2025 01 26 – worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
JANUARY 26, 2025
ANABAPTISM AT 500


Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy, 
and walking humbly with God
.


To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20 a.m. go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box below that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”.   Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button.  Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”.  That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel.  You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service. 
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/F1D3DsO6u_Q?feature=share 


Congregational Meeting this Sunday, January 26

There is a congregational meeting Sunday, Jan. 26, during the Sunday School hour in the sanctuary. The meeting will be available through streaming options. Financial Report booklets can be found here and there are paper copies in the Gathering Place.   Following the congregational meeting, the youth will be hosting a fundraising luncheon and the 2nd annual Fun Facts about the Senior High Youth Group. A fun and interactive way to get to know the youth!  Fundraisers like this help our youth to go to events such as MennoCon this coming July in North Carolina.

For the soup luncheon, please bring your own tableware, a bowl for soup, and a plate for other items of food. 

Link for the congregational meeting:  
https://youtube.com/live/fuKZebtEn9k?feature=share

 


BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
January 26, 2025
Anabaptism at 500

 
Christ Candle Lighting
 
Centering Music—Great is Thy Faithfulness [VT 419] (arr. Joel Raney)  Will Wiebe-Friesen &  Brad Vogel               
 
Welcome & Prayer— Joanna Harader
 
*Hymn—A Mighty Fortress Is Our GodI—VT 421
 
Children’s Conversation—Esther Kreider Eash
 
Worship Music—O God, Our Help In Ages Past (arr. John Ferguson)–Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
              Congregation is invited to join on verses 1 & 5 in unison      VT 203              
Scripture— I Peter 2:4-12  (CEB)—Brad Born
 
Testimony—John Thiesen
 
Hymn—We Are People of God’s Peace, v. 1-2 only (seated)—VT 797
 
Scripture—I Peter 2:4-12 (VT 381)—Brad Born
 
Testimony—Ardie Goering
 
Hymn—We Are People of God’s Peace, v. 3-4 only (seated)—VT 797
 
Prayers of God’s People—Joanna Harader
 
*Commissioning—VT 928
 
*Hymn—Move in Our Midst—VT 827
 
Birthday Blessing and Benediction—VT 1056
 
Postlude—God of Grace and God of Glory [VT 716] (arr. Joel Raney)–Will Wiebe-Friesen & Brad Vogel                                                                                       


*You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
CEB—Common English Bible
Audio visual—Ben Lichti

Today’s centering music and postlude feature two well-known hymns presented as piano and organ duets. Will invited his friend and college music professor, Dr. Brad Vogel, to join him for these duets. The hymn God of Grace and God of Glory (VT 716) is not an Anabaptist hymn per se, but its text seems fitting for a day like this. The tune, CWM RHONDDA (pronounced “coom rawnthuh”) is named for the Rhondda Valley (“cwm” meaning “low valley”) in Wales, where this tune is very much beloved by the region’s famous male choirs. Interestingly, if you were to attend a rugby match in Wales, it is very likely that you would hear this tune sung with great gusto by the fans.


Anabaptism at 500 Celebration

January 21 was the 500th anniversary of what is noted as the beginning of Anabaptism: the baptism of George Blaurock, Conrad Grebel, and a dozen others in Zurich, Switzerland.  To celebrate this significant anniversary:  Sundays, Jan. 26 and Feb. 2 BCMC worship will highlight various aspects of our Anabaptist heritage and identity.


The Week at BCMC:  January 26—February 2, 2025
Sunday, January 26, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship  — 10:30 a.m. Congregational meeting in the Sanctuary
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday: 
https://youtube.com/live/F1D3DsO6u_Q?feature=share
YouTube Link for the congregational meeting:
https://youtube.com/live/fuKZebtEn9k?feature=share
11:45 a.m.    Fundraiser Soup Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall prepared by the Youth Group—All are invited!
Monday,  January 27, 2025
9 a.m.         Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
10 a.m.       Library Committee meets in Room 14 and the Library
7 p.m.         Newton Chorale rehearses in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
4 p.m.         Worship Commission meets in Room 14
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, January 30, 2025
6:30 p.m.  Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.        Newton Chorale rehearses in the Sanctuary
Sunday, February 2, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship        10:30 a.m. Faith Formation

Pastor Nathan is attending a retreat for Anabaptist worship writing in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Jan. 31 through Feb. 3. 


Board Game Night to support the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery: Pastor Joanna is currently working with other members of the Coalition to develop a board game that addresses issues connected to Indigenous justice. To raise awareness of and money for this project, the Indigenous Task Force is hosting a board game night on Fri., Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. in the church Fellowship Hall. We will have a prototype of the Coalition game available along with plenty of other game options. There is no charge to attend the event, but we will receive donations for the Coalition from those who would like to contribute. 


“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” will be Sun., Feb. 23, at noon.  Sign-up Sun., Jan. 26, in the Gathering Place. Indicate whether you would like to be a host or guest. Hosts provide main dish, beverage, and maybe bread.  Guests are assigned a side dish (vegetable, salad, dessert), or maybe bread. Experience this event interacting with some of our congregational members, as assigned, on a social level.


Announcements from Pastor Joanna Harader

As our state and national political climate becomes increasingly threatening to trans and queer people, you are invited to “the gayest Anabaptist gathering of the year”! Join LGBTQIA+ people and their allies/accomplices for Fabulous, Fierce, and Sacred–a weekend of worship, fellowship, learning, and community: May 2-4 in Philadelphia, PA. Please share this invitation with those you think would be interested. You can find more information and register here: Fabulous Fierce & Sacred 2025. Contact Pastor Joanna to learn more and to coordinate travel to the event. 

Kansas Interfaith Action (KIFA) works with people of faith to promote justice-focused public policy in the state of Kansas. Please consider participating in an upcoming lobby day at the Kansas Statehouse to advocate for affordable housing, Medicaid expansion, and KIFA’s legislative priorities of supporting public education, lgbtqia+ rights, economic justice, and climate and clean energy. Let Pastor Joanna know if you’d like to attend any of these events and she will help coordinate transportation.


BCMC Offering for Jan. 19: Gen. Fund $6,002; Solar Fund $50.


Upcoming Memorial Services:
· Willis Harder’s memorial service will be at Kidron Bethel Village, Kidron Hall on Feb. 1 at 2:30 p.m.  The service will also be livestreamed on www.youtube.com/@KidronBethelVillage/streams. Willis passed away on January 16. See his obituary.
· Helen Paul’s memorial service will be at Kidron Bethel Village, Kidron Hall on Feb. 28 at 2:30 p.m.


Western District Conference Israel Palestine Task Force Update
On February 25 at 7:00 pm CT, Esther Koontz will lead a Zoom discussion of the book, Apeirogon by Colum McCann.  Special guest, Tareq Abuhamila, will begin the meeting with an update of life on the ground in Gaza based on reports from his family in Gaza.  Participants will have a chance to ask Tareq questions, give their responses to the book, and name their own stories of peace to add to the book’s 1001 powerful vignettes.  Please register by emailing wdc@mennowdc.org by Monday, February 17.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.


Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is April 11 & 12, at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson.  This year’s theme is “In the name of Christ.”
· BCMC Sunday School Classes help underwrite KMRS costs. All expenses are covered before the sale, so 100% of revenue goes directly to Mennonite Central Committee.
· Start collecting your coins! BCMC’s My Coins Count drive begins in February.
· Run for Relief entry forms are available to sign up to run, walk, jog, or be a sponsor.
· Do you have a quilt to donate, or are you considering bidding on a quilt? This year, the KMRS quilt committee is asking that all quilt auction items be turned in by Feb. 14 — at least two weeks earlier than previous years. This means that the display of quilts at BCMC will be Sun., Feb. 9 from 9 to 11 a.m. 
· Donate furniture, quilts, vehicles, or children’s items for the auctions.
· WANTED: Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, Campers, Tractors, Farm Machinery and anything of value to be sold at this year’s KMRS.  Your donations can be used as a Charitable Tax Donation.  More info: call Jerry Toews, 620 367 8257.
· For more information see the KMRS website at https://kansas.mccsale.org/, the posterboard in the Gathering Place, or contact a BCMC liaison (Brad and Diane Born, William and Esther Kreider Eash, and Steve and Elaine Schurr)


The Great Winter Warm-up: Spread warmth around the world this winter by helping Mennonite Central Committee reach a goal of 7000 comforters by the end of March. You can sponsor, donate one (or more) comforters, or attend a comforter event to tie in community with others. If you host an event in your home, church or community please let tinaschrag@mcc.org know about it (we’ve got some small gifts for those who host events!). Check mcc.org/great-winter-warm-up for instructions, coloring pages for kids and more!
 


Volunteers needed at New Hope Shelter: More than 25 volunteers from BCMC currently serve at New Hope Shelter during designated weeks, in coordination with supporting congregations throughout Harvey, Marion, and McPherson counties. Some help provide evening meals and others stay through the evening (5-10 p.m.) to support a paid staff person. As volunteers come and go, we can always use more help to cover this commitment. If you can volunteer or would like more information, please email Cynthia Linscheid at cdlin319@gmail.com. You may also attend an orientation session on Mon., Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m., at New Hope Shelter, to learn more.


You are invited to the 2025 Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Annual Celebration Feb. 14 – 15, at the Ridgepoint Church, 8000 W. 21st St., in Wichita.  MDS is celebrating 75 years of Responding, Rebuilding, Restoring after disasters.  You will hear stories from clients and volunteers, a keynote: MDS in an Upside-Down World – God’s Faithfulness. You can attend workshops on today’s key issues facing the MDS organization.  You can enjoy good food and good fellowship.  Childcare will be provided on Friday evening and Saturday morning (limited numbers so register early).  The event is FREE, including meals.  Tours have a fee.  For more information about the activities and registration, go to the website
MDS.ORG.  Registration deadline is Mon., Jan. 27.


Newton Community for Racial Justice will hold its annual anti-racism training Feb. 13-15, 2025. This is a date change from previous years.  Training will be held at the Newton Recreation Center from Thurs. evening, Feb. 13 through Sat. afternoon, Feb. 15.
Registration: $350 per participant.  Some scholarships are available. 
REGISTER HERE:   https://forms.gle/pXViB4fzH8y3u7WM7
Payment can be made online:  https://www.convergepay.com/hosted-payments?ssl_txn_auth_token=%2Bd%2Fr1xrRRCaZybUyv2z%2FeAAAAZON0fyjV
 


Bethel College Announcements
· Sun., Jan.  26: Bethel College Music Department Honors Recital, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel, featuring freshman, sophomore and junior vocal and instrumental students who performed exceptionally during the fall 2024 semester.
· Sat., Feb. 1: Kauffman Museum bird walk, 8 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets (2801 N. Main St.). Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail
· Thurs., Feb. 6: Bethel College Faculty Recital: Chris Miertschin, brass (rescheduled from fall 2024), 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium.
· Bethel College will offer a new course, Introduction to Hymnology, in Spring 2025, taught by Dr. Henry S. Waters, Director of Choral Music and Associate Professor of Music.  The course will survey the history of hymns, mostly from the hymnal Voices Together, and analyze hymns through many lenses including music theory, poetry and theology. The class will meet weekly on Mondays at 6-7 pm, beginning Mon., Jan 27, in the Chapel of the Administration Building.  Community members may Audit the course for $100 (or $50 for persons age 65+), or enroll for credit at a higher fee.  To request the enrollment form, email registrar@bethelks.edu or visit the Registrar’s Office in the Administration Building between 8 am -12 pm, or 1-5 pm.


Life Enrichment, in the Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, is a series designed especially for adults age 60 and over.  Programs for January 29:
9:30 a.m.  “On Life and the Legislature,” Logan DeMond, legislative director, House minority, Topeka
10:50 a.m.  “Behind the Scenes of One-on-One with Victor Hogstrom,” Victor A.Hogstrom, president and CEO of KPTS public television, Wichita


Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements
Scrapbook Retreat, Jan. 31-Feb. 2 – Creating paper or digital photo books and sharing ideas and conversation is just another day for scrapbook participants.  You still have time to register and spend the weekend documenting life memories and fellowshipping with others. Register at rmmc.org!

Save the date! Women’s Retreat is coming March 7-9, 2025. Input for the weekend will be provided by Mariah Martin, pastor and Host of the Called to be Bad podcast. More details to follow!


Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the ministry of the Korea Anabaptist Center, in Chuncheon, South Korea. Pray for the staff members as they share Anabaptist-Mennonite resources with those interested in learning about peace theology and restorative justice.
Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Please pray for members of WDC Church Planting Commission as they express financial needs to match their creative thinking and planning.


Bethel College Mennonite Church is an open and affirming congregation
centered in the life and teachings of Jesus. Embracing the divine within each person, we warmly welcome any and all into fellowship without regard to race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability,
economic status, marital status, or age.