BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR JANUARY 21, 2024
To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:45, 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/Ml17o9pO6RU?feature=share
Extreme Fall Danger for Sunday Morning Worship
BCMC will be having in-person worship on this Sunday, January 21. However we recommend that you exercise extreme caution if you plan to attend in-person. You will likely need to walk over snow and ice in order to enter the BCMC facility. The parking lot to the east of the church will be icy and parking spots along the road and curb will still have snow and ice around them. The risk of falling is significant. For anyone who has even a slight risk of falling, please stay home and watch the service live-streamed.
From the staff of Bethel College Mennonite Church
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
January 21, 2024
Third Sunday after Epiphany
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—Adoration (Florence B. Price) –Will Wiebe-Friesen
Welcome and Prayer—Jon Zerger
*Hymn—Could It Be That God Is Singing—VT 42
Children’s Conversation—Kevin Neufeld
Anthem—Fairest Lord Jesus (Derek Hakes)–Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
Scripture Reading—Psalm 62:5-12; Mark 1:14-20—Carol & Jerry Buller
Sermon—Image of God, Activity of God—Nathan Koontz
*Hymn—O God, Great Womb—VT 176
Child Blessing for Elizabeth Robb—VT 970
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Will You Come and Follow Me—VT 540
Benediction
Postlude—Fugue from Sonata 6 (Mendelssohn)–Will Wiebe-Friesen
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ken Lamp
Note on the composer of Adoration: Florence Beatrice Price (1887-1953) was the first African American woman to be recognized as a symphonic composer. A prolific composer who studied primarily as an organist and pianist, the bulk of her works were not published until their serendipitous discovery in the attic of her now-abandoned former home near Chicago in 2009. Her story is one worth looking up!
This Week at BCMC: January 21—28, 2024
Sunday, January 21, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/Ml17o9pO6RU?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)
Monday, January 22, 2024
10 a.m. Library Committee meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, January 25, 2024
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bells Rehearsal in Room B-7
7 p.m. Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
Sunday, January 28, 2024
9:30 a.m Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Bells
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
11:45 a.m. Soup Luncheon in fellowship hall—Fundraiser served by Senior High Youth Group
12:45 a.m. Congregational meeting in the sanctuary
Preparing for Worship
As we gather for worship each Sunday in the sanctuary, the Worship Commission invites and encourages us to become quiet as we light the Christ Candle. Prelude music has now been changed to Centering Music. The Worship Commission invites your feedback as we experiment with a new order of worship.
February 25 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. Today there are sign up sheets at the back of the church, for being either a host or a guest for a dinner.
The memorial service for Nancy Hilty has been re-scheduled to Saturday March 9, 11 a.m. followed by a lunch in fellowship hall.
Interested in becoming a member of Bethel College Mennonite Church?
If you are interested in becoming a member, or transferring membership, or learning more about membership at BCMC, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Pastor of Congregational Care. She will be happy to visit with you!
Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger will be back in Newton on Wednesday, January 24. Whether he’s in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone call (785-220-1968).
BCMC Offering for January 14, 2024: General $5,915.83; Bell Choir $100; Plant Fund $8.33; Metta Lieb Mem. $100; Nancy Hilty Mem. $50.
Results of the Solar Panel Project Phase 1 Survey:
Good news for the future of solar at BCMC! We received 79 responses to the Phase I Solar questionnaire submitted on behalf of 114 people. Of the 79 responses, 78 (98.7%) were in favor of the project and 1 (1.3%) was not in favor of the project. A total of $180,990 was pledged over 3 years, of which $127,990 was pledged by the 6/30/24 installation date. Recall, the total project cost was quoted at $192,000. Up to $96,000 had been designated as available from the bequest fund. Additional grants or subsidies may be awarded. More detailed information and a chance for final approval of the contract will be provided at the annual meeting. We are grateful to the Creation Care solar subcommittee of Dwight Krehbiel, Lorna Harder, and Hugo Boschmann as well as Jon Zerger and Margaret Toews from the Board and the Finance Committee, chaired by LaVern Stucky, for all their careful homework, collaborative deliberations, and clear communications. We of course are also thankful for the many people from our congregation who are supporting the project. — Ada Schmidt-Tieszen, Church Board Chair/Moderator
Congregational Meeting Set for January 28:
The next congregational meeting will take place on Sunday, January 28, at 12:45 following a soup lunch prepared by the Youth Group. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary and made available live on YouTube only while the meeting is in progress; it will not be recorded. Votes from remote viewers can be texted to a number available in Sunday’s bulletin and announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items will include a finance report from 2023 as well as approval of the budget for 2024, action on the revised Welcoming Statement, action on the proposal to change the church’s moderator model, report and proposal concerning the solar panel project, and an update on the Search Committee process.
For the Financial Reports booklet which has the finance report from 2023 as well as the budget for 2024 press here
There are also copies in the gathering place – on the ledge by the mailboxes.
Welcome Statement:
The BCMC board has approved a recommendation from the Inclusion Task Group to revise our congregation’s welcome statement which is in the church’s constitution. The revised version follows:
“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 and age.”
Change in Moderator Model:
The Board has proposed a bylaws change to shift church officer positions from Moderator Elect and Moderator, each serving two-year terms with a total commitment of four years, to Moderator Elect, Moderator, and Past Moderator. In the new model, each position would be held for one year with the Moderator Elect moving on to Moderator and Past Moderator in the following years, thus serving a three-year commitment. In summary, the new model shortens the term of commitment by one year and establishes a three-person leadership team.
Bethel College Announcements
(Sun., Jan. 21) – Bethel College Music Department Honors Recital, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel, featuring vocal and instrumental students who performed exceptionally during the fall 2023 semester. Livestreaming available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3OzxafyFgg&ab_channel=BethelCollegeMusicDepartment
· Fri., Jan. 26 – First event in the Bethel College Faculty Lecture Series, “Walking the Talk: Listening in Our Disciplines,” at Kidron Bethel Village, 11 a.m., Kidron Hall. Dr. Rachel Epp Buller, Bethel professor of visual arts and design and series organizer, will introduce the series and speak on “Walking and Listening in/as Artistic Practice.”
· Sat., Jan. 27 – Kauffman Museum annual Kansas Day event, “Kansas Critters,” noon-4 p.m., museum parking lot and grounds. Featuring food trucks, exhibits and activities indoors and out, and much more. For more information, see the Kauffman Museum Facebook page or kauffmanmuseum.org
· Sat., Feb. 3 – Bethel College Faculty Recital: Dr. Christina Liu, piano, 2 p.m. [note time change], Administration Building chapel
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Forest Listening,” a sound art installation by Liz K. Miller, through Feb. 9. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
Hesston College Announcements
Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery
This year the Melva Kauffman Lecture Series hosts Mark Charles who will present on the topic of Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery. Charles is the son of an American woman of Dutch heritage and a Navajo man. He teaches with insight into the complexities of American history regarding race, culture and faith in order to help forge a path of healing and conciliation for the nation. The public is invited to hear his presentation at Hesston Mennonite Church Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 7 p.m
January 27 – Community Day
Join Hesston College for Community Day on Saturday, January 27, at Yost Center. The event features free admission to the Lark men’s and women’s basketball games vs. Neosho County as well as free popcorn, photos with Clark the Lark, performances by the HC dance team and free haircuts from alum Christy (Berkey) ’03 Pickerill, CC’s Family Hair. The women’s game starts at noon and the men’s game at 3 p.m. The Hesston High School pep band and cheerleaders will help cheer the Larks.
January 30 – History of Prairie Fires
Join the Winter Lecture Series at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains and learn about the history of prairie fires. You will learn about how fire helped shape the Great Plains and the lives of its residents. The lecture begins at 7 p.m. and will be held virtually. Visit dyckarboretum.org/events to register. There is a $5 cost.
January 27 is a work day on the Camp Mennoscah Retreat Center HVAC Project, the start of “demolition.” Work will start at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Bring your own lunch and water bottle, please, and meet at the Retreat Center. Camp Mennoscah will provide tools needed. Space heaters will be used, but temperatures inside may be around 50 degrees. Please let us know you are coming so we can be prepared.
Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text).
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
For MC USA “Equipping” press here
For a Mennonite Men petition press here
Everence® will hold an informative Social Security and retirement income workshop Thur., Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m. Topics will be Social Security strategies, including when to begin taking benefits, risks that can impact your retirement savings plus strategies to help your income last throughout retirement. There will also be plenty of time for questions.
In-person workshop will be at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton. Information will be presented by staff from the Everence offices in Central Kansas. To register contact Everence at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.
Come hear a short concert of choral music presented by the Occasional Singers, a chamber ensemble of talented musicians who don’t have a lot of time on their hands! Led by Andrew Voth, they will be singing choral standards as well as more contemporary pieces. The concert will occur at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 21 at First Mennonite Church in Newton and will be free to attend.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements
February 10, Saturday Library Book Sale & Open House: Stop by the Western District Conference Resource Library on Saturday, February 10 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Browse the book sale, check out what’s new for individuals, families, children and more for home and congregational use. Enjoy a hot drink and stories with Bethel College Students.
WANTED—Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, RV’s, Campers, Tractors, Modern Farm Equipment, etc. for the Kansas Mennonite Central Committee Sale. Items you no longer need can help feed and clothe thousands in desperate living conditions. ALL donations are Tax Deductible. Call Jerry Toews for info: 620 367 8257. Help make a difference.
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements
SPRING MENNONITE QUILTERS RETREAT – Camp’s first Quilters Retreat for 2024 is coming April 25-28. These retreats are a great opportunity to get away and get those projects done that have been waiting. While there will be some short, fun breaks, the main focus of this weekend will be giving participants plenty of time to sew. Bring lots of projects, or that one big project you’ve been waiting to start. Sharing ideas, tips and techniques are part of the weekend along with bringing any show and tell items to share with the group. To register, please visit the camp website at www.rmmc.org.
Winter Retreat volunteers– Camp is buzzing with Human Curling, broom ball on the pond and the swooshing of tubes coming down the tube run. We are looking forward to several retreats in the upcoming months and could use volunteers to assist staff to prepare and serve camp guests. Please visit the volunteer opportunities site on our website rmmc.org for dates and needs.
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Subscribe to PeaceMail to receive Mennonite Church USA’s blogs, together with news and resources in one weekly email. Subscribe to PeaceMail here: mennoniteusa.org/PeaceMailSubscribe
Menno Snapshots
Joanna Gerber Pinkerton, a member of Hope Mennonite Church, experienced a holy threshold in Glendalough, Ireland, through the story of St. Kevin, who chose gentleness over violence. Read her Menno Snapshots blog here: mennoniteusa.org/holy-thresholds
Sandra Montes-Martinez, associate conference minister of Western District Conference, shares how she has experienced culturally diverse congregations flourish with the practice of gratitude and cultural appreciation. Read her Menno Snapshots blog here: mennoniteusa.org/cultivating-gratitude
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Today is Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday. Mennonite Mission Network invites you to join in Mennonite World Conference’s prayers for the global church: to work together in harmony, to reduce suffering, and to become God’s people, who sow peace, love and truth.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for generous financial contributions to WDC, supporting our mission of empowering Anabaptist/Mennonite congregations to witness and invite others to faith in Jesus Christ, dwell in just and loving relationships, and connect to God’s mission in the world.