THIS WEEK @ FMC – September 21-27, 2022

High school.  Recycling.  Walking.  Soup.  Perhaps you’re wondering what all these have in common, and if so, I’m glad you asked! 😊  All four represent opportunities in our community just waiting for you to participate in.

1. High school.  I recently met with the Salthawk Community Support administrative board which I’m a member of.  SCS provides supportive counseling, mentorships and basic needs such as clothing, hygiene items and school supplies.  We exist to help kids rise above daily struggles and achieve success in this school year.  There are three specific opportunities I want to put before you right now:
   1. Mentoring.  We are in need of adult mentors to meet weekly for just 20 minutes or so with a high school student who would benefit from simply having a caring and supportive adult in their life.  The commitment is not huge, although it is regular (however, even if you aren’t sure you can make a weekly commitment it’s still worth exploring).  Contact me for more details, including my own experience serving as a mentor.
   1. Financial donations are ALWAYS welcome to ensure the continuity and growth of this program. Currently we are in Hutchinson High School and HMS8.  We are looking toward expanding to include HMS7 in the future.  You can donate through First Mennonite or online here: https://www.trinityhutch.org/salthawk-community-support.html
   1. Donations of deodorant (men’s and women’s) and chapstick would be much appreciated!  Also, size 12-13-15 boys tennis shoes are needed.  Bring them to the basket at church (under the table in the foyer) or drop off at Trinity United Methodist church.

• Recycling.  Earth Matters, a newly formed ecumenical local organization focused on the need to be worthy stewards making choices for the good of all creation, has complied a list of local companies who can reuse or recycle items you may be getting rid of (instead of just throwing things in the landfill).  If you have a mailbox at church, look for a copy of that list there; I will also email the list to our church email list.

• Walking. This coming Sunday is the Reno County CROP Hunger Walk at 2:00pm at Rice Park.  Some of the Mentors & Mentees will be walking, and any of you are welcome to join in the walk as well.  We’d also welcome your financial donations, a portion of which stays right here in Reno County. Make your checks out to “CWS/CROP” with First Mennonite Hutchinson in the memo line.  Either put your donation in our offering at church by September 25 or send it by October 1 to Emanuel Lutheran Church, 140 E. 30th Avenue, Hutchinson, KS 67502 OR donate securely on-line at the Crop Hunger Walk website.  Click “donate,” then “General.”   https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2022/event/hutchinsonks

• Soup Kitchen Ministry.  We could use more volunteers this coming Saturday to prepare food and serve.  We also still need one delivery route covered.  Let me know and I’ll get you signed up!  This really is a fun way to connect with others from FMC and to extend some love into our community.

    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.

COVID-19 safety suggestions for ourselves and others

CMT affirms these recommendations offered by the CDC:  Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get tested if you have symptoms. Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19. Wear a mask on public transportation. You may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others. If you are at high risk for severe illness, consider wearing a mask indoors in public and taking additional precautions.

FELLOWSHIP TIME with drinks following the worship service each Sunday

Enjoy a time of fellowship with coffee, tea or juice following the worship service each Sunday. Join us in the Common Grounds room.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25:  Re-Member: Abraham Mis-Remembers

Faithful God, you are a God who makes and keeps promises. Jesus promised to come to us again, bringing heaven down so that evil will give way to a world overflowing with love and justice. Grant us patience to trust your timing, and the strength to join your redeeming work in the world.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

(Genesis 12:1-17; Matthew 28:19-20)

• Preacher: Pastor Tonya Ramer Wenger
• Worship Leader: Maggie Pounds
• Children’s Time: Jennalee Boggs
• Scripture Reader: TBA
• Pianist: Shelley Kauffman
• Ushers: Rick & Glenda Hooper
• Nursery Attendant: Glenda Hooper
• Sound Tech: Murray Reimer
• Live Stream Tech: Sadie Nisly

MISSION & PEACE SUNDAY OFFERING FOR MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE

Thank you for your generous donations this past Sunday for the work of Mennonite Central Committee around the world!

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 (beginning around 9:25) and after the worship service.  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 plate is placed at the back of the sanctuary for your Sunday morning donations.  You are also welcome to send a check to 52 Rambler Rd Hutchinson KS 67502. 

CALENDAR – LOOKING AHEAD

• September 24 – FMC serves at the Soup Ministry (sign up to help on the “Sign Up” board)
• September 25 – M&Ms 11:00am
• September 25 – CROP HUNGER WALK (Reno County) at 2:00pm
• October 2 – Worldwide Communion Sunday

CENTENNIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

• CENTENNIAL CHOIR – All singers are welcome to join the choir for the October 23 worship service. Rehearsals will be two Wednesdays – October 12 and 19 at 7:30pm, with a warm-up rehearsal on Sunday, October 23 at 8:30am. Come join us at the first rehearsal. See Calvin Buller if you have questions or would like to have the music in advance.

• CALLING ALL PIE MAKERS AND BREAD BAKERS! – One of the fun events taking place during FMC’s Centennial Celebration is the borscht supper on Saturday, October 22. The menu will include different breads and all kinds of pie. These items can be purchased for the dinner but we all know HOMEMADE is better and we welcome any and all donations! Sign up sheets will be available starting in October. In the meantime, freeze your extra loaves, zwieback and pies and be thinking about what you might like to make and donate to the borscht supper!

FMC CENTENNIAL . . . LightHouse Service Day and Giving Opportunities

To date, the total raised for the LightHouse project is $28,525, which exceeds the goal we set of raising $22,000! Thank you for your tremendous generosity!  The monies raised will be used for construction costs and furnishings for the apartments. But we are not finished! More dollars are needed for ongoing maintenance needs, so your donations are still very much appreciated from now until October and beyond.  As contractors complete their work, we anticipate inviting volunteers for painting, trim work, cabinet installation, floor work, etc.  Interfaith’s goal is to have the building finished by sometime this winter.

OCTOBER WNAF (Wednesday Nights at First) + 1 SUNDAY CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION EVENTS

*All Wednesday evening programs listed below will have an option to join by Zoom and will be recorded.  Contact Pastor Tonya (tonya@hutchfmc.org) for the link, or check the FMC church email closer to the time.  We are also planning to provide childcare for nursery-5^th grade for the Wednesday evening programs – if possible please RSVP to Pastor Tonya if you need childcare. 

OCT 5  Dale Schrag: Anabaptist Streams Converging in Central KS

• 5:30-6:15pm Dinner
• 6:20-7:20pm Program

OCT 9 (Sunday) LeRoy Esau and John Esau: Hymn Sing-Along

• 3:30pm Sing-Along in the sanctuary (and livestreamed – link will be on our website)
• Refreshments following

OCT 12  June Galle Krehbiel, Bonnie Swenson & Delon Martens, reflecting on the making of our 100^th anniversary history book: Arms Wide Open

• 5:30-6:15pm Dinner
• 6:20-7:20pm Program
• 7:30-8:39pm Choir Rehearsal (for Oct 23 Centennial Worship Service)

• 5:30-6:15pm Dinner
• 6:20-7:20pm Program
• 7:30-8:39pm Choir Rehearsal (for Oct 23 Centennial Worship Service)

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION WEEKEND SCHEDULE – OCTOBER 22-23, 2022

RSVP BY OCTOBER 1 ON OUR WEBSITE: https://hutchfmc.org/fmc-centennial-celebration/

Questions? Email centennial@hutchfmc.org or call the church office 620-662-9385

SATURDAY OCT 22

2:00-3:30  Open House at LightHouse (1005 N Washington Hutchinson KS)

2:30 Dedication & Blessing at LightHouse:  In honor of our 100^th anniversary, we have raised over $26,000 (and counting) to support the construction and ministry of LightHouse. LightHouse is a house being renovated into 8 one-bedroom apartments, intended to address the growing need for transitional housing for youth 18-21 years old in our community.

3:00-5:00pm Cookies/Refreshments and Activities for All Ages at First Mennonite (52 Rambler Rd) Outside: games and activities for the young and young at heart

Inside: Memorabilia Museum of historical items to peruse; purchase your copy of the new 100^th anniversary history book; sit and visit with old and new friends; and more!

5:30pm Borscht Supper begins in the basement fellowship hall (RSVP by Oct 1)

SUNDAY OCT 23

            8:30am Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary

            9:30am WORSHIP Arms Wide Open – Set Free to Serve & Love One Another (Gal 5:13-14)

                   Former and present pastors will share a scripture and prayer of blessing for First Mennonite

                 Centennial Choir sings

            11:00am Fellowship & Transition to Potluck Lunch in the basement fellowship hall

REMINDER:  If you are last one out of the church building, be SURE the doors lock behind you when you leave.  Go out, watch the doors latch, give both door handles a tug, and make sure they are locked!  Thank you.

DEEPENING in Christ…

FALL WORSHIP thru OCTOBER 16, 2022

September 25: Re-Member: ABRAHAM FORGETS (Genesis 12:1-17) Pastor Tonya preaching.

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.     

FALL WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL  @ 11:00AM (no Sunday School on the 5^th Sundays)

Preschool-5^th Grade: SHINE! Curriculum:  Fall of a Kingdom

• Preschool-Kindergarten (basement – rooms 1&2)
• 1^st-5^th (basement – rooms 5&6)

6^th-8^th (upstairs to the right)

Senior Youth: 9^th-12^th grade (upstairs to the left)

ADULTS:

“Younger Adults” Class meets in the adult education room in the basement.

UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines

REJOICE! and UPPER ROOM . . . new issues for September are available above the mailboxes.  Please let us know if you would like a copy mailed to you.                

LPC: Listening-Prayer-Conversation Groups BEGINNING January 2023

Pastor Tonya will be offering something new beginning January 2023 … an opportunity to participate in a monthly LPC group:  Listening. Prayer. Conversation.  The plan is for a once/month simply structured hour of listening to scripture and Spirit, praying with and without words, and conversation with God and others.
A fair number of folks responded positively to an initial email inquiry/announcement about this.  More details will be determined this fall, so stayed tuned!! Likely the group will be in person with the possibility of making it hybrid to accommodate some Zoom participants.  And Pastor Tonya is also open to doing a second group just on Zoom if there is enough interest.

STRENGTHENING Community Connections…

M&M’s MEET SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25 @ 11:00AM

Mentors & Mentees will gather together on Sept 25 during the Sunday School hour and for lunch.  Those who are able will also participate in the CROP walk that afternoon at 2:00pm.  Info about the CROP walk is below, along with information about how to donate.  A portion of the funds raised stays right here in Reno County with organizations working to support those experiencing food insecurity and more.  Another portion of the funds supports organizations around the world though Church World Service. 

SAFE SANCTUARIES TRAINING @ FMC OCTOBER 2 NOON-2:00PM

This announcement applies to anyone who works with children or youth at FMC.  This includes nursery care providers on Sunday morning, Sunday School teachers, mentors.  Your presence is requested at our annual Safe Sanctuaries training on Sunday October 2, 2022 at noon (right after Sunday School).  We will provide lunch and expect to conclude by 2:00 at the latest, and likely earlier.  We are committed to the safety of the children and youth who are part of our church, and to equipping all of you with an understanding of our Safe Sanctuaries policy so it can be implemented appropriately. Please RSVP by September 28 to Pastor Tonya (tonya@hutchfmc.org), letting her know if you can, or cannot, attend.  We appreciate you giving this your time and attention!! 

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

• Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am – 2:00pm  
• Wednesday – 10:00am – 1:00pm

PASTOR TONYA’S HOURS/SCHEDULE

• Monday: Sabbath Day
• Tuesday-Friday: generally working 8:00am-5:30pm 
• “In Office” Hours:  9-2 Tuesday and Thursday; 10-1 on Wednesday
• Available other times by appointment.
• Available evenings and weekends (cell phone is most reliable) 

STRETCHING to Serve as Christ Served…

FMC SERVES AT THE CHRISTIAN SOUP MINISTRY IN HUTCH ON SEPTEMBER 24.

Help is needed on September 24 to cook (starting around 2:00pm) to deliver meals around 4:00pm, and to serve the meal at 5:00pm. Donations of applesauce and salad greens are also requested. Bring to the church the Sunday before, or to the soup kitchen on the 24^th. A signup sheet is posted on the “Sign Up” bulletin board in the church foyer. Questions? Contact Kevin Martin Nisly or Sadie Nisly.

SUNDAY MORNING DONATIONS FOR RENO COUNTY FOOD BANK:                                         

SEPTEMBER: Canned Meat/Tuna  (October: canned soup such as 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, tooth paste and tooth brushes.  Travel size – new & unopened – are desirable.

CROP HUNGER WALK (Reno County), SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25!

You are invited to support the Reno County CROP Hunger Walk!  One quarter of funds donated will be shared by The Reno County Food Bank and the Christian Soup Ministry. Last year, each agency received
$1080! Church World Service (CWS) will use the rest globally, helping people start small livestock farms or dig wells for their communities. CWS also assists refugees from Ukraine and other nations.   Some from our Mentor & Mentee group will be walking @ 2:00pm at Rice Park, and anyone is welcome to join us! On site registration begins at 1:30pm and you can also register online. 

If you would like to support this effort with a financial donation, you can:

• Write a check to “CWS/CROP” and put our church’s name on the memo line.  Either put it in our offering at church by September 25 or send it by October 1 to Emanuel Lutheran Church, 140 E. 30th Avenue, Hutchinson, KS 67502!
• OR donate securely on-line at the Crop Hunger Walk website.  Click “donate,” then “General.”   https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2022/event/hutchinsonks

CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements

Work and Play Day on October 15!  

Share a few hours of your time for the satisfaction of improving camp grounds and some free time wandering the trails, fishing, or whatever your favorite camp activity is.  The day starts at 8:30am at the maintenance shed.  If you are coming from a distance, ask about an overnight stay.  Let us know you’re coming, so we can plan for you and your friends.  Call 620-297-3290 or

email olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org!

We’re taking out the dam on October 16 at approx. 2:30pm!  

Everyone is welcome to join in or to watch.  Gather at the shelter.  (The actual removal of the boards is not for young ages.)  The event will go forward, whatever the weather, unless deemed unsafe.  Call Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290, if uncertain.

Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat on Oct. 28-30!   

Crafters and scrapbookers are all invited to come for a weekend of creativity and friends.  Lodging will be in the Retreat Center and cropping/crafting will be in the Main Camp dining hall.  Space heaters will be available for both areas since the repairs for the furnaces will not be completed.  Register here!

BETHEL COLLEGE announcements

Tues., Sept. 27 – Bethel College Chamber Orchestra concert, directed by Kristopher Hilding, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall

Bethel College Women’s Association will appreciate donations of homemade baked goods for Market-in-the-Round at Fall Festival. Zwieback, cinnamon rolls, fruit pies, and poppyseed roll are especially needed. Please bring to Room 141 in Luyken Fine Arts Center 2-5pm on Friday Oct 7, or 7-9am on Saturday Oct 8. Email bcwa@bethelks.edu with questions.

Bethel College Fall Festival October 6-9, 2022:  For more than 50 years, Bethel College has celebrated education, diverse cultural traditions, special foods, fine arts, crafts and friendship at its annual Fall Festival, held each year on an extended weekend in late September or early October. More than 5,000 people come to Newton and the Bethel campus to enjoy an array of activities.  Features include music, food, class reunions, football, the play Quiet in the Land by Anne Chislett and the STEM Symposium honoring Professor Emeritus of Psychology Paul Lewis. See https://www.bethelks.edu/alumni/events/fall-festival for the complete schedule. Check out our Fall Festival 2022 event on Facebook at Bethel College Kansas Alumni Association (https://fb.me/e/2uPob) or follow us on Twitter: @ThresherAlumni

SAVE THE DATE: Oct. 16-17, well-known Reformation scholar Brad Gregory from the University of Notre Dame will give the annual Menno Simons Lectures at Bethel College.

SAVE THE DATE: Nov. 4-5, “The Contemporary Relevance of Erasmus for Today: A Symposium,” with a keynote address by Dr. Greta Kroeker, University of Waterloo, Ontario, on Nov. 4, at Bethel College.

Registration is now open for “Joining Voices Together,” Bethel College’s Worship and the Arts Symposium, Sat., Nov. 12, on campus, featuring resource people Bradley Kauffman, Rachel Epp Buller, Katie Graber, SaeJin Lee, Cynthia Neufeld Smith, Adam Tice and Isaac Villegas. Register at https://www.bethelks.edu/worship-arts-registration-2022; discount for 3 or more people from the same congregation. In addition, the public is invited to a Community Evensong service, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall, which will consist entirely of congregational singing from the Voices Together hymnal, arranged around the 12 artworks found in the hymnal.

FAITH & LIFE BOOKSTORE Christmas Pop-up shop – SAVE THE DATE!

Faith & Life Bookstore in Newton will be selling in our building on Saturday, November 19. This is a great opportunity to shop for Christmas, birthdays, and all occasions – books, inspirational materials, gifts and so much more for all ages. This is open to the community, so plan to bring your friends and neighbors. More details to follow.

MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES announcements

Position openings on mfc staff:  nursing positions on all levels, maintenance technician, dietary aides. Apply at www.mennofriend.com or call 620-663-7175.

MENNONITE HEALTHCARE FELLOWSHIP announcement

Mennonite Healthcare Fellowship (MHF) invites healthcare providers in all disciplines, including allied health, and all interested in the intersection of health and faith to our Annual Gathering at MCC’s Welcoming Place in Akron, PA, October 14th-16th, 2022. The theme is: Coming Together at the Well – Renewal Through Exploring the Five Life Standards. Participants will have the opportunity to explore and discuss the Five Life Standards from More-With-Less and how they apply to health and healing as well as hear from keynote speaker Malinda Elizabeth Berry, PhD, professor at AMBS. Commuter registration is available for local participants. Registration information at mennohealth.org/annual-gathering-2022/.

EVERENCE® FINANCIAL WEBINARS

Wednesdays at 2 and 8 p.m. Eastern time

• Sept. 21: The Dynamic Story of Stewardship Investing. Learn how Everence® is making a positive impact by incorporating faith and values into our investment options.
• Sept. 28: How to “ACE” your Financial Plan. Hear how a financial plan can help you align your life purpose with decisions about money. Become more confident in your financial future and maximize your charitable giving.
• Oct. 5: Retirement Readiness: Understanding your Income Options. You’ll hear sound ideas for generating a retirement income stream that lasts, including when to begin taking Social Security.

For information and registration, email national@everence.com

MCC PEACE CAMPS for young adults

Mennonite Central Committee U.S. is excited to offer two peace camps for young adults (ages 18-30) to develop their peace theology and practice. We would like to encourage you (or the young adults close to you) to consider participating! Read more about the peace camps and apply.

Peace camps are an opportunity to
• Apply Anabaptist, Biblical foundations of peace and justice to real world issues 
• Learn and understand dynamics of social change
• Experience personal transformation
• Build new relationships with others from across the country