THIS WEEK @ FMC - October 9-15, 2024 - First Mennonite Church

Table of Contents

For The Healing of the Nations

This hymn has stuck with me this week, especially as we lament the anniversary of October 7, including all that came before and all that has come after. The weight of this (and other) conflicts resulting in tragic and senseless destruction of humanity and creation is something we must be willing to carry together, in hope of God’s restoration and transformation, and in awareness of what part we have to play as Christ’s ministers of reconciliation.

You’ll find this hymn text by Fred Kaan in Voices Together #705. Below is just verse 2, offered as a prayer for today…

Lead us forward into freedom; from despair your world release,

that, redeemed from war and hatred, all may come and go in peace.

Show us how through care and goodness fear will die and hope increase.

–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, OCTOBER 13 – TO HOPE and ACT WITH CREATION: BIRTH (week 5)

(The fifth in a 6-week series) We hope and act with eager expectation for the birth of new relationships with Creator God and our creaturely kindred.

Psalm 104:1a, 10-30; Luke 6:17-26

Romans 8:22-23

We know that the whole creation has been groaning together, in the pains of childbirth, until this present time. Not only ‘them,’ as if they were separate, but we ourselves, who have been awakened by Mystery, we, too, groan inwardly as we eagerly await our re-connection as kin within the whole, a full release from our collective bondage to a culture of destruction into a fully restored and embodied web of life. (Loorz, p. 179)

Preacher: Pastor Tonya Ramer Wenger
Worship Leader: Anita Kehr
Song Leader: Bryan Kehr
Children’s Time: Lona Willems
Scripture Reader: Marlene Thode
Organist: Pauline Buller
Ushers: Russ Gaeddert & Diane Ziemer
Nursery Attendant: Joel & Hilda Iwashige
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

October 13 – FMC leads worship at Mennonite Friendship Communities (contact Pastor Jim if you can help)
October 13 – CROP Walk
October 14 – Craft Night – 6:30-8:00pm
October 16 – WNAF (Wednesday Nights @ First begins (a series of 6 Wednesdays)
October 19 – Church workday – 8:00am-1:00pm (or whenever you can come).
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) speaking during the 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

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, October 8 at 1:00pm
The Wednesday evening group next meeting is at 6:30 on Wednesday, October 9

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.

CURRENT WORSHIP SERIES: TO HOPE AND ACT WITH CREATION (SEASON OF CREATION)

The Season of Creation is an annual Christian celebration to pray and respond together to the cry of Creation. Upcoming services in this series include:

Oct 13: Week 5: Birth – We hope and act with eager expectation for the birth of new relationships with Creator God and our creaturely kindred. (Pastor Tonya preaching)
Oct 20: Week 6: Hope – We hope and act, trusting in God to work in unseen, marvelous ways.

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.

MISSION FESTIVAL SET FOR 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 September-October issue is available above the mailboxes.
Rejoice!

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.

CRAFT NIGHT @ FMC on Monday, October 14, 2024

Craft Night is on Monday, October 14, 6:30-8:00pm in the church Fellowship Hall. Bring your project – knitting, crocheting, other crafts – and enjoy this time of friendship and ministry together. Any questions . . contact Cheryl Warkentin or Diane Ziemer

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
October 30–Field Trip to the MCC Center in North Newton (intergenerational)
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 “Lessons and Carols” for the December 15 worship service. 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 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. Childcare will be offered for children 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

CROP HUNGER WALK . . . Sunday, October 13!

Walk! Give! Change the World!

You are invited to take part in and support the Reno County CROP Hunger Walk sponsored by Church World Service (CWS)! A team of youth and adults from FMC will be walking that day – all are invited to join in!! One-quarter of funds donated will be shared by The Reno County Food Bank and the Christian Soup Ministry. Last year, each agency received $1000! CWS will use the rest in more than 40 countries, helping people start small livestock farms or dig wells for their communities. CWS also assists refugees and people in need in the Ukraine, in Gaza, and in war-torn regions of Africa.

To walk in solidarity with people who must walk for food and water: Join usat Rice Park at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 13. Come at 1.30 to register or register on-line at the website below. We WALK at our own pace and up to three miles. Water is provided.

To help our local and global neighbors: Write a check to “CWS/CROP” and put your church’s name on the memo line. Send it by October 15 to Grace Episcopal Church, 2 Hyde Park Drive, Hutchinson, KS 67502! OR donate securely at the website below. Click “Donate,” then “Make a General Donation.” Donations to CWS are tax-exempt. https://events.crophungerwalk.org/cropwalks/event/hutchinsonks

Questions? Contact Co-Coordinator Eileen Porter, hporter2@wisc.edu or 608-957-6432. Thank you for helping our neighbors!

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.

EVERENCE^® October Workshop: Social Security and retirement income

Everence^® will hold an informative Social Security and retirement incomewebinar on Tuesday, October 15, starting at 6:30 p.m. Topics will include, Social Security strategies, including when to begin taking benefits, risks that can impact your retirement savings plus strategies to help your income last throughout retirement. There will also be plenty of time for questions. Information will be presented by staff from the Everence offices in Central Kansas. To register contact Everence at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com. Once you have registered, we will send you more information to access the webinar.

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!

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!

MCC Meat Canner – dates for Hutchinson area volunteers are November 7-9. (Watch for information.)

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. In this edition, Executive Director Kevin King shares the power of prayer, learn how volunteers are keeping our fleet rolling, and volunteers look back on a year of MDS service. Click on this link 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. In an inaugural session of their is addressing concerns about gun violence. 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

COMMEMORATING 500 YEARS of ANABAPTISM

Travel to Zurich + Swiss Alps – a 9-Day Tour in May 2025. Tour sites: Lake Geneva, Murren – the Swiss mountain village accessed by cable car, and Mennonite heritage in Bern and the Emmental Valley. On May 29 we will join Anabaptists from around the world in Zurich in worship and celebration of the 500 Year beginning of Anabaptism. Details and registration coming soon. Preview the tour at www.tourwithweldon.com To join the “Interested List” contact Weldon Martens at weldon.martens@gmail.com / 402-202-9276.

Mennonite World Conference Commemorates Birth of Anabaptism in 2025

On 29 May 2025, Mennonite World Conference (MWC) will welcome guests from around the world to The Courage to Love: Anabaptism@500. The day-long celebration commemorates the birth of the Anabaptist movement in Zurich, Switzerland. Following workshops, concerts, a panel discussion and self-guided historical walking tours, participants will gather for an ecumenical worship service at the Grossmünster cathedral. Click here for more information https://tinyurl.com/mry2ku85

EXHIBIT SPARKED BY 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF MENNONITE MIGRATION TO KANSAS

A new special exhibition, “Unlocking the Past: Immigrant Artifacts & the Stories They Tell,” opens Sunday, Sept. 29, at Kauffman Museum. Curated by museum collections coordinator David Kreider ’82 and featuring artifacts from the museum’s extensive collections, “Unlocking the Past” explores the stories of Mennonites who migrated specifically to Kansas, as well as other migration stories and the stories of those who were displaced from ancestral lands “Unlocking the Past: Immigrant Artifacts & the Stories They Tell” will be in the special exhibitions gallery of Kauffman Museum from Sept. 29, 2024, to May 25, 2025. To learn more and explore the programming around this exhibit, visit kauffmanmuseum.org/unlocking