Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County is in yellow status indicating medium risk for COVID. Masks are not required, but recommended, in the
building and we can return to coffee during fellowship time.
To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, 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 belows 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’s worship service:
https://youtu.be/qoqGoOCFRI8
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 4, 2022
Prelude—All Glory be to God on High (Bach; Walther)—Verlene Garber
Christ Candle Lighting—Tim Hodge
Land Acknowledgement
Welcome and Prayer
*Hymn—Let’s Walk Together—VT #6
Children’s Conversation—Glen Ediger
Scripture Reading—Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 1—Nathan Koontz
Sermon—Choices—Todd Schlosser
*Hymn—Lord, I am Fondly, Earnestly Longing—VT #555
Prayers of God’s People—Tim Hodge
*Hymn—Longing for Light—VT 715
Benediction—Todd Schlosser
Postlude—Verlene Garber
* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Pastors— Nathan Koontz, Todd Schlosser
Land Acknowledgement compiled by Florence Schloneger from words by Mark Charles and VT #878
As we do on the first Sunday of each month, we acknowledge that we worship
on the land of the Kanza, Osage, and Wichita. We thank them for their care and respect for this land and acknowledge the injustice of their forced
removal. We ask the Spirit to heal our histories and find new paths of right
relationships with them and all of creation.
This Week at BCMC: September 4—11, 2022
Sunday, September 4—Live stream (YouTube) link for this Sunday is:
https://youtu.be/qoqGoOCFRI8
10:30 am
Adult Classes (If meeting): Agape Class (Rm B8) Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Mosaic (Rm 20); Open Circle (Room 21); Seekers (Rm 28);
Sojourners (Chapel)
Monday, September 5—Labor Day—church building will be locked; church office will be closed
Tuesday, September 6
5:30 to 6:30 pm Community Playschool Open House in the Playschool rooms in the basement
7 pm Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, September 7
7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
7:30 pm Senior High Youth Group in Fellowship Hall
Thursday, September 8—1st day of Community Playschool
9 am to 11 am Community Playschool rooms
6:30 pm Chancel Bells Rehearsal in room B7— We welcome anyone who has musical note reading ability to ring. No prior ringing experience is necessary. A smile and a willingness to learn is required.
Friday, September 9—2nd day of Community Playschool
Sunday, September 11—Backpack Blessing!
The Faith Formation Commission invites the congregation to participate in an intergenerational backpack blessing. Bring your backpack, school bag, work satchel, briefcase, etc., to church for a special blessing. Kathy Stucky, Faith Formation Commission
9:30 am Worship Service with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Choir
10:15 am Fellowship time with coffee and water in the Gathering Place
10:30 am Congregational Meeting in the sanctuary
For your calendars: Congregational Meeting during the Sunday school hour, September 11. We will be meeting in the Fellowship Hall around the round tables. There will be time during the meeting for an open forum as well as reports and more structured table conversation.
Congratulations to Larry and Karen Penner who celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on September 1!
BCMC Aug. 28 Offering: General Fund $9,740.99; Library Reserve Fund $10; Living Stones $105; Kitchen Fund $13; Jim Gaeddert Memorial $1,285.
Church Pictorial Directories are being distributed! If you had your picture taken or submitted a picture for the directory, and have not picked up your copy of the pictorial directory, you will be contacted about making arrangements to receive your copy. Thanks again for your participation in this project.
-The Hospitality Commission
Announcement regarding the installation of our new screen and projector: McClelland Sound has reported that suppliers have not given them a shipping date for the components of our sanctuary screen and projector. We are hopeful that all of the components required for installation will be received soon.
The Faith Formation Commission is excited to announce that Jill Robb has accepted the position of BCMC Faith Formation Coordinator (.2 FTE) and George Leary has accepted the position of BCMC Youth Coordinator (.3 FTE). Both Jill and George bring experience, compassion and dedication to their new roles. We look forward to their immediate involvement in their new positions. Feel free to click on the attached job descriptions to see what they will be doing. Please keep Jill and George in your prayers as they navigate new opportunities and challenges.
Youth Coordinator Faith Formation Coordinator
Your cards, notes, and words of sympathy, support, and love are very much appreciated during this time of the passing of our father, Carl Peters in Henderson NE. May God bless each one here at BCMC. Lil and Joe Peters
We offer sympathy to the family of Verlin Bartel. Verlin, 85, died in Wichita May 25, and a memorial service will be held September 3 at Rainbow Mennonite Church in Kansas City, Kansas. Verlin’s daughter is Olivia Bartel, director of Camp Mennoscah; his brother is Allan Bartel (and Allan’s wife Susan), and sister-in-law
Ada Schmidt-Tieszen (and Ada’s husband Wes).
Book Reviews invites you to become a volunteer. If you love books and can spare 4 or 8 hours per month, please join us. Book Reviews is a non-profit, used bookstore, started by BCMC members, and all proceeds go to local charities. We welcome you to stop by at 707 N. Main and check out the opportunities or call us at 316. 283. 3442.
Newton Et Cetera Shop invites you to become a volunteer! Help us to share God’s love with all creation by volunteering in clothing, clerking, recycling, linens, housewares or one of our other departments. If you’d like to join us, please stop by, call us at 316-283-9461, or attend one of our upcoming volunteer orientations to tell us what interests you: Thursday 9/15/22 5-6 pm or Thursday 10/20/22 5-6 pm. We hope to hear from you soon!
DO JUSTICE. LOVE MERCY. – What’s required to Abolish the Death Penalty
When a murder happens, often someone will say “an eye for an eye”. This event will explore another way of responding, a way that BREAKS the cycle of violence. Panelists bring diverse personal perspectives to the question of how society should respond to homicide. They will reflect on justice and mercy even in the face of homicide and what you can do to stop the ongoing cycle of violence which is capital punishment. This event sponsored by the Bethel College Bible & Religion Department, Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, & the Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty, will be held at Bethel College on Saturday, September 10 from 10 am to 12 pm. This is also a live “ZOOM” event. Register by email at info@ksabolition.org. The event is free and open to all interested. Conference Panelists: Peter Goerzen, Professor of Bible and Religion, Bethel College; Donna Schneweis, Board Chair, KCADP;
Ron Wurtz, Retired Federal Public Defender, First Director of the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit; Katie Rose Friesen Burkey, Bethel College Student;
Steven Becker, Former District Court Judge 27th District/Former Kansas State Rep. District 104; Wilma Loganbill, Murder Victim Family Member
Sun., Sept. 11 – KIPCOR Film Series begins, with “Generation 9/11,” 2 pm, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Filmmaker Katherin Hervey tells the stories of an entire generation shaped by the events of 9/11 and the aftermath. Audience discussion follows the film screening.
Life Enrichment: Place and time: Krehbiel Auditorium, 9:30 am. September 8
9:30 am Little Arkansas Reservoir: The Lake that Never Was, Brian D. Stucky
10:30 am Coffee Break
10:50 am Life of Rodolphe Petter, a Swiss Missionary to America, Weldon Schloneger
Fri., Sept. 16 – Bethel College guest recital, Spencer Myer, piano, 7 pm,
Administration Building chapel
Camp Mennoscah Annual Meeting and Dedication of the Renovated Campfire Amphitheater on September 18! Come for an evening of song, popcorn, and generic pop, as well as updates and information on the year at Camp Mennoscah. Time is yet to be determined. (It’s like a mini-Camp Sing!)
- Camp Mennoscah is considering moving camps to a Sunday to Friday schedule. We’d be interested in hearing your thoughts–parents, campers, weekend groups, everyone! Please reply to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
- Camp Mennoscah offices will be closed on September 5 for the Labor Day holiday. We’ll be back on the 6th! Camp staff work hours vary depending on scheduled events for the week. The office assistant also works part-time from home. (Whenever a group is at camp, a staff person will be on duty.) Thank you for understanding! We will be in touch as soon as possible.
- Thank you to everyone who participated in the Work & Play Day on August 20! So much was accomplished–clearing branches and brush, watering trees, cleanup around the maintenance shed, and painting. Thank you! We still have more projects, if you missed out. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org to help.
- Pardon the Mess! Camp Mennoscah is cleaning out and organizing maintenance sheds and other buildings. Items in the front “yard” will slowly find new homes. Thank you for your understanding!
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.
Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “One and a Half Acres: Images from America’s Decommissioned Missile Silos,” photographs by Nate Hofer, through Thurs., Sept. 22 (closing reception Sept. 22). Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 am-5 pm, Sun. 2-4 pm.
SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, Oct. 13, KIPCOR celebrates 50 years of Peace Lectures with Dr. Fania Davis, a leading national voice on Restorative Justice, speaking in Bethel College’s Memorial Hall.
Western District Conference September Final Thursday Book Discussion – “Jesus ministered to the poor, Jesus was poor. If both are true of our Savior, both can be true of us too.” Explore this idea in Kevin Wiebe’s book “Faithful in Small Things: How to Serve the Needy When You’re One of Them.” Copies available at the WDC Resource Library. Join the Zoom discussion on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 7pm. Register by emailing the library at crlib@mennowdc.org
Mennonite Central Committee Central States is hiring for two new positions, consider applying today or passing these opportunities on to someone you know who has a passion for working in immigration!
Immigration Program Coordinator – Got experience with immigration, migration, and borderlands work? Love building multi-cultural relationships? This opportunity with MCC may be the one for you. Click through this link for more information and to apply.
Borderlands Program Coordinator – Join MCC and use your coordinating skills and knowledge of borderlands. Teach, connect, and work with MCC partners and asylum seekers in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Click through this link for more information and to apply. Questions about either position? Email claraswald@mcc.org or call 316-283-2720.
Bluestem U, a lifelong learning program for people aged 55 and older, is enrolling for the first semester beginning in September which will feature three courses hosted by Hesston College and Schowalter Villa. “Prairie Landscaping 101” taught by Brad Guhr, “Happy Habits from Positive Psychology” taught by Kevin Wilder, and “Buggies, Bonnets and Boundaries: A Study of Amish Faith, Life and Culture” taught by John Sharp. Each course is $50. For more information and registration, go to bluestemu.org or call 316-836-4846. Bluestem U is a partnership between Bluestem Communities, Bethel College and Hesston College.
Kauffman Museum at Bethel College is seeking a graphic designer who has experience with digital and print design, as well as social media, web and IT. Interest or experience in museum exhibition design and fabrication preferred. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. To see the complete job description and to apply, go to the https://www.bethelks.edu/about/who-we-are/career-opportunities/current-position-openings/graphic-designer-kauffman-museum For more information, contact Andi Andres at Kauffman Museum: asa@bethelks.edu or 316-283-1612.
Kidron Bethel Village, North Newton, is seeking an individual to serve as its full-time chaplain. The primary responsibilities of this position include:
· Provide spiritual support for residents, their families, and staff members.
· Provide ongoing opportunities and leadership for residents’ spiritual growth
· Support resident, families and staff during times of transition or special need
· Provide services for the bereaved
· Act as a staff liaison and resident advocate
· Contribute to the planning and decision-making process at Kidron Bethel Village and Bluestem Communities, Inc.
· Serve as liaison and resource person in the wider church and local community
Qualifications and Experience: Hold a Bible or Seminary degree; Have a minimum of one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education; Hold ministerial credentials in good standing within a recognized denominational body; Prefer three (3) years of pastoral leadership experience
Interested persons should contact Linda Peters, Executive Director of Kidron Bethel Village at: lindap@bluestemks.org
Join Everence for an informative webinar series: “Managing your finances—faithfully!” Webinar is on four consecutive Wednesdays at 2 and 8 pm Eastern time. Webinar dates are Sept. 14, Sept. 21, Sept. 28 and Oct. 5. See the flier on the church bulletin board. Email national@everence.com with questions or simply call the Everence North Newton office at 316-283-3800. Webinars are titled: Sept. 14: Women, Wealth, and Well-being; Sept. 21: The Dynamic Story of Stewardship Investing; Sept. 28: How to ACE your Financial Plan; Oct. 5: Retirement Readiness: Understanding your Income Options.
Click here for more info: Everence webinar
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network Webinar click here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network I’m Living with Dementia. Are you? Click here
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!
Season tickets for the 2022-23 Prairie Window Concert Series at the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains are available with an EARLY BIRD discount now through September 30. This year’s line-up includes Haymakers, Humbird, Goodnight Moonshine, John Fullbright, Lindsay Lou, The Barefoot Movement, The Small Glories and Bella White. Purchase tickets online at dyckarboretum.org or call 620-327-8127 to reserve your seats.
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond click here
For Mennonite World Conference press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite World Conference has proposed changes to its “fair share” funding system that will impact Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) constituents. These proposed changes include an increase in the assessment of MC USA’s fair share per person and no longer crediting denominations for direct donations from individuals. Read more about the changes here: mennoniteusa.org/news/mwc-funding
Menno Snapshots
This summer, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a 49-year precedent that protected the freedom to have an abortion. Glen Guyton, the executive director of MC USA, answers the question, “How should we respond?” in his blog “Abortion and the third way” here: mennoniteusa.org/abortion-third-way
Delegate Assembly
Jeryl Hollinger, the pastor of Mountain View Mennonite Church in Kalispell, Montana, participated in the Special Session of the Delegate Assembly in May. In his blog, “A more vibrant garden,” he encourages the members of Mennonite Church USA to keep learning, listening and communicating honestly with one another. Read his encouraging words here: mennoniteusa.org/more-vibrant-garden
Please pray for those leading and participating in the Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference Annual Fall Gathering on Sept. 9 and 10. May God bless their time together.
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Kate Widmer, who is serving with Mennonite Mission Network in France, continues to build relationships with children and people fleeing violence in their home countries. Pray that she will receive the documents she needs to live in France long term.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC members studying through IBA, Instituto Bíblico Anabautista, (Anabaptist Biblical Institute) and SeBAH, Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano (Hispanic Anabaptist Biblical Seminary), and give thanks for those who are participating in the IBA/SeBAH graduation ceremony this weekend at Hesston College.