Table of Contents
“What kind of person would I like to be?” … all the time, in every sphere of life, including politics?
This identity and purpose clarifying question is at the core of the book The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life, written by Michael Wear, and the focus of our current Wednesday afternoon book group. Wear is the founder, president and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life. On this election day, consider these opening paragraphs of chapter 6, titled: The Kind of People We Are:
We live in a world filled with the glory of the knowledge of the Lord and all that he has made. We are created beings in a created world that God proclaimed good. He has pursued the good for his creation from the very beginning. Even in the face of death and disappointment and evil, God advances his will through those who seek him. This is the story of Abraham, Esther, Job, Daniel, and David. It is the testimony of the saints, and it is the story of women and men you know – people who would say that without Jesus, the person they used to be never would have done the things they do now and never could have been the person they are today. They are people who know that ‘with God all things are possible’ (Mt 19:26) because they are being renewed in knowledge in the image of their Creator (Col 3:10).
In his ministry, Jesus announced the ever-present availability of the kingdom of the heavens, a kingdom that surrounds us, and taught us to pray that our Father’s will be done in all areas of life as it is done in the heavens. Through faith and confidence in Jesus, we are learning how to put our kingdom, that which is under our effective will, under God’s kingdom. We are learning to seek God’s good and the good of our neighbors wherever we are and in whatever we do. We are becoming the kind of people who can do so naturally out of the overflow of our hearts.
It is in and through this vision of the reality of God’s kingdom and our life in it that we see politics because we have responsibilities under our effective will that pertain to politics. Moreover, politics is an area of life explicitly charged with duties of service to others and stewardship – an area of life with significant influence over the well-being of our neighbors, particularly the poor – and we care a great deal about the well-being of our neighbors. God, who is love, wills the good of all who come into contact with his kingdom. As we grow into Christlikeness, so will we.
What matters most to God is the kind of people we are becoming. Not what we produce. Not the positions we hold. Not the status or reputation we’ve acquired. What kind of persons are we?
(pg. 126-127)
We DO care a great deal about the well-being of our neighbors. This focus of care and concern will not change after today’s election, no matter what the outcome. And the ongoing spiritual process of becoming a faithful Jesus follower will also continue. The question of what kind of people we are, and want to become, holds so much invitation and potential! I’m grateful to be on this journey of love and growth with you all!
—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 10, 2024 – DO UNTO OTHERS: Week 3
Listen More, Speak Less: Humility
Ephesians 4:1-6
The root of the word “human” is the same as the word “humility.” It all means literally “on the ground.” From dust we came, and to dust we shall return. When we hear each other’s fears, anxieties, and pain, we can return to the ground of hope… that we are all experiencing the pains of being human. This week we remember to look first at our neighbor as a person, not a position. Beginning conversations this way may help us.
- Preacher: Pastor Tonya Ramer Wenger
- Worship Leader: Jon Miller
- Song Leader: Tonya Ramer Wenger
- Children’s Time: Magdalena and Reuben Wenger
- Scripture Reader: Diane Ziemer
- Organist: Pauline Buller
- Ushers: Don Wiens & Russell Goering
- Nursery Attendant: Adam & Maggie Pounds
- Sound Tech: Adam Pounds
- Live Stream Tech: Joel Iwashige
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 6 – Children’s Choir begins as part of WNAF and continues into December (7-8pm)
- November 7-9 – Mennonite Central Committee Meat Canning in North Newton – Hutchinson volunteers
- November 9 – Faith & Life Bookstore Pop-up Shop @ FMC, 10am-2pm
- November 10 – Mike Lamb (Western District Conference Stewardship Coordinator) speaking during SS hour
- November 13 – Adult Choir rehearsals begin in preparation for Lessons & Carols service on December 15
- 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
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
November 10 – special session for all adults with Mike Lamb, Fund Development Coordinator for Western District Conference. We will meet in fellowship hall at 11:00am. All are invited!
Here’s how Mike describes his presentation:
In an approachable and easy-to-understand format, we will discuss the impact we can make on the organizations and programs we value (in this case, the congregation and the conference) by leveraging estate assets. The program includes examples of impactful planning done well (and examples of poor planning), why and how to plan, resources available to help in the process, how planning can express our values and faith stewardship. It all starts with consideration of the question, “what would you like to do with your financial resources that would be meaningful to you and impactful for the congregation and/or the conference. We will also discuss options for making outright gifts beyond writing a check.
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 10: Listen More, Speak Less: Humility (Ephesians 4:1-6) Pastor Tonya preaching
- 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) 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. Learn more about accessing these resources at https://mennowdc.org/library/ or contact Jennie (the librarian) at crlib@mennowdc.org
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) BEGINNING OCTOBER 16
Mark your calendars for 6 Wednesdays this fall, beginning Oct 16 and ending November 20, and plan to come to FMC for dinner, an adult program focused on various work/ministries of Mennonite Central Committee, and activities for children during the adult program.
WNAF EVENING SCHEDULE:
- (beginning Nov 13): 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 Activities (Oct 16, 23) and Children’s Choir (beginning November 6)
WNAF ADULT UPCOMING PROGRAM DETAILS (7-8pm):
- November 6–Maynard Knepp, Director of Donor Relations, MCC Central States, will share stories about the mission and work of MCC partners
- 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
WNAF CHILDREN’S PROGRAM DETAILS (7-8pm)
November 6, 13 & 20 – Children’s Choir with Peggy Stucky (and also Dec 4, 11, 18)
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!
DONUTS ON THE LAWN
We served 500+ donuts!! Thank you to all who volunteered and helped us connect with our neighbors.
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.
EDEN MENNONITE CHURCH HYMNSING – November 10
All are invited to attend an hour-long Community Hymn Sing led by Dr. William Eash, Professor Emeritus of Music, Bethel College. This event will be held at Eden Mennonite Church (401 18th Ave, Moundridge), Sunday afternoon, November 10 at 4:00pm. Be prepared to request your favorite hymn and a brief story, why it is a favorite. Refreshments served after singing. The church is located at 401 18th Ave, Moundridge, KS 67107 (northeast of Hutchinson).
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.
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 will be on display in the foyer. Your donation of $25 covers the cost of one bundle. Give your donations to FMC (checks payable to FMC), 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. The drive ends on December 15. Youthrive supports youth as they make decisions about continuing education, employment, healthcare, housing and finances. More information about Youthrive is on the table in the foyer and more information about suitable gifts will be coming next week.
- 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 will gladly receive monetary donations. More details about their Christmas project will be coming soon. Salthawk supports students in Hutchinson 8 and Hutchinson High School.
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
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 to hear Pastor Dogos. For more information, contact Tina Schrag with MCC at 316-283-2720.
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!
KANSAS COALITION AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY
“All In For Repeal” Event Notice
The 2024 Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty conference will be held Saturday November 16th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The location is KU Memorial Union, Big 12 Room, 1301 Jayhawk Blvd. in Lawrence. Entitled “All In For Repeal”, this conference is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about the death penalty. The keynote is Herman Lindsey, who was on Florida’s death row for three years despite being innocent. There is no admission charge. Persons may attend in person or register for a virtual link. Register at https://forms.gle/vqWvTcexPYLfAfou7 For more information, email info@ksabolition.org or call 785-235-2237.
BETHEL COLLEGE announcements
Tues., Nov. 12 – Bethel College Organ Recital Series presents Dr. Jacob Hofeling, with music on a theme of science and space, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
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.
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.
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.
Region 3 Annual Meeting. Join us in Hydro, OK for the 2024 MDS Region 3 Annual Meeting. We are gathering on November 15-17 to hear updates on what MDS is doing around the country and in our region. This isn’t just a business meeting! Our theme is “Spreading the News: Effective (and timely!) communication within your unit.” Plenary sessions and workshops are available to help everyone get involved in the work of MDS. For more information or to register, go to Region 3 Annual Meeting – Mennonite Disaster Service (mds.org) or contact Region 3 Administrative Assistant Chris Becker at cbecker@mds.org or 717-383-8981.
September edition of On the Level is now available. Click to read more: https://conta.cc/3ZtD4Pd