BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE FOR
SEPTEMBER 3, 2023
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/-qBAhuUqH9w?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 3, 2023
Celebration of Ministry License for Elizabeth Schmidt
Prelude—“Here I am, Lord” (arr. Wagner); “Come thou fount of every blessing” (arr. Lau)—
Will Wiebe-Friesen
Christ Candle Lighting
Call to Worship—Dorothy Nickel Friesen
Land Acknowledgement—Judy Friesen
Invocation
*Hymn—Summoned by the God Who Made Us—VT 1
Children’s Conversation—Kathy Stucky
*Hymn—There Are Many Gifts—VT 374
Scripture Reading—Exodus 3:1-4; Mark 12:28 – 31; Ephesians 3:17-21—
Jim and Beaty Robb; Adam, Jill, Gabby, and Jake Robb
Sermon—“Called to be Present”—Kathy Neufeld Dunn
Worship Music—O Christ, Surround Me—Octet—(God Be the Love VT 43)
Litany for Elizabeth Schmidt: License for Specific Ministry (see insert)
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Will You Let Me Be Your Servant—VT 778
*Benediction
Postlude—“Allegro Maestoso from Water Music” (G.F. Handel)—Will Wiebe-Friesen
*You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ben Lichti
Octet Members: Dick Koontz, Dwight Krehbiel, Malinda King, Riley King, Virginia Mininger, Weldon Schloneger, Susie Swartley, Barbara Thiesen
Litany for Licensing
Service of Licensing for Specific Ministry for
Elizabeth Schmidt – Congregational Care Coordinator
Bethel College Mennonite Church
September 3, 2023
Congregational Moderator: Today we give thanks that Elizabeth
Schmidt has been called to specific ministry as Congregational Care Coordinator of Bethel College Mennonite Church, to work together with all who share in the ministry of Christ in this
congregation. Elizabeth, you have been called to listen carefully to the joys and sorrows of God’s people here, to pray with and witness to God’s presence in people’s lives, to love and serve the people among whom you work, as our congregation moves into the future with hope.
Conference Minister: Elizabeth, I now ask you these questions:
Do you believe that you are truly called by God and God’s church to this ministry?
Elizabeth: I believe I am so called.
Conference Minister: Will you respect and be guided by the beliefs and practices of the Mennonite Church and the work of this congregation and conference?
Elizabeth: With God’s help, I will.
Conference Minister: Will you be faithful in the study of scripture,
seeking the word of God and the mind of Christ? And will you do your utmost to pattern your life in accordance with the teachings of Christ, so that through your ministry the reconciling of love of Christ may be known and received?
Elizabeth: With God’s help, I will.
Conference Minister: Will you persevere in prayer, asking God’s grace, both for yourself and for others, offering all your labors to God through the power of the Holy Spirit?
Elizabeth: With God’s help, I will.
Conference Minister: May God who has given you the will to do these things give you the grace and power to perform them.
People of this congregation, do you accept your role in calling Elizabeth into ministry? Will you honor her calling and also your own? Will you search the scriptures and pray with her? Will you speak the truth in love? Will you, too, listen carefully and prayerfully to your siblings here? And will you join with her wholeheartedly in the ministries of Bethel College Mennonite church? If so, please respond: We will, by God’s grace.
Congregation: We will, by God’s grace.
Conference Minister: To fellow ministers of BCMC, hearing Elizabeth’s commitment to the work of ministry and the
affirmation of this congregation, will you prayerfully support her as colleagues and siblings in Christ? Will you listen carefully to her when she is weary or wounded? Will you celebrate with her the many blessings that she will witness among God’s
people here?
If so, please respond, “We will, by God’s grace.
Fellow BCMC Ministers: We will, by God’s grace.
Conference Minister: Elizabeth, hearing this affirmation of God’s call, and on behalf of the Western District Conference, I declare that you are licensed as the Bethel College Mennonite Church Congregational Care Coordinator. May God bless you and the congregation in this ministry.
This Week at BCMC: September 3—September 10, 2023
Sun., September 3, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship
10:45 a.m. Official start of Sunday school
YouTube Link for worship service:
https://youtube.com/live/-qBAhuUqH9w?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 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
Mon., September 4, 2023—Labor Day—Church building and office will be closed for the holiday
Wed., September 6, 2023
6:30 p.m. Gifts Discernment Committee meeting in Room 14
7 p.m. Youth Group meeting
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., September 7, 2023
11 a.m. Staff meeting in Room 14
5:30 p.m. Community Playschool Open House in the Playschool rooms
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m. Church Board meeting in Room 14
Sat., September 9, 2023
11 a.m. Memorial service for Frances Siemens in the Sanctuary
Sun., September 10, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; Back Pack Blessing
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
12 p.m. Fundraiser Lunch served by the Youth Group
1 p.m. Congregational meeting in the Fellowship Hall
For Your Calendars:
· BCMC/Bethel College Ice Cream Social September 17, 6:30 p.m. on the BCMC front lawn. Come to enjoy ice cream with Bethel students and faculty. The Bethel College Relations Team (Darlene Dick, Ron Flickinger, Tim Hodge, Matt Koontz) ask that you bring a dessert or toppings to go with the ice cream.
· September 17: A mentor/mentee event in Fellowship Hall with pizza and games from 2 to 4 p.m.
· The BCMC Congregation is invited to a Baby Sprinkle for Adam and Jill Robb on October 1, 2023, 2:00-4:00pm at BCMC Fellowship Hall. Registry is: www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/surpriserobb
Kathy Stucky (316-772-2479) & Elaine Prouty (316-772-2572)
The next congregational meeting will be Sun., Sept. 10, at 12:45 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The senior high youth will serve a noon meal with the meeting to follow after a quick cleanup from lunch. To facilitate the cleanup please bring your own table service. The agenda will include a round-table discussion led by the Indigenous Justice Task Group, and reports from the Credence Report Task Group on intergenerational activities, Creation Care Solar Panel sub-committee, and the Education and Service Scholarship Committee. If time allows, there may be a brief time for sharing “what is going well in our congregation?”
Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger’s time in Newton was cut short last week due to his positive test for COVID. So Roger will make a brief return trip to Newton this week, arriving on Friday morning (9/1) at 9 am and staying until Sunday afternoon (9/3). He will be back to his regular schedule next week, arriving in Newton on Wednesday morning (9/6) and driving back to Newton on Monday afternoon (9/11).
Roger’s Health Update – “I started feeling mild cold-like symptoms last Wednesday, had a restless night, and tested positive for COVID on Thursday morning. I drove home Thursday afternoon, started taking prescription Paxlovid, and gradually felt better through the weekend. On Tuesday my doctor said I was clear of virus and could resume normal activities. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and concern. Thanks especially to those who filled in for me in the worship service last Sunday and for the friendly “wave to the camera” during the service. I felt loved!”
Email roger@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org or text or call (785-220-1968.)
BCMC Offering for August 27, 2023: General Fund $2,000; Living Stones $75; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $300; Bequests $22,880.33; Kitchen Fund $8; Rosie Horst Memorial $805.75.
The Education and Service Scholarship Committee asks for donations to the Bethel College Scholarship Fund. This above-budget fund gives BCMC youth who are attending Bethel College a $1000 per year scholarship in addition to the $1000/year scholarship given to those attending Anabaptist colleges. This year we have four students who are attending Bethel. Please support our Bethel students by contributing. Checks can be made to BCMC with BC Scholarship Fund in the memo line. Thank you. – Margaret Toews for ESSC.
For a master calendar of future BCMC events click here.
This calendar will be issued monthly as things evolve.
CREATION CARE COMMITTE AND SOLAR ENERGY
A subcommittee within the Creation Care Committee of BCMC has been working diligently for the last several months to develop a project to bring solar energy to our church and to the community. Many options have been explored – various possible sites for solar panels, collaborations with Bethel College and Kaufman Museum, bids from several installers, and several different funding approaches. Numerous individuals and groups within BCMC are participating in these discussions – members of the BCMC Board (especially Margaret Toews, Brad Kohlman, and Ada Schmidt-Tieszen), the Facilities Committee, the Finance Committee, and others on the Creation Care Committee.
These efforts have resulted in a proposal to place solar panels on portions of the south and east roofs of our building. More details about this project will be shared at the congregational meeting on September 10. On September 24 during the Sunday School hour there will be a follow-up meeting to provide additional information and opportunities for discussion and questions. The subcommittee members include Hugo Boschmann, Lorna Harder, and Dwight Krehbiel.
With all the discussions going on in our church about energy use, there might be interest in calculating carbon footprints. — Dwight Krehbiel
Click on this link: https://interfaithpowerandlight.org/coolcongregations/
Click on the “Calculators” menu at the upper right. There is one for households and one for congregations.
Children and youth of BCMC read 14 books to earn 14 books for children and youth at the New Hope shelter in Newton. These books will be added to books purchased with donated funds and funds raised by children attending VBS. The books will stock the shelves in the family activity room of the newly built facilities scheduled to open later this year.
We will be welcoming new members to Bethel College Mennonite Church this fall. If you are interested in becoming a member, or transferring membership, or learning more about membership at BCMC, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Congregational Care Coordinator. She will be happy to visit with you!
HOFFNUNGSAU FUN NIGHT
Everyone is invited to Hoffnungsau on Saturday, September 2 for our Community Fun Night! The Fun will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a free cornhole tournament (arrive early, limited to 18 teams), inflatables, face painting, a car show, and food for sale. Tom Gaeddert (Faith Mennonite, Newton) will provide live music from 6:30-7:30 p.m and the evening will end with a movie on the lawn at dusk. This year’s movie will show you a whole new world with a little magic. Come celebrate the end of summer with friends and fun at Hoffnungsau.
Bethel College Announcements
· Life Enrichment, Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, September 6:
9:30 a.m. “Are You from Here? People, Place, and the Future of the Rural Church,” Brad Roth, pastor and author, Hesston
10:50 a.m. “My Time at KWCH-Channel 12,” Rob Schunn, Wichita
· Sun., Sept. 10 – Eat, Protest, Lift, a film by Caleb Stephens, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium, Bethel College; Mon., Sept. 11, Dr. Stephens speaks in convocation, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium; sponsored by Bethel College Social Work, the KIPCOR Film Series and the Bethel College Women’s Association’s Carolyn Schultz Lectureship.
· Thurs., Sept. 21 – Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall
· Now in the Regier Gallery, Bethel College – “Drinking from a New Well,” ceramics by Tom and Pam Voth, through Thurs., Sept. 21. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Bethel College’s annual online journal, Mennonite Life, can be accessed at ml.bethelks.edu – and there is a new item, “Elias Crosses the Molotschna,” a short story by Darrell Wiens. Also articles and reviews by Brad Born, Abigail Carl-Klassen, Daniel Shenk Cruz, Cheryl Denise, Josué Coy Dick, Nathan Garber, Rachel Waltner Goossen, Brad Gregory, Willmar Harder, Sheri Hostetler, Melanie Springer Mock, Hannah Neufeld, Kimberly Schmidt, Joe Smucker, Johnny Wideman and Ben Woodward-Breckbill.
· Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts (BCAPA) is excited to offer an Adult Group Piano class beginning Tues., Sept. 5, running 8 weeks through Oct. 10, 11 a.m.-noon in the piano lab in Luyken Fine Arts Center on the Bethel campus. This beginning piano class is the perfect starter course to develop basic piano skills. Every student plays on their own keyboard in the piano lab, and no prior piano experience is needed to join. Seats are limited, so please e-mail bcapa@bethelks.edu or text/call us at 316-804-8864 if you are interested and/or have questions.
The Schowalter Singers, the resident choir at Schowalter Villa, will perform a concert Thurs., Sept. 7, 7 p.m., at Whitestone Mennonite Church, 629 Crescent Dr., Hesston. The program entitled “Look at the world: A celebration of God’s creation,” is a multi-media presentation weaving photos with choral pieces from various genres of music. The choir is under the direction of Leland Flickinger.
RAYLENE HINZ-PENNER BOOK SIGNING AT DYCK ARBORETUM
In addition to the usual selling of plants, this fall’s Flora Kansas Fall Native Plant Days at Dyck Arboretum will include a reading and book signing with author Raylene Hinz-Penner, featuring her memoir, “East of Liberal: Notes on the Land”, a “deeply researched story of a place” and a “personal land acknowledgement by one who loves the land and celebrates all those for whom it has been homeland.” The book signing will be Sat., Sept. 9, 11 a.m. in the Arboretum Visitor Center. Raylene was born and raised in southwest Kansas near Liberal, with extended family and emotional roots in central Oklahoma. Before retirement she taught English at Bethel College, her alma mater, and Washburn University, (along with Kansas University in Lawrence and Wichita State University).
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
AIMM Gathering: Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission, a partner of Mennonite Mission Network, will host a gathering on Friday, September 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of First Mennonite Church, 429 East 1st Street in Newton, KS with Co-Executive Coordinators John Fumana from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Bruce Yoder from Ontario, Canada. John Fumana and his wife Lucie are visiting North America for him to share about collaborative ministries of adult literacy, African missionary initiatives, villages savings and loan associations, Bible translation, and agricultural development. His work stresses African resources and expertise in its assets-based approach to building resilient and thriving communities and churches that add their unique voices to the global Anabaptist movement and its witness in the world. John is active in global Anabaptist networks and has served as chair and vice-chair of Mennonite World Conference’s Global Anabaptist Service Network. All are invited to join in welcoming John and Lucie for their first tour of AIMM friends and supporters in North America!
Register now for the fall 2023 Bluestem U semester courses. Bluestem U is lifelong learning partnership program between Bluestem Communities, Bethel College and Hesston College for those age 55 and better. Courses are taught by former or current Bethel College or Hesston College instructors or local experts. The fall 2023 courses are:
· “Music through the ages” taught by Ken Rodgers, Tuesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m., September 12 through October 17 at the Schowalter Villa Chapel.
· “Oops. We got here again! Communication and conflict” taught by Kevin Wilder, Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m., September 14 through October 12 at Schowalter Villa’s Mullet Place Theater.
Each course is $50. Register at bluestemu.org.
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
75th Anniversary and Annual Meeting of Camp Mennoscah has changed dates to Sunday, September 24. Activities for all ages will begin at 1pm with a meal at 5pm. The Annual Meeting will be at 6pm, followed by a Talent Show at 7pm. Watch the Camp Mennoscah Facebook page and Website at www.campmennoscah.org for details.
Other events and happenings:
- Western District Women in Mission Women’s & Girls Retreat is Sept. 9-10 at Camp Mennoscah. Registration forms are available to download, print and send in at https://www.westerndistrictwomeninmission.org/events. See form for where it should be sent. We hope you can join us! This year’s theme is Women Talking, Listening, and Creating, with our scripture theme being 2 Peter 1:12-21. We’ll be diving into some fun activities around storytelling, listening, story-catching, and story-keeping in a variety of formats. Registration is due by September 5. For questions, e-mail westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com.
- Multitudes of thanks to Work & Play participants and volunteers from Grace Hill and Zion Mennonite Churches! Staining was done on the wooden playground structure, the crafts building received much-needed organization (lookin’ spiffy!), and trails were cleared. We are grateful for the gifts of time and energy you shared with the whole of the Camp Mennoscah community!
- Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. You are welcome to bring a camper/RV and use a gas generator (no hookups available). The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations. Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA Executive Board staff has named 2023 Goshen (Indiana) College graduate Olivia Krall as archives coordinator for the MC USA Archives in Elkhart. Krall holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Goshen College, with minors in political studies and sociology. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/olivia-krall/
Peaceful Options for Training and Careers (POTC) — formerly known as Alternatives to Military Enlistment Network (AMEN) — has formed a steering committee, recruited volunteers and began its work to counter the recruitment of youth by the U.S. military. POTC is an independent initiative that began as an outgrowth of a collaboration between Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite Church USA. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/potc
MC USA is inviting young people to actively care for the planet through the Generation Z Energy and Spirit Challenge, which runs through April 2024. The challenge is “a friendly competition to embrace our Anabaptist calling as earth keepers, reduce our carbon footprints, nurture environmental leadership, and utilize and bless the gifts of youth and young adults.” Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/energy-challenge/ Register for the MC USA Generation Z Energy and Spirit Challenge by October 15, 2023: https://www.mennocreationcare.org/energy-and-spirit-challenge/ View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/slide-energy-youth
Menno Snapshots
Anicka Fast, who ministers through Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Mission Network and Mennonite World Conference, finds joy, sheds tears and dreams of intercontinental, interchurch research in the Mennonite Church USA Archives. Read more about her work here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/archives/
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network’s service programs are welcoming new participants. Mennonite Voluntary Service just completed online orientation, and Service Adventure begins orientation on Friday. Pray that God’s spirit will prepare participants hearts and minds, as they step out of their comfort zones and risk living out their faith in Anchorage, Alaska; Tucson, Arizona; San Francisco, California; Alamosa and Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for God’s gift of renewal and fellowship for WDC members attending the Women and Girls’ Retreat next weekend at Camp Mennoscah, sponsored by Western District Women in Mission.