Table of Contents
Advent begins this year on December 1! To guide our worship services, we’ll be adapting resources created by A Sanctified Art around the theme Words for the Beginning. A devotional booklet with artwork, poetry, hymns, and questions for journaling and reflecting is available. Hard copies are on the table in the foyer at church, and an electronic copy will also be sent via email. For children (and really anyone!) there is an Advent calendar made up of ‘words for the beginning’ to color and discuss. There is a quilt theme woven into this worship series, which you’ll see in our visuals and in the materials just mentioned. We are also looking for quilt (blanket, comforter) stories to be part of our children’s times during this series (contact DeAnna Goering if you are interested!).
INTRODUCTION TO THE ADVENT THEME FROM THE CREATORS OF ‘WORDS FOR THE BEGINNING’
Advent is a season of endings and beginnings. As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church year rushes in. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving—and yet, we feel the weight of many things coming to an end. The world as we know it spins madly on. In the year when these resources are released (2024), Advent will start as another election season in the US comes to a close. What are the reminders we will need in order to move faithfully through this threshold?
We have crafted an Advent series filled with blessings, with the words we need to hear again and again as we begin a new season. We imagined the words Mary would speak to her newborn son. What scriptures and stories would she impart to him? What lessons would she teach him as he grew? And so, our weekly themes may feel like the lessons we teach to children, but in reality, these are lessons we continue to learn and relearn as adults. They may sound like the messages or homilies we impart to loved ones during special ceremonies or sacred rituals. We intentionally selected scriptures that may be frequently used in weddings, ordination services, or baptisms. We invite you to enter this Advent season as if you are entering a sacred new chapter, holding fast to the reminders that will bolster you for the journey ahead.
In many ways, pregnant Mary was surrounded by endings—large and small, personal and political. And yet, Mary proclaimed hope in a God who was and is making all things new. As we also move through new personal and political chapters, may these words for the beginning renew us and remind us of the ways we are called to live out our faith. No matter what you are facing, no matter what this new day brings, let love be your beginning. © sanctified art | sanctifiedart.org
My hope is this Advent series will be a good companion for us as we make our way to the threshold of the new year, and as we step into the first days of 2025. You might also start thinking about how your 2024 Star Words have guided you – I’ll be inviting your reflections to be shared on January 5 when you’ll have opportunity to receive a word for 2025.
—Pastor Tonya
Please watch for an email from the church office with details about FMC’s Annual Congregational Meeting on December 8, and an attachment with the annual report prepared for your review.
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 24, 2024 – DO UNTO OTHERS: Week 5
Malice Toward None: Love
Matthew 22:34-40
As this series draws to a close, we may feel more or less resolved in our openness to each other. Loving our neighbors–including relatives, coworkers, acquaintances, strangers–as ourselves is no simple task. We need God. We need the love of God to show us mercy and strength to love as God loves. We need the story of Jesus–the one who loved across the lines that had been drawn in the society of his day but who also stood up for the least and the lost. We need faith that no matter the strain of differing positions, policies, and politics, we will move forward in love. Disagreeing need not be antithetical to love and grace. And indeed, our world depends on all of us working for a better world filled with more kindness, compassion, humility, respect, and love.
- Preacher: Pastor Tonya Ramer Wenger
- Worship Leader: Maggie Pounds
- Song Leader: Trae Gehring
- Children’s Time: Shane & Joy Miller
- Scripture Reader: Kevin Martin-Nisly
- Pianist: Shelley Kauffman
- Ushers: Russell Goering & Diane Ziemer
- Nursery Attendant: No one assigned
- Sound Tech: Murray Reimer
- 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
- November 20 – WNAF 6:00 dinner, 7:00 Delon & Joretta presentation on Malawi & Zambia; Children’s Choir
- December 1 – First Sunday of Advent
- December 8 – FMC Annual Meeting & Youth Fundraiser Silent Auction & Lunch
- December 15 – Service of Nine Lessons and Carols – music from adult and children’s choirs, Bible readings
- 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, December 10 at 1:00pm
- The Wednesday evening group next meeting is at 6:30 on Wednesday December 11
SUNDAY SCHOOL – WINTER QUARTER begins December 1
Please join us for Sunday school
- 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:
- The Adult Discussion Class and the Salt & Light Bible Study classes will join together for this quarter to study the Salt & Light study that coincides with the 500th anniversary of anabaptism. The class will meet in fellowship hall with Zoom option available.
- Connection & Conversation meets in the library Childcare for infants & toddlers is available in the nursery most Sundays.
CURRENT WORSHIP SERIES: DO UNTO OTHERS
We end this worship series this Sunday, November 24, focusing on the theme: Malice Toward None: Love (Matthew 22:34-40). As we continue to take seriously the call to “Do Unto Others” may we stay focused on Jesus, the Center that Holds, and the Spirit that Transforms.
ADVENT & CHRISTMAS 2024 – WORDS FOR THE BEGINNING (begins December 1)
- Dec 1 – Advent 1: Words for the Beginning – You are a Blessing
- Dec 8 – Advent 2: Words for the Beginning – We Can’t Go Alone (FMC Annual Meeting)
- Dec 15 – Advent 3: (Lessons & Carols) Words for the Beginning – Do the Good That Is Yours to Do
- Dec 21 – Longest Night Service (and Christmas Caroling)
- Dec 22 – Advent 4: Words for the Beginning – Hope is Worth the Risk
- Dec 24 – Christmas Eve: Words for the Beginning – Love Knows Your Name
- Dec 29 – First Sunday after Christmas: Words for the Beginning – Don’t Forget to Laugh
- Jan 5 – Epiphany: Words for the Beginning – The Road Isn’t Straight (with Star Words)
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; no office hours Wed Nov 27 or Thu Nov 28.
- 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 is one more Wednesday night for you to come to FMC for dinner, an adult program focused on various work/ministries of Mennonite Central Committee. Children’s Choir meets during the adult program.
WNAF on November 20:
- 5:30-6:30pm Adult Choir (also on December 4 & 11)
- 6:00-7:00pm Dinner served
- 7:00-8:00pm Adult Program – Delon & Joretta Martens sharing about their MCC Learning Tour experience to Zambia and Malawi
- 7:00-8:00pm Children’s Choir (and also Dec 4, 11, 18)
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!
FMC LEADS WORSHIP at MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES (mfc) on December 8
Members of the Mentors and Mentees program will lead the Sunday worship service in the chapel at mfc at 10:00am. Please pray for these mentees, Lucia Iwashige, Joanna Wenger, Arwen Iwashige, and Oliva Buttler, together with their mentors, Joyce Lindenberger, Jean Gaeddert and Pauline Buller as they prepare.
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 December: Pasta
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.
- Give Joy Christmas Drive for YOUTHRIVE participants. YOUTHRIVE is collecting gifts to brighten the holidays for young adults and teens who have aged out of foster care. Often forgotten, most of these youth will not be receiving any gifts for the holiday season and most often spend this time of year struggling with loneliness. There will be a box in the FMC foyer next to the drinking fountain from Sunday, December 1 through Sunday, December 15. Please consider contributing items such as:
- Gift cards (retail, groceries, restaurants, coffee)
- Personal care products (soaps, nail polish, skin care, grooming kits)
- Hoodies, socks, slippers, hats and gloves
- Books, journals or art supplies
- Baked goods and holiday cards
- Toys (we have a couple of young moms in our programs this year)
- Monetary donations may also be given to YOUTHRIVE
Please wrap your gift and also put the contents of your gift on a sticky note on the present. The YOUTHRIVE director will be able to match up the gifts to the recipients. Thank you!!
- 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
There are currently materials on hand for 18 of 35 projects remaining on the HVAC renovation at the Retreat Center. Work groups can be of any size (within reason). Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 or Olivia at 316-293-7313 to set up a time for you or your group. If you are interested in working on a weekend, advance notice of two weeks is needed. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping. Willing hands and the ability to follow directions are the only requirements. (Activities for those under 18 are limited and likely not at the Retreat Center.)
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (MCC) announcements
MCC Open House, Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 2pm-4pm. All are welcome to come see the updated space at MCC Central States in North Newton. Bring your Christmas shopping list to get your alternative Christmas gifts purchased from our tree! Visit with MCC staff, get a tour while you enjoy some snacks. We can’t wait to see you at the Open House, 121 E. 30th St, North Newton! mcc.org/open-house
Giving Tuesday at MCC, Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 6:30pm-8pm. We’re excited to host this annual evening of service to kick off your holiday season! This all-ages event is focused on service and fellowship. Please bring new dark colored hand towels with you – the more you bring, the more hygiene kits we can pack! There will be Christmas cards to write in and comforters to tie AND snacks to enjoy. What a great way to give back on Giving Tuesday! mcc.org/giving-tuesday
Yule love this! Join us for a live, online event on December 3, at 11:00 AM CST/10:00 AM MST as we take you behind the scenes of MCC’s Christmas Giving Guide. Discover the impact behind each gift and how your generosity makes a difference. Learn more and register to join this event at mcc.org/yule-love-this.
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. 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).
Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “The Pandemic Portraits,” works by Nicholas Hill, through Dec. 7. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
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.