BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
FEBRUARY 16, 2025
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/5TP47dx3HaM?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
February 16, 2025
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music— Trio super Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend,’ BWV 655 (J.S. Bach)—
Kevin Vaughn
Welcome & Prayer—Virginia Mininger
Call to Worship VT 851
*Hymn— O Worship Our God, All Glorious Above—VT 74
Children’s Conversation—Glen Ediger
Worship Music— Land of Rest & New Britain (Barbara Harbach)—Kevin Vaughn
*Hymn—Blessed Are You—VT 290
Scripture Reading—Luke 6:17-26—Ron Sawatzky
Sermon—What Power Looks Like—Joanna Harader
*Hymn–My Soul Cries Out—VT 412
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Sing a New World into Being—VT 809
*Benediction
Postlude—Fugue in A Minor, BWV 543b (J.S. Bach)—Kevin Vaughn
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual—Francis Toews
Our guest organist Sunday, February 16, Dr. Kevin Vaughn, is joining us from South Bend, Indiana. Kevin holds a DMA in Organ Performance from the University of Notre Dame, where, along with Goshen College, he has held positions on the instructional faculty. With his husband, Stephen Lancaster, he has produced a number of recordings of sacred song for baritone and organ and has performed at Hesston College. He will present a recital at Bethel College on Tuesday evening (February 18) at 7:00.
The Week at BCMC: February 16—23, 2025
Sunday, February 16, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship — 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/5TP47dx3HaM?feature=share
Monday, February 17, 2025
5:15 p.m. Organ lesson in the sanctuary
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, February 20, 2025
4 p.m. Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m. Bethel College Women’s Association meets in Fellowship Hall
Friday, February 21, 2025
7-9 p.m. Board Game Night in Fellowship Hall, hosted by the Indigenous Task Force
Sunday, February 23, 2025—Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Sunday
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Choir
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
Due to a forecast of snow and extreme cold predicted for next week, Women’s Fellowship General Meeting scheduled for Tues., Feb. 18, 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall is cancelled.
Some of our many Anabaptist History books are currently being highlighted in our church library to coincide with the 500 Year Anabaptist Celebration. We have quite a collection in back of our library desk (including two new editions of the Anabaptist Community Bible), but these are by no means all of them. Several more are available, many in the 289.7 section. Please come in and peruse at your leisure.
Upcoming Memorial Services:
· Helen Paul’s memorial service will be at Kidron Bethel Village, Kidron Hall on Feb. 28 at 2:30 p.m.
· We offer sympathy to the family of Edie Krehbiel. Edie died Jan. 23 at Paramount Community, Newton. Edie’s memorial service will be March 7, 11 a.m. at BCMC.
This Lent, Bethel College Mennonite will use Pastor Joanna’s book Prone to Wander: A Lenten Journey with Women in the Wilderness. If you would like to order a personal copy through the church, please email the church office (office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org) no later than Sun., Feb. 23. Copies cost $15 and will be available for pick up on Sunday, March 2.
BCMC Offering for Feb. 9: Gen. Fund $9,981; MCC Sale $330; Sr Hi Youth $100; Library Reserve Fund $10; Jr Hi Fund $1,032; Kitchen Fund $17; Edie Krehbiel Mem. $50.
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” is a way for BCMC folks to get acquainted with other BCMC folks that they might not know very well. The Hospitality Commission has matched people who signed up as hosts with people who signed up as guests. Guests: You will receive your food assignment today, Feb. 16. Hosts: you will receive the number of guests you will host. The dinner is Feb. 23.
The Indigenous Task Force is hosting Trent Voth during the Sunday School hour (following worship) on Sun., March 2, to share his presentation on “The Long Road to Tuktoyaktuk.” This is an introduction to the Indigenous Residential Schools (IRS) systems of Canada, seen through the use of the Anglican Church of Canada’s archival documents. The presentation seeks to add nuance to, complicate, but also humanize some of the history and experiences of the Canadian IR School system.
Sunday, Feb. 23 at 3 p.m., Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania is inviting brothers and sisters from area Mennonite churches to participate in a special service of worship and prayer related to immigration concerns, together with Aposento Alto, the Hispanic Mennonite Church in Wichita. There will be a potluck after the service to celebrate February birthdays. All are invited to bring a dish to share and stay for the meal. The service will take place in the sanctuary of First Mennonite Church, 429 E. 1st, Newton.
Announcements from Pastor Joanna
Kansas Interfaith Action (KIFA) provides valuable information about and opportunities for advocacy around some key issues in our state including economic justice, lgbtqia rights, and environmental protection. KIFA’s next monthly online forum will be Thursday, February 27, at 7 p.m. and will focus on protecting public education. You can learn more and register here.
In response to recently proposed legislation, Kansas Interfaith Action is pulling together a working group to focus on immigrant justice. If you are interested in being part of this group, contact Pastor Joanna or be in touch with KIFA directly through their web site.
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. Contact Pastor Joanna to learn more and to coordinate travel to the event.
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.
Western District Conference Israel Palestine Task Force Update: Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. 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 Mon., Feb. 17.
Western District Women in Mission invites women & girls to our annual potluck salad supper Mon., April 28, 6 p.m. at Tabor Mennonite Church, rural Newton. The theme is “For the Beauty of the Earth” presented by WDWM executive committee member and Kansas City floral designer, Becca Schrag. Bring a salad to share and a small vessel to make a floral design in (a tea cup, bowl, or small vase). This is a free event with an offering taken to help cover expenses. RSVP not required but appreciated by email: westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is April 11 & 12, at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. Your participation supports MCC’s relief, development, and peace-building work around the world.
· BCMC Sunday School classes are helping to underwrite KMRS costs so that all sale expenses are covered before the sale. BCMC classes have already pledged more than $2000, and several classes are still collecting funds to donate. Thank you!
· A big thank you also goes to those who created the eleven beautiful quilts on display last Sunday; if you missed them, they will be making another appearance as part of the quilt auction at the sale in April.
· Fellowship Meals (March 9 or March 16) are another way to contribute to MCC. Signup forms are available at the KMRS website.
· Do you have an item to donate to the silent auction, children’s auction, or general auction? Check the KMRS website for more information or speak with a BCMC liaison.
· Check out the posterboard in the Gathering Place for KMRS information and extra forms. For more information see the KMRS website at https://kansas.mccsale.org/, 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!Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) announcements
· The 17th annual Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Comforter Blitz is March 3, 4 and 5 at the Journey Facilities Building behind Charis Community Church, 3605 E. Long View Rd, Haven, near Yoder. Mon. 9-5, Tues. 9-9 (note that these hours are extended) and Wed. 9-4. No sewing skills required. Lunch is available by donation each day, or bring your own sack lunch. Snacks are welcome to share. This event is hosted by Kansas Friends of MCC. Info at mcc.org/comforter-blitz or email brociamueller@mcc.org, 316-283-2720.
· The MCC Central States board will hold it’s annual meeting Sat., March 1 from 2-3:30 p.m. at MCC Central States in North Newton. All are welcome to attend.
Bethel College Announcements
· Sun., Feb. 16: KIPCOR Film Series presents The Third Harmony, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. The 44-minute documentary directed by Michael Nagler is a study of nonviolence in academic and practical terms. Audience talkback follows with Keren Kandel, KIPCOR executive director.
· Tues., Feb. 18: Bethel College Organ Recital Series: Dr. Kevin Vaughn, University of Notre Dame, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Now in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, “Untethered,” ceramics by David Long, through March 14. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Tues., Feb. 25: Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Thurs., March 6: Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· SAVE THE DATE: Sun., March 9, 4 p.m.: Bethel College Choir Spring Tour Send-off Concert
· SAVE THE DATE: Sun., March 9, 7 p.m.: Bible Lecture (the book of Isaiah) at Bethel College with Doug Miller
Life Enrichment, in the Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, is a series designed especially for adults age 60 and over. Programs for February 19:
9:30 a.m. “The Wonderful World of Ceramics,” Conrad Snider, ceramic artist, North Newton
10:50 a.m. “Artificial Intelligence: Threat or Opportunity?,” David Janzen, Ph.D., president Tabor College, Hillsboro
In celebration of Mennonite Disaster Service’s 75th anniversary, we are inviting church sewing circles and individuals who enjoy sewing, knitting, crocheting, or weaving to join us by creating wall hangings or prayer shawls for our Housewarmer Project during the month of February! The Housewarmer Project provides quilted wall hangings and prayer shawls to disaster survivors whose homes have been rebuilt or restored by Mennonite Disaster Service. The wall hangings and prayer shawls are presented to the homeowner at the dedication of the home. These handmade gifts are a lasting symbol of compassion and of coming home. Housewarmer Project information, guidelines, and mailing instructions for completed wall hangings and prayer shawls can be found at mds.org/housewarmer-project.
- For Mennonite Church USA Safe Church Webinar “Listening to the Voice of Survivors and Our Faith Communities” press here
- For Mennonite Education Agency “Lent at Home 2025” press here
- For Mennonite Mission Network “Youth Venture trip for 18-30 years olds” press here
- For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA welcomes Leah Hoffner as the MC USA executive assistant. Hoffner began her new position on Dec. 3. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/hoffner-ea
Menno Snapshots
Joanne Gallardo, Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference co-minister, reflects on her time at the Kineo Center for the 2024 conference ministers retreat, during which she learned about the importance of protecting pastors from burnout. Read her reflection here: mennoniteusa.org/pastor-burnout-kineo
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Join Mennonite Mission Network in praising God for the 70 years of ministry of the Fellowship of Mennonite Churches in Taiwan. Pray for the continuing outreach of the church’s agencies in Hualien: the Mennonite Christian Hospital; the New Dawn Educare Center, which serves people with special challenges; and the Good Shepherd Center for abused women, those sold into prostitution, and children from dysfunctional families.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC youth and leaders who will participate in the Know Jesus conference next weekend at Hesston College, as they learn about their Anabaptist roots and grow in their relationship with Jesus through worship, service and activities together.
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.