THIS WEEK @ FMC - October 16-29, 2024 - First Mennonite Church

Table of Contents

Season of Creation 2024 Prayer

Triune God, Creator of all, we praise you for your goodness, visible in all the diversity that you have created, making us a cosmic family living in a common home. Through the Earth you created, we experience love and nourishment, home and protection.

We confess that we do not relate to the Earth as a Mothering gift from you, our Creator. Our selfishness, greed, neglect, and abuse have caused the climate crisis, loss of biodiversity, human suffering as well as the suffering of all our fellow creatures. We confess that we have failed to listen to the groans of the Earth, the groans of all creatures, and the groans of the Spirit of hope and justice that lives within us.

May your Creator Spirit help us in our weakness, so that we may know the redeeming power of Christ and the hope found in him. May the groans of the Spirit birth in us a willingness to serve you faithfully, so that we may hear and heal Creation, to hope and act together with her, so that the

firstfruits of hope may blossom.

Loving and Creator God, we pray that you will make us sensitive to these groans and enable us to have the same compassion as that of Jesus, the redeeming Lord. Grant us a fresh vision of our relationship with Earth, and with one another, as creatures that are made in your image.

In the name of the one who came to proclaim the good news to all Creation, Jesus Christ.

Amen. (from the Season of Creation 2024 packet of resources)

PLEASE NOTE: Our next THIS WEEK will post on October 29.

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, OCTOBER 20 – TO HOPE and ACT WITH CREATION: Hope (week 6)

(The final in a 6-week series) We hope and act, trusting in God to work in unseen, marvelous ways.

Psalm 126; Mark 4:26-32

Romans 8:23-25 (First Nations Version)

And even we who have first tasted of his Spirit are groaning on the inside, as we wait for Creator to finish the purpose for which he took us into his family, by giving us our new bodies that will never die. This is what Creator was planning when he set us free by his Spirit. It is the hope of all creation. We cannot fully see this hope yet, for who hopes for what has already happened? So we must be patient and wait for Creator to bring everything to completion.

Preacher: Pastor Tonya Ramer Wenger
Worship Leader: Adrienne Derstine
Song Leader: Jon Miller
Children’s Time: Ama Reimer
Scripture Reader: Arlene Schmidt
Pianist: Shelley Kauffman
Ushers: Cheryl Warkentin & Marlene Thode
Nursery Attendant: Cindy Kroeker
Sound Tech: Earl Ediger
Live Stream Tech: Jay Gehring

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 – DO UNTO OTHERS: Week 1

Blue and Red Make Purple: Kindness

Luke 6:31-36

Did you know that over 99% of our DNA is the same from one human to another? This surely makes us kin. The word kindness originally developed from a root word that meant “family” or “with the feeling of relatives for each other.” We begin this series considering the implications of spending so much of our time feeling estranged from, and resentful toward, those whose less than 1% moves them in a different direction from us. And we begin to dream of finding a “purple space” in which to exchange goodness.

Preacher: Pastor Tonya Ramer Wenger
Worship Leader: Delon Martens
Song Leader: Trae Gehring
Children’s Time: TBA
Scripture Reader: Jean Gaeddert
Organist: Pauline Buller
Ushers: Glenda & Rick Hooper
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

October 16 – WNAF (Wednesday Nights @ First begins (first in a series of 6 Wednesdays)
October 19 – Church workday – 8:00am-1:00pm (or whenever you can come).
October 23 – WNAF – Verenika & sausage fundraiser meal to fund food purchases for Soup Kitchen
October 27 – FMC budget meeting – 10:55am
October 27 – Blessing of the Pets (outside @ FMC) – 4:00pm
October 31 – Donuts on the Lawn (beginning at 4:00pm – setting up, cutting out donuts, frying, etc.)
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
November 9 – Faith & Life Bookstore Pop-up Shop @ FMC
November 10 – Mike Lamb (Western District Conference Stewardship Coordinator) speaking during SS hour
November 13 – Adult Choir rehearsals begin in preparation for Advent
November 17 – Mission Festival with speaker during Sunday school, followed by potluck lunch
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 BEGAN SEPT 8

Please join us for Sunday school this fall!

Preschool through 4^th grade meet in the basement Sunday School wing.
5^th grade-8^th grade meet upstairs in the Junior Youth room
Senior Youth (9^th-12^th) 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.

TO HOPE AND ACT WITH CREATION (SEASON OF CREATION Worship Series)

The Season of Creation is an annual Christian celebration to pray and respond together to the cry of Creation. This Sunday, October 20, we complete the series by exploring the theme of Hope – We hope and act, trusting in God to work in unseen, marvelous ways. Worship will include an opportunity to bring your prayers of lament and hope.

BLESSING OF THE PETS – OCTOBER 27 @ 4:00PM

We are planning, as part of the Season of Creation worship series, to offer our first ever Blessing of the Pets at First Mennonite on SUNDAY OCT 27 at 4:00pm. This is a practice often observed around the feast of Saint Francis who was known for his love for animals and all of creation. We’ll hold this event outside so you can bring your pets (on leashes, in crates, etc.). Come whether you can bring your pet or not, and come also to give thanks for beloved pets who have died.

WORSHIP SERIES BEGINNING OCTOBER 27: 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.

October 27: Blue and Red Make Purple: Kindness (Luke 6:31-36) Pastor Tonya preaching
November 3: The Polarization Within: Compassion (Isaiah 11:6-9) Pastor Jim preaching
November 10: Listen More, Speak Less: Humility (Ephesians 4:1-6) Pastor Tonya preaching
November 17: Living Together on Uncommon Ground: Respect 1 Corinthians 12:1-2 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!

UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines

UPPER ROOM – The November-December issue is available above the mailboxes.

Rejoice! – December-February issue will be available soon

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, October 30.

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 PROGRAM DETAILS (7-8pm):

October 16–Michelle Armster, Executive Director, Central States MCC, will provide an overview of MCC through stories/examples about sharing God’s love and compassion through relief, development and peacebuilding.

October 23–Adrienne Derstine and Adam Butler will share of their MCC work in Burundi

Dinner will be a Verenika and Sausage meal to raise funds for FMC’s meal preparation for the Soup Kitchen. We serve a meal the fourth Saturday of the odd-numbered months. The fundraiser will help purchase food for that meal. Come enjoy a traditional German meal and support our ministry with the Soup Kitchen!

October 30–Field Trip to the MCC Center in North Newton (intergenerational)

6:00pm – arrive at the MCC Center (121 E 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117) for dinner, which will be provided for a donation. After dinner we’ll have a tour of the MCC Center and then will have opportunity to help out with the Meat Canner. All ages are invited. We’ll end by 8:00pm (or leave when you need to!).

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)

October 16 and 23 – activities with Martha Miller
October 30 – intergenerational trip with parents/adult group to MCC Center in North Newton
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.

FMC WORKDAY

The date is Saturday, October 19! We’ll take on indoor and outdoor cleaning, landscaping and maintenance projects beginning at 8:00am. Come when you are able!! Bring tools, cleaning cloths, etc. We’ll end around lunchtime with some food. Plan to contribute a side dish to go along with the brats and hot dogs Jonathan is preparing. This is a day for everyone to join in caring for our building and grounds as we care for the spaces entrusted to us.

FMC BUDGET MEETING . . . October 27 @ 10:55am-12:15pm. Everyone welcome!

You won’t want to miss this opportunity! Whether you are a member of FMC, a regular attendee or a “sometimes I am there” person, mark this date on the calendar. It’s a great time to learn more about the workings of FMC, particularly as it relates to how our contributions fund the programs we value, our building maintenance and our reach to help folks in our community and beyond. It’s all about who we say we are, “Arms Wide Open: To Serve and Be Served.” We will take a look at the proposed budget for the next fiscal year (November 1, 2024-October 31, 2025), and we’ll hear about recent improvements to our facilities and grounds – including the fire alarm system and the solar energy system. Drinks and snacks will be served in the fellowship hall and the meeting will begin promptly at 10:55am. Activities for children will be offered for pre-school through 7^th grade.

DONUTS ON THE LAWN

Join in on the fun on Halloween (October 31) when our neighborhood fills with people trick-or-treating and we have the opportunity to serve freshly made donuts on the lawn! We’ll begin around 4:00pm with set-up outside, cutting out donuts in the kitchen, frying and serving, and of course, cleaning up. If you want, you can bring a snack to share with the group, but it’s not required. Questions or ideas? Talk to Jonathan Wenger.

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:

October: Canned Soup (esp. tomato & cream of mushroom)

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.

MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES (mfc) . . . AN EVENING AT THE BURT

Join the mfc community on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, for An Evening at the Burt (3 West Avenue B, Hutchinson). Appetizers will be served at 6:00pm with dinner at 6:30pm. Purchase a table for eight guests for $1,500 or an individual ticket for $200. A silent auction will have several items of interest. Guest speakers will be Jed Miller, Chief Strategy Officer/AG Partners; and Marion Miller, retired banker/former mfc resident. All proceeds from this event benefit the renovation of mfc’s south entrance and resident rooms. Help make this vision a reality with your generous participation.

MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES (mfc) . . . volunteer opportunity

Mennonite Friendship Communities has a few fences that are in need of repair. We are looking for 3 to 4 persons who are able to come on Thursday, October 24th beginning at 9 am to do this work. Lunch will be provided. Please contact Susan Nisly at snisly@mennofriend.com or 620-663-7175 if you are able to help with this project. Thank you

HOFFNUNGSAU ANNUAL SAUSAGE MISSION SUPPER . . . October 26

Join Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, for our Annual Sausage Mission Supper on Saturday, October 26, 5:00 – 6:30. This will be a curbside pick up meal featuring our traditional menu of German sausage, mashed potatoes with gravy, creamed peas, zwiebach, applesauce and pie. Picnic tables are available if you wish to stay and eat. If inclement weather, tables will be set up inside. Cost is by donation with all proceeds going to New Hope Shelter, Newton. To order meals NOW, call or text Barb (620-543-6863) or Teresa (620-242-2357)

BETHEL COLLEGE announcements

Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College: “SMOL,” art by Audra Miller, through Oct. 25. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.

Thurs., Oct. 24, Bethel College’s 2nd biennial Senses & Aging Symposium

Fri., Oct. 25, Bethel College Department of Visual Arts and Design and the Newton chapter of the AAUW present visiting artist Phyllis Pease, speaking on her Kansas Statehouse mural “Rebel Women.”

Oct. 27-28, Dr. Eric Schmaltz from Northwestern Oklahoma State University will give the annual Menno Simons Lectures.

MENNONITE MISSION NETWORK – “Here With Purpose” webinar series

“Immigration. Service. Justice.” Is the first in a series of webinars on Wednesday, October 23 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm ET. Discover how doing voluntary service influenced the career paths of immigration justice advocates. Be inspired, uplifted and empowered by their stories and experiences.

WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE

Western District Conference (WDC) invites you to subscribe to our weekly Tuesday announcement email “WDC News & Updates” to receive announcements from WDC, WDC Congregations, and our institutional partners as well as weekly articles from WDC staff, credential updates, and upcoming events. This is a great way to stay connected and informed about what is happening in and around WDC. To subscribe, visit the following link: http://eepurl.com/hKcbDX or contact the WDC Office at wdc@mennowdc.org or 316-283-6300. Thanks for your support of Western District Conference!

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.
Other events and happenings:

The dam will be taken out on Sunday, October 20, at 2pm. Meet at the shelter area (look for people and things happening). Spectators welcome, as are people to help take out the boards and clean them. Taking the dam out is not for younger ages due to the weight of the boards. Be prepared for whatever weather/temperatures there are. It’s a fun time for both those helping and those watching!
Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open! The dates are November 1-3 and November 15-17. Lodging and crafting will be held at Main Camp in the bunkhouses and dining hall. Register here. We’ll see you for another fun weekend!

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.

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (MCC) announcements

Mennonite Central Committee U.S. and ReconciliAsian are excited to announce the Hidden LA: Placekeeping Indigenous, Latinx, and AAPI terrain learning tour, a transformative multi-day experience in Southern California. This immersive tour will take place from November 21 to November 25, 2024, and is designed to bring together BIPOC community leaders to explore the rich and often overlooked histories of Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. The histories of Indigenous, Latinx, and AAPI communities are rich and diverse, yet they have often been marginalized or erased. By engaging with these stories, we can deepen our understanding, build bridges across communities, and work together toward a more just and inclusive society. This journey is not only about uncovering history; it’s about transforming ourselves and our communities. Secure your spot today and join us on this powerful journey of learning and connection: Register here.

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!

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.

We will worship together, eat together, and have fun together. Nathan Luitjens, Executive Conference Minister of Central Plains Mennonite Conference is speaking Friday evening during worship. The MDS Communications Team is leading several sessions over the weekend. On Saturday evening we will spend our time enjoying each other’s company while also enjoying a fun night of games and entertainment. And the MDS Storm Encounter trailer will be there! We hope to see you there! 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

BORDERLINKS . . . American guns transit into Mexico – webinar October 17

Borderlinks typically helps us respond to questions about immigration along our southern border. We may be painfully aware of how America’s domestic relationship to and regulation of firearms has led to countless tragedies across the United States – but what about beyond its borders? In the inaugural session of their 2024-2025 Pláticas Series, BorderLinks, will take up this question with anthropologist Ieva Jusionyte, whose latest book, Exit Wounds: How America’s Guns Fuel Violence Across the Border, follows the illicit transits of American firearms into Mexico, where they turn up at scenes of violent crime across that country as well. Click here for information and registration. https://www.borderlinks.org/events