Table of Contents
The Mennonite World Conference Peace Commission offers this prayer for peace, calling us to embody a faith that follows the way of the Prince of Peace. May it be so…
Lord, have mercy! Christ, have mercy!
When, O Lord, will we learn that peace does not come through force?
When, O Lord, will we learn that peace does not come through fighting?
When, O Lord, will we learn that peace does not come by conquering others?
When, O Lord, will we learn that peace does not come through killing?
We look on with horror at the ever-escalating violence
that grips the people and their nations in the Middle East.
We mourn the faith placed in weapons, perpetuating cycles of violence.
We mourn the faith placed in military might.
We mourn the faith placed in violence, as if that can bring about right relationships.
We mourn the faith placed in political rhetoric and posturing.
Christians are called to embody a faith that seeks the welfare of others, not their demise.
Christians are called to embody a faith that lays down our arms.
Christians are called to build bridges of respect, mutuality and resolution
even with those who may be hostile.
Christians are called to love our enemies, or refuse to have enemies.
Christians are called to invite others, including those of other faiths, to seek alternatives to violence.
Christians are called to embody a faith that follows the way of the Prince of Peace.
Rockets will not bring peace. Invasion will not bring peace.
Guns will not bring peace. Violence will not bring peace.
Enough! Basta! Ça suffit!
God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. Amen. (adapted by Level Ground Church, Abbotsford, B.C., Canada)
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, SEPTEMBER 29 – TO HOPE and ACT WITH CREATION: REVEALING (week 2)
(The third in a 6-week series) We hope and act for the revealing of God’s sacred presence in human and more-than-human creation.
Psalm 19:1-6; John 2:1-11
- Preacher: Pastor Tonya Ramer Wenger
- Worship Leader: Calvin Buller
- Song Leader: Trae Gehring
- Children’s Time: DeAnna Goering
- Scripture Reader: Cheryl Warkentin
- Pianist: Shelley Kauffman
- Ushers: Dennis & Jennalee Boggs
- Nursery Attendant: No one assigned
- Sound Tech: Earl Ediger
- 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.
VOLUNTEERS FOR READING SCRIPTURE
If you would be willing to read scripture, please sign up on the bulletin board opposite the mailboxes. We welcome readers of all ages, and we’d be happy to bring a mic to you if you would prefer reading from your seat.
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
- September 26 – Pastor Congregation Relations Committee, 4:00pm
- September 28 – FMC serves at the Soup Kitchen
- September 29 – Safe Sanctuaries training for all who work with children/youth in our congregation – 10:45
- September 29 – All church picnic potluck at Herman Bunte Park in Hutchinson (18 Lazy Lane) – noon
- October 13 – FMC leads worship at Mennonite Friendship Communities
- October 19 – Church workday – 8:00am-1:00pm (or whenever you can come).
- October 27 – FMC budget meeting – 10:55am
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 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 Study Groups:
- 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
If you are interested in helping teach children or junior youth Sunday School, please contact Joy Miller, who is coordinating that scheduling on behalf of the Faith Formation Team.
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:
- Sept 29: Week 3: Revealing – We hope and act for the revealing of God’s sacred presence in human and more-than-human creation. (Pastor Tonya preaching)
- Oct 6: World Communion Sunday & Week 4: Freedom – We hope and act trusting in the Spirit of Christ that frees us from captivity to fear and death (Pastor Tonya preaching)
- 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.
- Oct 20: Week 6: Hope – We hope and act, trusting in God to work in unseen, marvelous ways.
BLESSING OF THE PETS – COMING SOON!
Stay tuned for the exact date and details! We are planning, as part of the Season of Creation worship series, to offer our first ever Blessing of the Pets at First Mennonite. 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.).
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) More details about the morning are forthcoming!
UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines
- UPPER ROOM – The September-October issue is available above the mailboxes.
- Rejoice! – August-September issue is available above the mailboxes.
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 (No Wednesday hours September 18)
- 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 2. (Note: this is a change from the usual 4th Wednesday.)
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 September 15-18. (She will be out of town September 13-18.)
FALL BOOK GROUP WILL BE READING THE SPIRIT OF OUR POLITICS
Our book study groups is discussing The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life by Michael Wear. We meet Wednesdays at 1:00pm. It’s not too late to join. Call the church office for information. If there are those who would like to read & discuss this book, but the Wednesday 1pm daytime doesn’t work, please also let Tonya know and we’ll explore options.
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
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. This is a day for everyone to join in caring for our building and grounds as we care for the spaces entrusted to us. Watch for more information about projects and lunch plans.
STEWARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS
Our solar system is activated!! Thank you to all who contributed to make this happen, and to King Solar for their amazing work. And, our fire alarm system has now been updated and is connected directly to the fire department. If you have any questions about either of these updates, please talk to Allen Yoder, Jay Gehring, or Dohn Fast.
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. Our October 30 session will be a visit to the Central States Mennonite Central Committee Center in North Newton. A line up of presenters and an exact schedule for the evenings will be coming soon.
WEST NILE VIRUS information
Currently South Central Kansas is in the high risk area for getting bitten by a mosquito infected with the West Nile virus. This is a seasonal epidemic that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall.
What Can I Do to Prevent West Nile virus?
- When outdoors, use mosquito repellents
- Wear long sleeves and pants. Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn.
- Make sure you have good screens on windows and doors.
- Empty containers of standing water, change bird baths weekly
Symptoms of West Nile
Symptoms range from no symptoms (80%) to severe (1 in 150). Seek care for fever, headache, neck stiffness, body aches, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, tremors, vision loss, numbness.
West Nile is spread by infected mosquitoes, not human to human contact.
The more time spent outside increases the risk of being bitten. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms if they do get sick. There is no vaccine to mitigate the effects of West Nile
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:
September: Canned Meat/Tuna 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.
SALTHAWK COMMUNITY SUPPORT FUNDRAISER DINNER OCT 7 & PAPA JOHNS NIGHT OCT 8
Mark your calendars for Monday October 7 for Chili Supper Fundraiser for Salthawk Community Support at Trinity United Methodist Church – (Thorne Hall) from 5:30 – 7 PM. Dine in or carry out both available. Enter through the door with the red awning off of 17th street. The cost is $10. Menu is: Chili, relishes, and cinnamon rolls. Pastor Tonya and Tanya Martin Nisly both serve on the board for this non-profit that exists to help reduce barriers to education at Hutchinson High School and HMS 8 through providing needed physical resources (clothing, shoes, toiletries, etc.) as well as building relationships of support through mentoring and tutoring.
And then on Tuesday October 8, you can also support Salthawk by buying your dinner at Papa John’s. You can order online or in store, carry out or delivery. Please remember you HAVE to tell them you are ordering to support Salthawk Community Support!! When you do so, %20 of the profits will be given to Salthawk Community Support.
MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES . . . INDEPENDENT LIVING OPEN HOUSE
Mennonite Friendship Communities is hosting an Open House! On Tuesday, October 1 from 5-7 pm several of our Independent Living homes will be open for visitors to tour. Come to the Independent Living main entrance (200 Sunnydell Circle) to start your tour and enjoy seeing some of our homes. For more information, contact Susan Nisly at 620-663-7175 or SNisly@MennoFriend.com. We hope to see you there!!
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.
MCC U.S. NATIONAL PEACE & JUSTICE MINISTRIES webinar
Join MCC, the Church of the Brethren, and the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) for a webinar on climate and peace! (Registration is required – click the previous link.) Learn from partners around the world how climate change is driving conflict within their communities and how they are acting to address this crisis.
United in our call to stand for peace worldwide, many of us see climate change as one of the biggest obstacles to this goal. Hear how you can take action to advocate for international climate assistance and to support peace globally!
- Webinar: Climate and peace: Stories from around the world
- Date: Sept. 25, 2024
- Time: 11:00 am EDT
BETHEL COLLEGE announcements
Sun., Sept. 29 – Mark Jantzen, Bethel College professor of history, speaks on “Brief Imperial Russian Sojourn: Lasting Mennonite Memories,” following a brief annual meeting at 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum. This coincides with the opening of the new special exhibit “Unlocking the Past: Immigrant Artifacts & the Stories They Tell,” sparked by the 150th anniversary of the migration of Mennonites from Russia and Prussia to the Central Plains of North America and by the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025.
Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Oct. 3-6, with most activities taking place Saturday, Oct. 5, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football (Bethel vs. Tabor, the “Menno Bowl”), the musical 9 to 5, and the 50th-anniversary celebration for the social work program. See https://www.bethelks.edu/fallfest/ for the complete schedule.
Fri., Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Oct. 5, 3:30 p.m., Sun., Oct. 6, 2 p.m. – Bethel College music and theater departments present 9 to 5 during Fall Festival, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Ticket purchase required, in Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., online (https://bethelks.hometownticketing.com/embed/all?depts=3) or at the door. Contains adult content and may not be suitable for young children.
Sat., Oct. 5 – Sarah Augustine will give a keynote address for the 50th anniversary of Bethel College social work, 2 p.m., Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village. She will also speak Sun., Oct. 6, 9:30 a.m., at Bethel College Mennonite Church, and Mon., Oct. 7, for convocation in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. The public is invited to any and all events. Augustine is the founder and co-chair of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, author of The Land is Not Empty (2021) and co-author of So We and Our Children May Live (2023).
BETHEL COLLEGE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION fundraising booth at Fall Fest, October 5
Bethel College Women’s Association needs your donations of baked goods and craft items! Home-made pies, poppyseed rolls, zwieback, cinnamon rolls, other baked goods and treats for Market-in-the-Round at Fall Festival are welcome. In addition, home-made jams/jellies and craft items are needed.
All of these items can be delivered to the Music Library in Luyken Fine Arts Center from 1 – 5 p.m. on Friday, October 4. All proceeds will benefit Bethel College. Questions? Email bcwa@belthelks.edu.
Volunteers are needed as well to staff the booths. To sign up, click on the following link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E4CA8A72FA3F58-50920044-fall/102465998#
OPEN DOOR HEALTH SERVICES FALL FUNDRAISING BANQUET – October 10 @6:30pm
This fundraising event will be held October 10 at 6:30pm, at the Meadowlark Building on the State Fairgrounds. Featured speaker is Rebekah Hagan. Website is OPENDOORFRIENDS.COM or click here to register https://secure.fundeasy.com/ministrysync/event/home.php?e=27977
Contact Open Door at 620-728-2229 with any questions.
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)! 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!
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
Summer is over and volunteer work days have been adjusted! 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:
- Thank you to the many summer youth camp volunteers, both far and near, long-time and new! Camp Mennoscah had a successful summer because of you. 403 campers had the absolute bestest of camp weeks! (If not, we’ll try harder next summer.) See you at Fall Fest on October 5th at Bethel College!
- 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!
- Volunteers for grounds and deep cleaning, and more are continuing need. Contact us at 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org.
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (MCC) learning opportunities
Join MCC Great Lakes for the Dismukes Project Learning Tour on October 9-13: This learning tour provides a unique experience to learn more about Black history and experiences in the coalfields of Appalachia, while also learning the incredible story of Dr. Henry Dodford Dismukes, an African American physician in the early 1900’s. Participants will visit various sites connected with Dr. Dismukes, hear from local speakers, learn about MCC’s work to preserve Black history in the area and attend the Dismukes Gala featuring John Ellison. Learn more and register at mcc.org/dismukes-learning-tour. Tickets are also available separately for the Dismukes Gala on October 12 at mcc.org/dismukes-gala. Learn more about Dr. Dismukes and the project, including a video and podcast, at mcc.org/dismukes.
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.
MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE (MDS) Region 3 Annual Meeting
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
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
SMCHA Annual Banquet to be Held at Faith Mennonite, Newton on October 10
Mark your calendars for the annual SMCHA Banquet. This year we will celebrate on Thursday, October 10 at 6:00 pm at Faith Mennonite church in Newton. We will be featuring an ethnic German buffet style meal catered by the Breadbasket. A return of our ‘bohne beroggi’ made by authentic Schweitzer cooks will occur again. At this event we will focus on thanking those that coordinated the 150th anniversary of Schweitzers coming to the United States. Dale Schrag will be our speaker for the evening discussing the future.
We invite you to come to the banquet on the 10th, enjoy good food, learn who we are and were, learn what SMCHA is doing and planning, have a great time fellowshipping with friends old and new, and continue our celebratory mood from the 150th. The cost of the annual banquet is $25 to be paid at the door. RSVP to Nancy Stucky by October 7 with a text or phone call to 620-532-5693. Come and enjoy!
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 in concurrence with the museum’s annual meeting. Mark Jantzen ’85, Bethel professor of history, will give a presentation in the museum auditorium at 3 p.m. on Mennonite life in Russia 150-plus years ago, before the migration to North America that started in 1874, titled “Brief Imperial Russian Sojourn: Lasting Mennonite Memories.” 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