ll find them not far from the mailboxes. Apple sauce donations for this month have been filled. Your help is greatly appreciated.
CHRISTMAS GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
The Spirit of Christmas inspires compassion and generosity. Here are invitations to share joy and hope through our local and global communities who minister to needs around us:
- MCC Infant Care Bundles are distributed around the world to families whose lives have been disrupted by conflict and natural disaster. The bundles have been prepared and two sample bundles are on display in the foyer. Your donation of $25 covers the cost of one bundle. Place your contributions (checks payable to FMC) in the offering box at the back of the sanctuary, designated for Infant Care Bundles. Our bundles will be dedicated on Christmas Eve and then taken to the MCC Center in North Newton.
- Youthrive “Give Joy” Christmas Drive is accepting donations of gifts suitable for youth in foster care who are transitioning to adulthood. FMC will be a collection point for Christmas gift-giving for these youth, inviting community members to drop off gifts during our regular office hours in December. Gift suggestions will be coming soon. The drive ends on December 15. Youthrive supports youth as they make decisions about continuing education, employment, healthcare, housing and finances.
- Hats, mittens and socks to be donated to the Salvation Army may be hung on the tree in the foyer. Watch for it near the north entrance in the next week or two. Deadline for donations is December 15.
- Salthawk Community Support gift card drive now through November 24. We are asking for $25 gift card donations to a variety of businesses to decorate our gift card tree! This tree will be open for a group of students at HHS and HMS8 who need extra love this Christmas season! Suggested gift cards – Bogey’s, Metro Coffee, Dillons, Chick-Fil-A, WalMart, Scooters, TJ Maxx. Place your gift card donations in the designated basket in the foyer at FMC or drop off at Trinity United Methodist Church, 17th and Main Street. Thanks so much for making a difference in a students’ life this Christmas!
MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES . . . Courageous Peacemaking in Chad presentation
Pastor Victor Dogos, MCC worker from Chad, will be sharing about his peacemaking work on Friday, November 22 at 10:30 am. He will be speaking at Mennonite Friendship Communities, in the Fireside Room at 200 Sunnydell Circle. All are invited. Pastor Dogos is the first recipient of the newly established Michael J. Sharp Global Peacemaker Award created by MCC in 2023. The award acknowledges courageous peacemakers across the world. Learn more at https://mcc.org/our-stories/pastor-receives-first-michael-j-sharp-global-peacemaker-award
CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements
Volunteers needed–come enjoy the cooler weather! Volunteers for the HVAC work at the Retreat Center are welcome Monday – Friday. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping out with this project. Willing hands are what is needed! Let us know when you are available, so we can prepare for you. For anyone interested in working on a weekend, two weeks’ notice is needed. Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 to sign up.
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (MCC) announcements
MCC Borderlands Peace Camp, Jan. 19-25, 2025 Young adults, ages 18-30, are invited to join MCC in El Paso, TX and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico in January! This MCC Peace Camp will explore topics of peace and justice through the lens of migration, including the Biblical mandate of hospitality. Find out more and register by January 5 at mcc.org/borderlands-peace-camp.
Serving And Learning Together (SALT) applications now open for 2025! Each year, MCC offers 80+ unique opportunities to serve with our local partners working for relief, development and peace around the world. Explore the numerous possibilities that match your passions, skills, and experience. If you’re between the ages of 18-30, the SALT program might be the epic adventure you’ve been waiting for. Check it out at mcc.org/salt!
Current needs in the material resources center in North Newton:
- new infant sleepers (6-12 month sizes)
- toothbrushes (in manufacturer’s packaging—no contact info.)
- wide toothed combs (6-8 in. long)
You can shop online and have them shipped to MCC or drop them off in the donation room at MCC! These items are needed for infant care and relief kits. MCC Central States, 121 E. 30th St., North Newton, KS 67117 – thank you!
BETHEL COLLEGE announcements
Sun., Nov. 17 – KIPCOR Film Series presents Food, Inc. 2, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. This is the sequel to the 2009 documentary Food, Inc. Audience talkback to follow with Ryan Goertzen-Regier of the Kansas Rural Center.
Sun., Nov. 24 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program, “Diversity and Complexity in Indian Kansas,” Eric Anderson, Haskell Indian Nations University, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium (corner of Main & 27th streets, North Newton).
5 Places of Christmas – Bethel College Women’s Association fundraiser on December 7
All bakers and craft makers are invited to make items for 5 Places of Christmas to be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10:00 – 3:00 at Goerz House, Bethel College. Bethel College Women’s Association will again be selling baked goods, candy, craft items and poinsettias. Your homemade cookies, zwiebach, cinnamon rolls, peppernuts and poppyseed rolls are always great sellers. This year we are especially asking for homemade candies such as fudge, peanut clusters, peanut butter balls and peanut brittle as well as other non-chocolate candies. We are also looking for Christmas craft items to sell. Please bring your items to Goerz House on Friday, December 6, from 2:00-5:00pm or on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9:30-10:00am. Thank you for your support of Bethel College.
50,000 MEALS TO BE PACKAGED! HOSTED BY BUHLER MENNONITE CHURCH and IDEA TEK
Your help is needed to help package 50,000 meals in one day on Saturday, December 7, with the first shift 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. and the second from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sand Hills Event Center in Hutchinson. Each meal will be used to address local food security by donation to local food banks. Job orientation is provided and no previous experience is needed! Information and sign up is at this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0545AEAD2EA1F58-52438951-50000/74628959#/
ANABAPTIST MENNONITE BIBLICAL SEMINARY announcement
Interested in learning about how faith communities can counter political idolatry, radicalization and violent extremism? Take the next step: A video is now available of a public lecture given Oct. 8 by Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary Associate Professor Drew Strait, PhD, on “How to Challenge Christian Nationalism: Building Peace in an Age of Extremism.” Consider gathering a group to view and discuss the video together, and/or to discuss Drew’s book, Strange Worship: Six Steps for Challenging Christian Nationalism. It’s written as a handbook with discussion questions for use in small groups and with a call/response for use in congregations. Drew is also available to speak to your group or congregation, either in person or online. ambs.edu/christian-nationalism
EVERENCE® November workshop: Make Medicare an Easy Step
Everence will hold its popular Medicare workshop at its office in North Newton on Tuesday, November 19 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.
MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE (MDS) announcements
Hurricane Helene response: Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) volunteers are in western North Carolina responding to the impacts of Hurricane Helene with equipment to move debris, mud, and downed trees. MDS is accepting donations for the recovery effort.
Please pray for the people impacted by the hurricane and the volunteers as they respond. Visit MDS.org to see the latest volunteer needs or to make a donation. Check donations can be mailed to Mennonite Disaster Service, 583 Airport Road, Lititz, PA 17543. Write “Hurricane Helene” on the memo line.