February 26, 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/RgMDucVWjrg?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
February 26, 2023
Lent 1: Shaped By Testing
Prelude— Take the World, But Give Me Jesus (arr. Labenske); Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners! (arr. Rice); Come, All Christians, Be Committed (arr. Hayes)—Meghann Rogers, piano
Christ Candle Lighting
Call to Worship
Leader: Sing together! Celebrate God!
People: God protects us from our trouble.
Leader: God forgives us and covers our sin.
People: God surrounds us with songs of deliverance.
All: Therefore, let all God’s people pray with thanksgiving and worship God.
Welcome and Prayer—Adam Robb
*Hymn—The Glory of These Forty Days—VT 305
Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz
Anthem—Menno Ringers
Scripture Reading—Genesis 2:7,15-17—Pastor Nathan Koontz; Matthew 4:1-11—Carol Peters
Sermon—Roger Neufeld Smith
*Hymn—Word and Sign— VT 483
Communion
*Hymn—Precious Lord, Take My Hand—VT 610
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Christ Be in Your Senses—VT 721—People with February birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal
*Birthday Blessing & Benediction—Roger Neufeld Smith
Leader: Many are the woes of the wicked,
People: but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds those who trust in God.
Leader: Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous.
People: Sing, all you who have been forgiven!
All: The Lord’s unfailing love surrounds those who trust in God.
Postlude— This is My Father’s World (arr. Rice)—Meghann Rogers Meghann Rogers
* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Audio visual—Francis Toews
Pastors—Nathan Koontz and Roger Neufeld Smith
YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/RgMDucVWjrg?feature=share
This Week at BCMC: February 26-March 5, 2023
Sun., Feb. 26, 2023—Lent 1: Shaped by Testing
9:30 am Worship Service YouTube Link for this Sunday is:
https://youtube.com/live/RgMDucVWjrg?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. 27, 2023
7 pm Newton Chorale rehearsal in the sanctuary
Tues., Feb. 28, 2023
12 noon Mid-Kansas Investment Club meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., Mar. 1, 2023
6:00 pm First Wednesday night meal in Fellowship Hall-Menu is:
Chili, carrots, cinnamon rolls
7 pm Youth Group meets
7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Mar. 2, 2023
6:30 pm Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 pm Newton Chorale rehearsal in the Sanctuary
7 pm Church Board meeting in Room 14
Sun., Mar. 5, 2023—Lent 2: Shaped by New Birth
9:30 am Worship with sermon by Michelle Armster; music by Chancel Choir
“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” has arrived at last! You will receive your host’s name in your mailbox Sunday, February 26. Enjoy your dinner at 12 p.m.!
We are very happy to welcome Michelle Armster to preach next Sunday, March 5, for our second Sunday of Lent. Pastor Armster is the executive director for the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Central States.
Mark your calendars for Wednesday night suppers beginning March 1, 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Note time change—NOT 6:30— Here are the menus:
March 1: Chili, carrots, cinnamon rolls
March 8: Salisbury steak, potatoes, green beans, chocolate chip cookies
March 15: Chicken Enchilada casserole, salad, cinnamon dessert
March 22: Baked potato bar with all the fixings, dessert
March 29: Beef vegetable curry with rice, ice cream
April 5: Ham loaf, macaroni and cheese, peas, lemon dessert
**There may be changes due to supply or the cooks’ possible time constraints.
Please bring your own table service.
Sign up for the March 1 supper on the bulletin board or by emailing office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
For the BCMC Kaleidoscope – December 2022-January 2023 Edition press here
A CHANGE OF TIME FOR YOUR CALENDARS: The Maundy Thursday service will be at 6:30 p.m. on April 6. (It was previously scheduled for 7:00 p.m.)
For the Lent Devotional for 2023 press here.
This Sunday, February 26 is the first Sunday of Lent. There will be communion served during the worship service.
BCMC Offering for February 19, 2023: General Fund $16,741.66; Caring Fund $350; Library Reserve Fund $10; Jr Hi Fund $50; Living Stones $556.66; Kitchen Fund $10; Women’s Fellowship $50; Vel Teichroew Memorial $15.
The memorial service for Grace Schroeder will be Saturday, March 25 at 11 am.
Roger’s Whereabouts – Roger will return to Newton on Friday, February 24, and will preach on Sunday, February 26. He will remain in Newton until the Church Board meeting on Thursday evening, March 2. .
BCMC Care Connections – we are starting some new ways of care connections at BCMC! Please let Elizabeth know if you are interested in any of the following ways of showing care for BCMC’ers: in-person visits, phone call visits, email connections, post-mail cards/letters, making care packages, delivering care packages. Yes, you may reply as an individual, or a couple, or a household, or a family, or any/all of the above! Additional ideas are also welcome.
Email your interest and ideas to: elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
We will be purchasing lilies for Easter as we have done in the past. We do not know how much they will cost, but we hope to have some information soon. Watch for an announcement next week as to the cost. You can fill out a form to purchase a lily and have it be in honor or in memory of someone.
Update and request from the Funeral Committee. Thanks for understanding as we flexed during COVID, doing meals in varied ways, and thanks to those who have already volunteered to bake cookies for meals and receptions. Now, with COVID waning and Breadbasket able to deliver most food items, we can offer either a faspa or sandwich buffet lunch, but may need help at large events. To be an on-call volunteer, please contact Doris Whillock, d.whillock@cox.net, 316-283-5561. (Other committee members are Dennis and Kathy Campbell, Tom Jackson, Kathryn Simmons and Dave Linscheid). Thank you.
Join the BCMC Creation Care Task Group!
God calls the church to participate in the redemption of individuals, all of humanity and creation. Therefore ministries of environmental stewardship and environmental justice are important here at BCMC. The Creation Care Task Group has been on hiatus for a few years and is now beginning again. Areas of focus to promote creation care for this task group include worship, education, lifestyle practices, and community, national, and global environmental activities. If you are interested in participating with this group, please contact the church office at office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. You can also contact Duane Friesen from the Witness Commission if you have questions regarding the work of this group.
BCMC has an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) for emergency use but needs congregation members to administer it’s use, if and when necessary.
Bill Swartley has offered to do a training session to facilitate this. Anyone who is interested and willing to assist with using the AED, may contact the church office at office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Bill will then set up a time for training.
The January 12, 1888, blizzard will be the focus for Lois Preheim, author and educator, who will be the speaker at the annual meeting of the Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association. Her book, “Trailing the Schoolchildren’s Blizzard” chronicles experiences of families living in ten locations along the storm’s route extending from Canada down through the United States. Dr. Preheim has degrees from Freeman Junior College, the University of Nebraska and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. She is a retired kindergarten-twelve principal having taught pre-school through college age students. Currently she resides in Newton. The annual meeting will be March 12, 2:30 p.m. at the First Mennonite Church of Christian in Moundridge.
Life Enrichment for March 2—Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center, Bethel College
9:30 am “Nutrition: Importance of Eating and EnjoyingReal Food in a Convenience Food Culture,” Heather McDonough, Andover
10:35 am “Serving People in Need of Shelter” Jeff Koller, McPherson
11:30 am “Why Kansas?,” Rev. Dr. Karen L. Robu, Bethel College assistant professor of communication arts/director of theater
Bethel College Announcements
· TODAY (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.”
· TODAY (Sun., Feb. 26) – Bethel College 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). The concert has the theme “Can We Sing the Darkness to Light?” and includes performances by the Chamber Singers, Woven and Open Road as well as the Concert Choir.
· Sat., March 4 – 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., North Newton 67117). Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).
New Hope Shelter is in need of the following: Pinesol, Scotch Tape, Laundry Pods, Dishwasher Pods, Dishwashing Soap, 8 1/2 x 11 copy paper, 55+ gallon trash bags, Coffee, Creamer, Sugar, Bread, Napkins, Mayonnaise, Granola bars, Pudding Cups. If you can provide some of these supplies, they can be taken to New Hope, 900 West Broadway, Bldg. #7.
| Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation! |
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.
Mennonite Central Committee Announcements
· MCC Central States Annual Meeting, Saturday, March 4, 1-3 p.m. you are invited to hear from MCC SALT alum Jason Schmidt and current IVEP participant Naomi Kwanza share about their MCC experiences. Naomi, from Tanzania is working at Jason’s Grazing Plains Farm in rural Kansas acquiring skills for making cheese and other dairy products to use back in her home country. Catch up with MCC Central States staff, find out about work happening across the region, check out the MCC building progress and enjoy some Grazing Plains cheese! Please RSVP to tinaschrag@mcc.org if you plan to attend. Thanks!
· Put your faith in action by volunteering with SWAP this summer! MCC’s SWAP (Sharing With Appalachian People) home repair program provides short-term service and learning opportunities for churches, school and university groups, families, other groups and individuals. Now is the time to make your summer plans and sign up! More information and registration at swap.mcc.org or (606) 634-4418.
· 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”.
On Tuesday, February 28 at 7 p.m., the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains Winter Lecture Series will focus on “McPherson Valley Wetlands: Past, Present and Future” with Jason Black, Public Land Manager with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Historically there were thousands of acres of wetlands in the McPherson Valley Wetlands complex which were of extreme importance to migratory birds, even supplying railroad car loads of waterfowl to Kansas City restaurants. Over time, these wetlands were gradually drained off the landscape. Hear the full story of this unique wetland ecosystem and the plans for its restoration from a Public Land Manager perspective. The lecture will be in the Prairie Pavilion at the Dyck Arboretum at 177 West Hickory in Hesston. Admission is $5 and can be paid at the door or ahead of time at dyckarboretum.square.site/classes.
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network Connections Newsletter press here.
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Thank you to the anonymous donor(s) of items! Camp Mennoscah has received a few items off the wish list. The Amazon wish list is another wonderful list of camp needs and wants, especially since Amazon is closing their AmazonSmile program. The gift of items from any of the wish lists are a great way to continue to contribute to the mission of faith formation and relationship building at Camp Mennoscah.
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. Ben Woodward-Breckbill will lead worship times. Register in the Summer Youth Camp section by adding a person or session, if you have already registered for camp.
- 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!
- 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!
From Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp
Mountain States Mennonite Conference Men’s Retreat at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp is March 3-5, 2023. The theme for this year’s retreat is “Life Transitions.” Retreat sessions will include “Personal Life Transitions” and “Vocation & Location Transitions” as well as a hymn singing session. The weekend starts the morning of Friday the 3rd with the annual workday, this year taking on the Emmental shower renovation project. Additionally, good music, food, fellowship, and play will be part of our time together. Who’s up for a couple of “sheets” of Human Curling (an RMMC original)? Or how about traditional curling? Snowshoeing? Online registration (www.rmmc.org) is open for all who want to get away from everyday life to experience fellowship and peace in the beauty that is Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp.
The Mountain States Mennonite Conference Women’s Retreat at Rocky Mountain Camp is coming March 10, 11, and 12. The theme of the weekend will be Meeting the Holy in Nature, and we are excited to welcome Jane Scanlon, who will lead us in “Forest Bathing” which is a practice that invites us to connect with our senses, and experience the natural world with a quiet mind and open heart. During our time together, we will deepen our connection to the holy in the natural world. Additionally, the weekend will include opportunities for fellowship and activities of your choosing, including yoga, hiking, human curling, and crafts, or you may choose to simply relax by the fireplace! Online registration is available at www.rmmc.org.
The Goshen College Chamber Choir will be performing a concert program “Lead with Love” at 7:00 PM on Sunday, February 26 at the First Mennonite Church of Hillsboro, KS as a part of their 2023 Midwest tour.
The music program at Goshen College is well-known for its outstanding ensembles and dedication to the arts. This group from Goshen, Indiana, will share the college’s rich singing tradition with inspiring and thought-provoking choral selections. The Chamber Choir, under the direction of Dr. Scott Hochstetler, will perform Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened (G.F. Handel), Symphony No. 9 Mvt. IV (“Ode to Joy” Beethoven), Stomp the Fire (A. Ramsey), and Lead with Love (M. DeMore), among other selections. The concert will feature instrumentalists as well as Dr. H. Roz Woll, mezzo soprano soloist.
The concert program is a selection of music expressing gratitude, joy, and love. Striving to affirm music’s power to transcend time and place, bringing all together in the spirit of acceptance. You are cordially invited to join us for this special concert event.
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News from Around the World press here
For Mennonite World Conference Courier press here
Hesston College Spring Musical
March 1 to 5 – Spring Musical
Hesston College Performing Arts will present the musical The Apple Tree by Bock and Harnick, the same duo that wrote Fiddler on the Roof, in the Black Box Theater in Keim Center March 1 to 5. The Apple Tree is a series of three musical playlets – The Diary of Adam & Eve, The Lady or the Tiger, Passionella. Learn more at hesston.edu/fine-arts.
Mennonite Church USA
Menno Snapshots
During the first week of December 2022, the Executive Council of Mennonite World Conference (MWC) met to finish the business that they had begun in Indonesia in July. Linda Dibble, moderator for Mennonite Church USA and the MWC North American representative for the United States, shares about her experiences of connection with a diverse group of Anabaptists here: mennoniteusa.org/together-global-church
In celebration of the birthday of Anabaptism, which occurs on Jan. 21 each year, Mollee Moua, managing editor of the Anabaptism at 500 Project at MennoMedia, a Mennonite Church USA agency, shares about the work of making the Bible more accessible to all. Read her thoughts here: mennoniteusa.org/dangerous-work-scripture-together
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network
requests prayer for Iglesia Cristiana Menonita del Perú (Mennonite Christian Church of Peru), as they witness about the Prince of Peace during a time of national unrest.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the retreat in San Antonio that the Church Planting Commission and conference minister Sandra Montes Martinez are planning. The event is called “Being the Church: Meeting our neighbors where they are,” and we pray that it bears fruit in encouraging emerging Anabaptist congregations in ministry that joins God in God’s work. -WDC Church Planting Commission