BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND WORSHIP SERVICE FOR January 28, 2024
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 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/JYw7HApCzuI?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
January 28, 2024
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—Prélude, Op. 18 (Cesar Franck)—Karen Schlabaugh
Welcome and Prayer—Dorothy Nickel Friesen
*Hymn—All Creatures, Worship God Most High—VT 81
Children’s Conversation—Jeanette Stucky
Anthem—Somebody’s Knocking at your Door (A. L. Page)—Chancel Bells, Verlene Garber, director
Scripture Reading—Mark 1:21-28; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13—Doug Penner
Sermon—Knowledge Puffs Up, Love Builds Up— Nathan Koontz
*Hymn—Beloved, God’s Chosen—VT 164
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Go, My Friends, in Grace—VT 810
People with January birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal
Birthday Blessing & Benediction
Postlude—Psalm 19 – N (Benedetto Marcello)—Karen Schlabaugh
* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Keyboard- Karen Schlabaugh
Audio visual—Ken Lamp
This Week at BCMC: January 28—February 4, 2024
Sunday, January 28, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/JYw7HApCzuI?feature=share
11:45 a.m. Fundraiser Soup Lunch served by the Senior High Youth Group in the Fellowship Hall—Everyone is invited!
12:45 a.m. Congregational meeting in the sanctuary ** See Note below about the lunch and meeting
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)
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
10 a.m. Staff meeting
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, February 1, 2024
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bells Rehearsal in Room B-7
7 p.m. Church Board meeting in Room 14
Sunday, February 4, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; music by Chancel Choir; report from Junior High Youth on Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Snow Camp
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
SOUP LUNCH AND CONGREGATIONAL MEETING SUNDAY – JANUARY 28, 2024
The lunch Sunday at 11:45 a.m. will be prepared by the Youth Group. The soup lunch is one of the major fundraisers for the Senior High Youth Group. Everyone is invited – there will be a fun activity also! In order to facilitate the clean-up, please bring your own soup bowl, plate, cup, utensils.
Make checks to BCMC with “Sr. High Youth” in memo line.
The congregational meeting is Sunday at 12:45 in the sanctuary. It can be viewed on YouTube at the time of the meeting only; it will not be recorded for later viewing. Although there will not be a way to participate in discussion, those watching online may vote on an item during the meeting by texting “yes” or “no” to the following number: 316 308-5501 . If there are several people in the household, they will be able to send a vote for each person represented by the text. YouTube Link for the congregational meeting is:
https://youtube.com/live/P6-l3BYtS7c?feature=share
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.
Following are the proposals to be presented at the meeting.
Proposals for Action at the BCMC Congregational Meeting
January 28, 2024
Welcoming Statement:
The BCMC board has approved a recommendation from the Inclusion Task Group to revise our congregation’s welcoming statement and proposes the following version be adopted:
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 proposes 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. The new model shortens the term of commitment by one year and establishes a three-person leadership team. The proposed bylaws wording change follows:
Bylaws Change:
Bylaw No. 2: Organization
Section A: Church Officers
- Moderator: The Moderator of the congregation shall also serve as Chair and voting member of the Church Board. The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Church Board and shall, subject to the control of the Church Board, have general supervision and direction of the business of the Church Board. The Chair shall be a member ex officio of all the commissions and committees and shall exercise and perform such other powers and duties as may be assigned to the chair by the Church Board or by these bylaws. The term of office shall be
twoone years. - Moderator Elect: The Moderator Elect of the congregation shall serve as a voting member of the Church Board and shall preside at meetings of the Church Board and the congregation when the Moderator is unavailable. Other leadership tasks will be determined by the Moderator, Moderator Elect, and Past Moderator as needed and appropriate. The term of office shall be
twoone year followed bytwoone year as Moderator. - Past Moderator: The Past Moderator of the congregation shall serve as a voting member of the Church Board and may preside at meetings of the Church Board or congregation in the event that neither the Moderator nor Moderator Elect is available. Other leadership tasks will be determined by the Moderator, Moderator Elect, and Past Moderator as needed and appropriate. The term of office will be one year, immediately following the one year term as Moderator.
| Solar Panel Project: The BCMC Church Board proposes that the Bethel College Mennonite Church move forward with the solar panel project bysigning a contract with King Solar to install solar panels on the roof of the church, with completion planned for the end of June 2024, accepting donations for the project in fulfillment of pledges from congregants and others,using up to $96,000 of the church’s bequest funds for the project. All pledges will be used for the solar panel project. Pledges paid after installation is completed will be used to repay any internal borrowing from bequest funds. The BCMC board encourages, through Creation Care or other committees, the establishment of initiatives that expand the work of BCMC in the areas of creation care and climate justice locally and in the broader community. If you would like to print these proposals click on the button for a printable version. There are also copies available in the gathering place on the ledge between the mailboxes. |
| For the BCMC Financial Report booklet (a printable version) press the button below. Copies are available in the gathering place on the ledge between the mailboxes. |
Junior High Youth Super Bowl Snacks
After the worship service Feb. 11, the Junior High Youth will be selling an assortment of Super Bowl snacks. Snacks will be sold by donation. Donations go toward the Junior High Fund which is used to support activities like Snow Camp. Come prepared to support the Junior High Youth!
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 driving back to Topeka this Sun. after the congregational meeting. He will return to Newton this coming Wed. morning Jan. 31. On the following Sat., Roger will give the meditation for a family friend at First Mennonite, Newton. He will preach at BCMC on Sun., Feb. 4. Whether he’s in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and cell phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968).
Address Updates for your BCMC Directories
· Marion Deckert’s new address: 3054 Ivy Court, Room 43-S, North Newton, KS, 67117
· Donna Friesen’s new address: 3056 Ivy Court, Room 12, North Newton, KS, 67117
· Jim Juhnke’s email in the directory should be: juhnke38@gmail.com
· Myrna Krehbiel’s new email: myrnakrehbiel@gmail.com
· Elizabeth Raid’s new email: RaidBasha123@gmail.com
· Ilene Schmidt’s new address: 3054 Ivy Court, Room 19-S, North Newton, KS, 67117
BCMC Offering for January 21, 2024: General $4,260; Library Reserve Fund $5; Kitchen Fund $12; Solar Fund $30; Nancy Hilty Mem. $203.
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. On Sunday there are sign up sheets at the back of the church, for being either a host or a guest for a dinner. If you do not have an opportunity to sign up on Sunday, you can contact the church office.
The memorial service for Nancy Hilty has been re-scheduled to Saturday March 9, 11 a.m. followed by a light lunch in fellowship hall.
The memorial service for Don Kaufman will be Saturday, April 13, 11 a.m. at BCMC followed by a light lunch in fellowship hall.
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.
Registration is now open for the annual Bluestem PACE Race 5K run/walk on Saturday, April 6, in McPherson. Registration by March 20 is $30 and includes a race shirt. Complete registration online at bluestempace.org/events. Bluestem PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), is a nonprofit that is part of Bluestem Communities and is dedicated to helping seniors with complex medical needs live well at home by providing comprehensive care from one source.
On Tuesday, January 30 at 7 p.m., the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains will kick off a busy season of educational events, first featuring as part of our Winter Lecture Series, “Prairie Fire: A Great Plains History”, presented by Julie Courtwright. The lecture will take place via Zoom and participants can register for $5 at dyckarboretum.square.site/upcoming-events.
Join historian, author and teacher Julie Courtwright as she discusses the role of fire – human-caused and natural – in shaping the Great Plains and the lives of its residents. Using newspaper accounts, diary entries and pop culture artifacts, Courtwright explores how fire has benefitted and sometimes terrorized humans. She’ll give special attention to prairie fires in Central Kansas. Courtwright grew up in the Flint Hills of Kansas. She’s an associate professor of history at Iowa State University.
Bethel College Announcements
· Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts is looking for flutists to join the BCAPA Flute Choir! Open to flutists age 12 or older at any level; Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30 p.m. with the first session starting Jan. 30, through Feb. 27 (2nd session April 30-May 21); $50 fee. Email: bcapa@bethelks.edu to register or for more information.
· Sat., Feb. 3 – 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.
· Sat., Feb. 3 – Bethel College Faculty Recital: Dr. Christina Liu, piano, 2 p.m. [note time change], Administration Building chapel
· Sun., Feb. 11 – KIPCOR Film Series presents Eroding History, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Audience talkback follows the screening; a freewill offering will be taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center —“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.
· SAVE THE DATES: Fri., March 1, 7 p.m., KIPCOR Peace Lecture with Christina Swarns, executive director of the Innocence Project; also Sat., March 2, Justice Symposium at Bethel College
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
This Saturday, January 27, is 2nd Work Day for the start of the Retreat Center HVAC project! Thank you to everyone who helped this past Saturday to make the building ready for the next step–“demolition.” There are still a few parts of the old HVAC system that need to be removed. Work will start at 9am and end at 5pm. Bring your own lunch and water bottle, please, and meet at the Retreat Center. Park nose-first to the wooden fence to the south of the building. 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 us at 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. We are grateful for your generosity as a volunteer. Thank you for helping make the Retreat Center project a reality!
Other events and happenings:
- Two volunteers are needed daily to help with Retreat Center HVAC work from Monday through Friday for the next 12 weeks. Construction skills are not a requirement. Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290, text 316-293-7313 or email olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. Board members may also contact you. Half days are fine. Sign up today!
- The phone system for Camp Mennoscah is changing. The 3014 number will no longer be a camp phone number. The main camp number of 620-297-3290 is the best number to use. The new system will not go in until after the Retreat Center HVAC project is complete.While offices are in the temporary spaces, there will be more limited access to staff by phone. Please leave a message at 620-297-3290 and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
- Staff hours will be changing and offices have moved from the Retreat Center. These changes are happening with the start of the Retreat Center HVAC Project. Olivia may be pulled to help with the HVAC project, meaning that her office work hours may move to the evening. Some staff will also be working off-site, which changes the frequency of certain office tasks. Thank you for your understanding!
- Interviews for the 2024 Summer Staff are underway! Summer staff must be 18 years old or older. The staff leadership positions receiving stipends are naturalist, crafts leader, lifeguard, grounds/maintenance, music leader, and office/media. Get your application in soon, but applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. The 2024 summer camp season begins with orientation for summer-long positions on June 2 and ends August 4. The application for 2024 Summer Staff at Camp Mennoscah can be found here.
- Summer camp registration will open soon and Camp Mennoscah will be looking for weekly nurses and cooks. Be ready to sign up for a week or more of fun!
Mennonite Central Committee Announcements
MCC Central States annual meeting, Saturday, March 2 at 10 a.m. You are invited to join the meeting in-person or virtually to hear MCC U.S. Executive Director Ann Graber Hershberger share an MCC update. Please email centralstates@mcc.org if you would like the Zoom link to join virtually. Otherwise, join us at MCC Central States, 121 E. 30th St in North Newton, Kansas.
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Mark your calendar now for the 16th annual MCC Comforter Blitz, March 4-6 just outside of Yoder, Kansas. If you can tie a knot, you can make a difference! Curious to find out more? Please check mcc.org/comforter-blitz or the Kansas MCC Comforter Blitz page on Facebook. The blitz takes place on Monday, March 4 from 9am-5pm, Tuesday, March 5 from 9am-9pm and Wednesday, March 6 from 9am-4pm at the 3605 East Longview Rd. Haven, KS. Questions? Please contact brociamueller@mcc.org.
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.
Buhler Mennonite Church’s ANNUAL CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP SUPPER is Wed., Feb. 14. It will be a carry-out featuring noodle soup, pie and bread. Orders will be accepted through Feb. 2. Call or text 620-664-7699 to let us know how many orders you want. Pick up will be at the north entrance of the church (220 W Ave B, Buhler) from 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 14. Enter from the south side parking lot on B Street. This is a free will offering with all proceeds going to OUTREACH MEALS. Checks may be made out to Buhler Mennonite Church – cash donations will also be accepted that evening. Note the change in traffic direction!
First Mennonite Church of Halstead invites you to their annual Verenike Supper on Sat., Feb.17 from 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m. at the church, 427 W 4th. There will be a dine-in option and a carryout option (west side of the church on Santa Fe). The menu will be verenike, ham gravy, sausage, green beans, zwieback, pie and assorted relishes. Proceeds will go to Halstead USD 440 school lunches and Halstead community utility bill assistance.
For Mennonite World Conference press here
For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News from around the world” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and beyond” press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
| Menno Snapshots Eric Massanari, executive conference minister for the Pacific Northwest Mennonite Conference, reflects on his time at the 2023 conference ministers retreat in Banff, Alberta, Canada, learning about what nurtures healthy ministry leaders. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/healthy-ministry-community Meghan Larissa Good, faculty of record for teaching leadership at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, shares about how many churches began to view God in a transformational way during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read her Menno Snapshots blog here: mennoniteusa.org/god-looks-like-jesus After researching the experiences of women in ministry, Amy Zimbelman, conference minister of Mountain States Mennonite Conference, shares how women have used sass as a means to deal with inequality in ministry. Read her Menno Snapshots blog here: mennoniteusa.org/sass-claim-equality |