February 19, 2023
Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County is still in green status indicating
low risk for COVID. You are invited to choose whether you wear a mask or social distance. Both are optional.
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: https://youtube.com/live/UJXmAUuLXJQ?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
February 19, 2023
Transfiguration Sunday
Prelude—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Christ Candle Lighting—Jonathan Zerger
Welcome and Prayer
*Hymn—Could It Be That God Is Singing—VT 42
Kin-dom Report—Heather Zerger
Children’s Conversation—Kevin Neufeld
Anthem—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
Scripture Reading—Exodus 24:12-18; Matthew 17:1-9—Sheryl Goering
Sermon—On the Mountain—Nathan Koontz
*Hymn—Beloved, God’s Chosen—VT 164
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Don’t Be Afraid—VT 596
*Benediction— Nathan Koontz
Postlude—Will Wiebe-Friesen
* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Audio visual— Ben Lichti
Pastor—Nathan Koontz
This Week at BCMC: February 19-February 26, 2023
Sun., Feb. 19, 2023
9:30 am Worship Service — YouTube Link for this Sunday is:
https://youtube.com/live/UJXmAUuLXJQ?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:30 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall; High School – Room 24
Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21)
Seekers (Rm 28) [They will be doing a “Ecclesiastes study” presented by Weldon Schloneger]
Mon., Feb. 20, 2023
7 pm Newton Chorale rehearsal in the sanctuary
Tues., Feb. 21, 2023
7 pm Women’s Fellowship meets in Fellowship Hall
Wed., Feb. 22, 2023
6:30 pm Ash Wednesday Service in the Sanctuary
6:30 pm Menno Ringers Rehearsal in Room B7
7 pm Youth Group meets
7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Feb. 23, 2023
6:30 pm Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 pm Newton Chorale rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Fri., Feb. 24, 2023
10-11 am Informal conversation about the book, Women Talking by
Miriam Toews in Fellowship Hall with Justina Neufeld and Dorothy Nickel Friesen hosting the discussion
Sun., Feb. 26, 2023—Lent 1: Shaped by Testing
9:30 am Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; music by Menno Ringers; Communion will be served; February birthday recognition
BCMC will begin the Lent Season with an Ash Wednesday service next Wednesday, February 22 at 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary. For the 2023 Lent Devotional press here.
BCMC Women’s Fellowship meets Tues., Feb. 21, 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall to hear Carol Peters present, “Using God’s Gifts for Quilting”. Louise Thieszen will share the history of Mission Quilters at BCMC. You are invited to bring something quilted and share that story. Use the south-east door.
Roger’s Whereabouts – Roger will return to Newton on Friday, February 24, and will preach on Sunday, February 26.
Upcoming memorial service planned at BCMC:
· Memorial service for Grace Schroeder, Saturday, March 25 at 11 am
BCMC Offering for February 12, 2023: General Fund $8,287; Sr Hi Youth $300; Jr Hi Fund $1,097; Kitchen Fund $11.
The Junior High Youth wants to thank the congregation for your generous support of the Super Bowl Snacks fundraiser last Sunday. $1,152 was raised for the Junior High Youth fund. Thank you!
Mark your calendars for Wednesday night suppers beginning March 1, 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
We offer sympathy to Hilda Regier on the death of her sister Elma (Regier) Harms, February 9, at Kidron Bethel Healthcare, North Newton.
A Family in Gazinatep, Turkey—A Student at Bethel College—How You Can Help! Dilan Bagci is an exchange student from Wuppertal, Germany. Dilan’s mother’s family live in Turkey. Her father’s siblings have emigrated to Germany. Dilan’s grandmother’s house, as well as her uncle’s were destroyed in the Feb. 6 earthquake. Fortunately, no one was hurt, although her grandmother has been in poor health. Subarna Bhattachan, a ‘92 BC grad from Nepal, knows what it’s like when disaster strikes in a home country far away. Subama has offered to donate a meal for up to 30 people to raise money for Dilan’s family. When: Friday, March 3, 2023, 6:30 pm at the Prairy Mezzanine—Minimum: $75 per person. To attend the dinner or to donate, contact Peggy at souderinkansas@yahoo.com or 316-836-6418. See the poster on the BCMC bulletin board.
There will be an informal conversation about the book, Women Talking by Miriam Toews, and the movie based on the book on Friday, February 24, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Bethel College Mennonite Church. Justina Neufeld and Dorothy Nickel Friesen will host the discussion with Willmar Harder, Buhler Mennonite Church pastor, who was a MCC worker in Bolivia 2010 – 2014. Willmar was the liaison on behalf of the Mennonite colonies with the Bolivian government. Anyone who has read the book or seen the movie is welcome to attend!
Mark your calendars for Wednesday night suppers beginning March 1, 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
From the Board:
· Worship Commission:
At the beginning of the current program year, the Worship Commission
took a hiatus for reconsideration of the function and process of their work. The board formed the Worship Commission Task Group to explore the past experiences and future possibilities for the Commission. The BCMC board has now approved the Task Group’s recommendation that the Worship Commission be reestablished for the next program year. The Gifts Discernment Committee will seek nominees for the Worship Commission to be approved at our April congregational meeting. Thanks so much to the Task Group (Dorothy Nickel Friesen, Dale Schrag, Patty Shelly, and Adam Robb) for their thoughtful, thorough, and timely work and recommendation!
· Credentialing for Elizabeth Schmidt:
Those who have experienced Elizabeth’s ministry gifts along with Elizabeth’s own sense of calling lead her to seek licensure for specific ministry by the Western District Conference. This licensing grants all the privileges and responsibilities accorded to an ordained person but is focused on a specific role or ministry and does not lead to ordination. Elizabeth has met for discernment with Patty Shelly, Dorothy Nickel Friesen, and Nathan Koontz who offer much affirmation for her skills, characteristics, and motivation for licensing. The board, as representatives of the congregation, unanimously and joyfully affirmed the recommendation that Elizabeth pursue the process of licensing through Western District Conference for specific ministry in the role of Congregational Care Coordinator. Elizabeth Schmidt and Ada Schmidt-Tieszen, Moderator, are open to questions, comments, or affirmations. Elizabeth requests continued support as she seeks God’s guidance.
February 26 has been designated as “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”
Sunday! “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 will match people who sign up as hosts with people who sign up as guests. Guests: You will receive your food assignment this Sunday. Hosts: This Sunday you will receive the number of guests you will host.
Come to Men and Boys Retreat, Mar. 31-Apr. 2 , at Camp Mennoscah, a long-standing, guys-only retreat. Enjoy time fishing, canoeing, worshiping, sitting by the fire, or visiting with friends in fellowship. The official beginning to the weekend is Saturday morning, but many arrive on Friday. There will be a worship service on Sunday morning. Meals can be purchased for Saturday night, Sunday morning and lunch. No pre-registration. Registration and payment will take place upon arrival. More information contact Kevin Neufeld at 316-322-5515.
There will be a volunteer training at New Hope Shelter Feb. 23, 7 p.m.
Volunteers are trained for what is expected of them on evenings from 5-11 p.m. Anyone who wishes to be a volunteer must be trained by a New Hope staff member beforehand, and this orientation gives one that preparation. Please consider becoming a New Hope volunteer and let Valetta Seymour know if you have questions. seymour2314@gmail.com, 620-217-7536.
Life Enrichment for Feb. 23—Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center, Bethel College
9:30 am “Moving a House to make a Home,” Omar Galle, professor emeritus, University of Texas, and Zona Platt Galle, M.S.W., retired, North Newton
10:35 am “Aphasia: Loss of Language, NOT of Intellect?,” Harold Regier, NN
11:30 am “A Tale of Western Music through Lyrics and Melody,” Jeff Davidson, Eureka
Bethel College Announcements
· Sun., Feb. 19 – KIPCOR Film Series presents No Time to Waste: The Urgent Mission of Betty Reid Soskin, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. The film’s subject will be present via Zoom for the talkback following the film. No Time to Waste looks at the legendary 101-year-old park ranger’s inspiring life, work and determination to restore critical missing chapters of America’s story. Free and open to the public, with a freewill offering taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.
· Tues., Feb. 21 – Bethel College Chamber Orchestra concert, directed by Kristopher Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Features music of Vivaldi, Brahms, Dvořák and Saint-Saëns. Livestream will be available at https://www.youtube.com/@bethelcollegemusicdepartment (Bethel College Music Department YouTube channel).
· Thurs., Feb. 23 – Greer Lecture with ceramicist Stacey Stanhope Dundon, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel, followed by a reception for the artist and her exhibit “Farm to Table” at the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center, Bethel College. Exhibit closes Fri., Feb. 24. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.
· Sun., Feb. 26 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum. Raylene Hinz-Penner, North Newton, will speak on her recently published memoir, with “East of Liberal: Notes on the Land – Exploring the Myths, Contradictions and Resilience.”
· Sun., Feb. 26 – Bethel College Concert Choir Tour Send-off Concert, directed by Dr. Henry Waters, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall (please note the change in date from some previously printed calendars)
· Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is seeking a Donor Relations Associate: This role is responsible for assisting in the implementation of the donor relations strategy for MCC Central States by stewarding major donors involving face-to-face contact to meet the budgeted income goals and generate the necessary resources to accomplish the mission of MCC. This is a full-time position; office location is flexible. Apply online by February 24 at mcc.org/donor-relations-associate. For more information contact Amber Falcón at 574-534-4133 or amberfalcon@mcc.org.
· MCC Central States annual meeting, March 4 from 1-3 p.m. at MCC in North Newton, Kansas. This will primarily be an in-person event, but if you would like a link to join via Zoom please email tinaschrag@mcc.org for the link.
SAVE THE DATE! Come join the fun at 15th annual MCC Comforter Blitz on March 6, 7 and 8 on the Journey Yoder Campus, one mile north of Yoder, KS. Times are Monday and Tuesday 9-5 and Wednesday 9-4. No sewing skills are required, we will teach you. Lunch is available by donation each day, or you may bring your own sack lunch. Bring snacks to share during the workday. This event is hosted by Kansas Friends of MCC to make comforters for relief to be sent to refugees or places after natural disasters. Please contact the MCC Central States office with questions at #316-283-2720, or check the Comforter Blitz Facebook Page, “Kansas MCC Comforter Blitz”.
· 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: Thurs., 2/16/23 5-6 p.m. or Thurs. 3/09/23 5-6 p.m.
· Newton Et Cetera Shop welcomes your donations at our back door Tues.-Fri. 9:30-5:00 and Sat. 9:30-3:00. We’re happy to help you find new homes for your gently-used clothing, furniture, home goods, toys, books, movies, small electronics, and more. Please call us with any questions if you’re wondering what we’ll accept: 316-283-9461. Your donations help to support people in need in our community and around the world through the work of our local partners and Mennonite Central Committee!
Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble invites you to join us in an hour-long concert celebrating faith and unity. Repertoire includes You Raise Me Up, Siyahamba, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, Steal Away, and Amazing Grace (with violinist Nancy Johnson). In McPherson at Trinity Lutheran, 119 N. Elm, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 5. In Newton at First Presbyterian, 900 Columbus, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 12.
Personnel
Director: Vada Snider; Ringers: Darlene Buller, Kendra Flory, Janelle Flory Schrock, Nancy Johnson, Martha Szambecki, Karen Loucks, Katie Gihring, Brenda Turner, Jenny Switzer, Kent Dick, Eric Goering, Trek Wedel, Todd Wedel
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!
For Mennonite Mission Network Seeds of Peace press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Kitchen staff and nurses needed for summer youth camps from June 4 through July 28. Most people come out for a camp week, but we will also schedule partial weeks, as needed. Kitchen staff receive a camper discount for up to full camp fees and need to be able to follow directions with a willing spirit. Nurses must be an RN and can receive either a stipend or a camper discount. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org!
Other events and happenings:
- Youth Volunteer Weekend is March 24-25! Youth in Grades 6-12 are invited to come to this retreat focused on worship and service. The retreat begins on Friday at 7pm with registration followed by snacks, games, and campfire. Rachel and Isaac, the Senior High program directors, will lead activities. Register in the Summer Youth Camp section by adding a person or session, if you have already registered for camp.
- Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. The summer theme is FruitFULL Faith. Get ready to learn and sing about the Fruit of the Spirit this summer–it’s not a coconut!
- Interviews for Summer Staff In Progress!We are seeking stunning summer staff to fill the following leadership positions for the 2023 summer: crafts, lifeguard, music, nature, office, and grounds. These positions are typically filled by college-age students, are summer-long and receive a stipend. Lifeguards and grounds are especially needed. It’s a summer of fun, service and faith formation!
- Spring Scrapbook and Craft Retreat registration is open!Online registration can be found here. Croppers and crafters of all skill levels are welcome. Participants at the Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats will have lodging in the Retreat Center and work space at the Dining Hall. Grade 3 and above are welcome with an accompanying adult. Further details available on the website or at 620-297-3290. See you in March!
- Help us Plan for the Future! A seven-question survey will help us know how camp is used and what you would like to see in the future. This survey will close at the end of February. Click here to tell us what you think!
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Menno Snapshots
Cynthia Lapp, pastor at Hyattsville Mennonite Church in Maryland, writes about the challenges she has faced serving as a chaplain to the local police – and the impact this work has had in her community and in her own life. Read more: mennoniteusa.org/police-reform-hyattsville
#MennoCon23
Interested in volunteering at MennoCon23, Kansas City, Mo., July 3-6? Mennonite Church USA is seeking coordinators for special events, children’s and junior youth programming, and more! Fill out a form here: mennoniteusa.org/mennocon-volunteer-form
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network’s Service Adventure leaders are gathering this week at Camp Friedenswald in Michigan. Pray for them as they worship, fellowship and discern together how to enrich their ministries in the households and communities where they live and work.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC staff members as they carry out conference ministries to support ministers, provide resources for congregations, and equip church planting partnerships.