BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR FEBRUARY 25, 2024
Second Sunday of Lent
Christ Among Us, Showing Us Faith
Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.
To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20 a.m., 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/mfw7y_RGOfg?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
February 25, 2024
Second Sunday of Lent
Christ Among Us, Showing Us Faith
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—Prelude on Psalms (Bach/Leidzen)– Verlene Garber, organ
Call to Worship–George Leary
One: Come, you who seek God, proclaim God’s glory!
Many: All you descendants of Jacob and Rachel,
One: come.
Many: All who are isolated and feel alone,
One: come.
Many: All who are hungry,
One: come.
Many: All who wander,
One: come.
Many: Come, from all ends of the earth.
All: Come, you who seek God, proclaim God’s glory, and walk in faith.
(based on Psalm 22:23–31)
*Hymn–How Many Times We Start Again–VT 553
Children’s Conversation–Orlando Gonzalez, Adah Hodge, Adam Oswald
Cast Your Burdens Unto Jesus
Anthem– Outburst of Joy (Dobrinski)– Chancel Bells
Scripture Reading– Mark 8:34-37; Colossians 3:12-17–Lucy Burch
Reflections–Faith Fusion—Adah Hodge, Ani Koontz, Mara Oswald
*Hymn–Will You Come and Follow Me–VT 540
Prayers of God’s People–Nathan Koontz
Prayer of Confession
One: Trustworthy God, we want to live with faith, yet we worry there will not be enough. We want to believe in your promises, yet we lose hope. We want to follow you, but sometimes the road is too hard.
Many: We confess before you our unbelief, our worry, our hopelessness.
One: Shape us into a people who will live in faith. Strengthen us so we can deny ourselves, take up your cross, and follow you.
Many: In your grace, Lord, give us faith to believe that you will call into existence the things that do not exist. Amen.
*Hymn—Guide My Feet—VT 816
*Benediction
Postlude– Give Us Peace in Our Time (arr. by Allured)
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Verlene Garber
Audio visual—John Thiesen
This Week at BCMC: February 25—March 3, 2024
Sunday, February 25, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/mfw7y_RGOfg?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Room 26; 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)
Noon Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Event
Monday, February 26, 2024—BCMC office will be closed
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
10 a.m. Staff meeting
3:45 p.m. Worship Commission meeting by Zoom
5 p.m. Mid-Kansas Investment Club dinner meeting in fellowship hall
6:30 p.m. Newton Chorale Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Wednesday, February 28, 2024—Wednesday meal and program
10 a.m. Library Committee meeting in room 14
6 p.m. Wednesday night meal in fellowship hall—Menu is Baked Penne with Italian Sausage; Caesar salad; Cannoli dessert; Please sign up at a sign up sheet on bulletin board, on table in south entrance, or on ledge between the mailboxes in gathering place. Please bring your own tableware to facilitate clean-up! Sign up here: office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
6:45 p.m Wednesday program in fellowship hall
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, February 29, 2024
5:30 p.m. Community Playschool Family Night
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bells Rehearsal in room B-7
Friday, March 1, 2024
6: 30 p.m. Newton Chorale rehearsal in the sanctuary
Saturday, March 2, 2024
11 a.m. Memorial for Richard Siemens in the sanctuary
Sunday, March 3, 2024—Lent 3
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; music by Chancel Choir 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
Roger’s Whereabouts: Roger arrived in Newton on Wed. (2/21). He will be driving back to Topeka on Sun. afternoon after “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?” He will return to Newton on SAT., March 2, staying until the Church Board meeting on March 7 . Whether 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).
Deacon Care Concern: Deacons were made aware of a community need involving the death of a mother of 4 young girls, ages 2, 3, 5, and 6. The family welcomes donations of gently-used clothing for young girls. Donated items may be brought to the church office for coordination of delivery. – Deacon Commission
BCMC Offering for February 18, 2024: General $4,560.33; Plant Fund $8.33; Sr Hi Youth $50; Library Reserve Fund $1; Jr Hi Fund $75; Kitchen Fund $9; Nancy Hilty Memorial $50.
Future Events at BCMC:
· Feb. 25, Noon—Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. The Hospitality Commission has matched people who signed up as hosts with people who signed up as guests. Guests will receive your hosts names today. (In mailboxes)
· March 2, 11 a.m., memorial service for Richard Siemens, followed by a light lunch in fellowship hall.
· March 9, 11 a.m., memorial service for Nancy Hilty followed by a light lunch in fellowship hall.
· March 11-15 is Spring Break. The church office will be closed this week due to staff taking vacation time. There will be staff available for emergencies.
· March 23, 11 a.m., memorial service for Elizabeth Raid followed by a light lunch in fellowship hall.
· April 13, 11 a.m., memorial service for Don Kaufman followed by a light lunch in fellowship hall.
Sunday morning, March 17, our church will have the honor of hosting Mennonite World Conference General Secretary César García and his wife, Sandra Báez, Pastor and Executive Assistant to the General Secretary. Cesar will preach in our worship service. The Seekers and Open Circle Sunday School classes have invited both Cesar and Sandra to share during the Sunday School hour about their work with Mennonite World Conference. Everyone is invited to attend this SS session. Cesar and Sandra will also deliver the Bethel College Hartzler Bible lectures on Sunday evening and Monday morning, March 17 & 18.
CARE PACKAGES: It is the time of year when we remember our BCMC college students by sending them a care package from the church. We have 14 college students so we are asking for 14 individually wrapped items (of whatever you are willing to share). Examples: gum, granola bars, laundry pods. Keep in mind that we will be mailing each package, so smaller is better. Items can be placed in the box labeled ‘care packages’ near the church mailboxes. If you would like to make a cash donation please take it to the church office. Mentors/mentees will be assembling the care packages on March 3 after church. Thank you for supporting our BCMC college students. Faith Formation Committee
The Library Theme for February is Civil Rights. Come and browse our collection of amazing Black History books either on the shelving behind the library desk or along the south wall of the Youth/Children’s room. Please continue to support our puzzle swap via a $5 donation. We raised $130 last year and are using the extra funds to help pay for the library computer program as well as to purchase more expensive books than our $300 budget normally allows. Puzzles are outside the library door as well as along the north wall of the library. Coming soon to the library: A Mennonite Poetry Corner. We are happily supporting the request to house Mennonite poetry books along the east wall of the library. We hope to have this display up by the end of the month. Happy Reading and
Happy Puzzling!
Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is April 12 & 13, 2024 at the Kansas State Fair Grounds in Hutchinson, KS. Did you know that in 2023, relief sales across North America provided over 5 million dollars to fund MCC’s relief, development, and peace initiatives in 45 countries?
· Do you like cherry moos? It’s back on the menu for Feeding the Multitude! Also look for some new, returning, or one-time booths: Barrel train ride, Christmas Decorations, Swiss Mennonite Society, and more.
· My Coins Count jug is full of 23 pounds of bills and coins! The filled jug will help transform lives by funding easy access to clean water, thanks to MCC’s water projects. The My Coins Count jug is in the Gathering Place. Add your coins and bills today — and any Sunday between now and April 7. Did you know that 5 gallons of quarters weighs 300 pounds and funds one $6000 well?
· Turn cool items into cash to fund MCC projects! BCMC members have already donated vintage farm toys, a sculpture, a canister set (and more!) to KMRS to be sold at one of 4 different auctions. Do you have something to add? Simply donate it, and the auction committees can decide the best location for your item. Talk to a BCMC sale liaison today!
· Volunteer on Saturday, April 6, to make Bohne Beroggi (in Moundridge) or Verenike (in Hillsboro) for the sale. To sign up, go to the volunteer page at https://kansas.mccsale.org/
· Upcoming Deadlines:
· Feb 28 — General Auction sale bill. Have something to donate? Let us know so we can include pictures and descriptions.
· Mar 2 — Quilt Auction items to BCMC for the BCMC display.
· Mar 13 — Last day for SS classes to help underwrite KMRS costs. To date, BCMC classes have purchased $1750 of goods, including pickles, butter, cheese, and more…and have committed additional funds for the next round of bidding on March 14. Thanks to donors, all sale expenses are covered before the sale so proceeds go directly to MCC programs.
· More Information:
· KMRS posterboard & table in the Gathering Place for information and forms for Run for Relief, Quilt Auction, Sale Sponsorship, as well as the My Coins Count jug.
· KMRS website: https://kansas.mccsale.org/
· BCMC liaisons: Steve & Elaine Schurr, William & Esther Kreider Eash, and Brad & Diane Born.
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.
Bethel College Announcements
· Sat., March 2 – A one-day endowed Justice Symposium focusing on the U.S. carceral and criminal justice system, with Christina Swarns, executive director of Innocence Project, and other voices on the death penalty, prosecution and racial justice; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on the Bethel campus. The symposium is free but pre-registration is required by going to https://kipcor.org
· Sat., March 2 – This month’s Kauffman Museum bird walk will take place at Dyck Arboretum in Hesston starting at 7:30 a.m. as part of the cooperative half day event “Murmurations and Exaltations: Birds and Birding in a Changing World.” Experienced birders will lead a 45-minute walk on the paved path at Dyck Arboretum. The walk is free and open to anyone. The symposium is by registration only – see https://kauffmanmuseum.org/murmur/ to register online, or call 316-283-1612. Registration deadline is Weds., Feb. 28.
· Sun., March 3 – Bethel College Choir Tour Send-off Concert, “Music Exploring American Identity” directed by Dr. Henry S. Waters, 4 p.m., Memorial Hall with performances by the Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Woven and Open Road.
· Tues., March 5 – Bethel College Jazz, directed by Joel Boettger, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Thurs., March 7 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Everence Financial’s first webinar series for 2024 consists of four webinars held on Wednesdays starting March 6. Come hear how Everence® can help you make important financial decisions that reflect your faith values. § March 6: Annuity Basics § March 13: Retirement Income Strategies § March 20: Impact Investing: Connecting your values and investments § March 27: Investing 101. The webinars will be presented by Everence professionals. To register, or for more information, visit www.everence.com/national.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN MENNONITE CAMP is Seeking Summer Staff and Volunteers: Wondering what to do this summer? How about a week, 2 weeks or a whole summer in the Colorado Rockies? We would love to have you at camp this summer and welcome short term and long term volunteers. Job roles for volunteers vary and can include kitchen, housekeeping, and maintenance. Camp looks to employ 20-25 young adults each summer as an important aspect of making camp a place of retreat and community, and hope our Summer staff can experience God in new ways, individually and with others, in God’s creation while offering campers the opportunity to grow in their faith and explore the Rocky Mountains.
Please contact camp for more information at info@rmmc.org or 719-687-9506.
Be sure to sign up for the Women’s Retreat at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, March 8 – 10, 2024! This year’s theme is Unconventional Healing featuring guest speaker, Amy Zimbelman. Along with the beautiful mountains and winter activities, there will be an opportunity to participate in an experiential session led by Lori Oswald focused on nourishing ourselves through nature. Visit rmmc.org for schedule details and to sign up. It will be a wonderful, restorative weekend of fellowship with amazing women!
For Mennonite Mission Network press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network “Connections” press here
For Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Menno Snapshots
Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, Mennonite Church USA denominational minister for Peace and Justice, led a half-day faculty training on restorative discipline at Lititz Area Mennonite School in Pennsylvania, on January 15, 2024. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/peaceable-schools
Learn more about Safe Church, Mennonite Church USA’s newly formed abuse prevention ministry here: mennoniteusa.org/safechurch View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/safe-church-resources
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Jae Young Lee, Karen Spicher and their children, who live and work for peace from their home in the Peace Building in South Korea. Pray for them and all the ministries housed in the Peace Building — restorative justice programs, Grace and Peace Mennonite Church and Circle Café & Bakery.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Prayer for our current church planters and for those that feel called to undertake this ministry. Also, prayer for the developing opportunity to travel to Guatemala to support and encourage our WDC church plant in that location. Prayers for resolve to continue the day to day challenges of planting churches. -WDC Church Planting Commission
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, or age.