BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR May 19, 2024
Pentecost
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/xJrsHf4-nC4?feature=share
For the link for the congregational meeting click here: https://youtube.com/live/_v01p6FxLK0?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
May 19, 2024
Pentecost
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—Prelude on Beach Spring (Charles Callahan)—Karen Schlabaugh
Welcome & Prayer—Dorothy Nickel Friesen
*Hymn—Holy Spirit, Come with Power—VT 57
Children’s Conversation—Mara Oswald
High School Graduation Recognition—Justin Zerger & Abby Koontz
Anthem—Some o’ These Days (Negro Folk Song; arr. Florence B. Price)—Matt Schloneger, tenor; Karen Schlabaugh, accompanist
Scripture Reading—John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15; Acts 2:1-21—Justin Zerger & Lucy Burch
Sermon—Made Whole and Set Free–Nathan Koontz
*Hymn—In Christ There Is No East or West—VT 390
Communion—VT 939 and 941–Let Us Break Bread Together (Trad. African-American Spiritual, arr. Gwyneth Walker—Matt Schloneger
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Sent Forth by God’s Blessing—VT 812
*Benediction
Postlude—Come, Holy Ghost, Lord God (Andreas Armsdorf)—Karen Schlabaugh
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Karen Schlabaugh
Audio visual—Francis Toews
Congregational Meeting and New Co-Pastor Vote:
May 19, Sunday’s congregational meeting will be at 10:45 a.m. during the Sunday School hour. 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. Remote viewers can text their votes to a number available in the May 19 bulletin and announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items will include a vote for acceptance of the Search Committee’s and Board’s recommendation to approve Joanna Harader as our new full-time co-pastor; approval of new board members and officers; and reports from several committees and commissions. The youth will host a fundraising luncheon following the meeting. Link for the congregational meeting is: https://youtube.com/live/_v01p6FxLK0?feature=share
For the Annual Report Booklet press here
Advanced Voting for Pastoral Candidate: For those who cannot attend the Congregational Meeting on Sunday, May 19, and also cannot attend remotely to vote by text, you may vote in advance. Here is the motion from the Board in question form for your response:
“Do you approve the Board’s recommendation that the church extend a call to Joanna Harader to be our settled full-time Co-Pastor?” Please send an email with a “yes” or “no” to the following email address: adast@bethelks.edu
Please adhere to the following:
-Advance votes must be sent by midnight, May 18, Central Daylight Time.
-The subject line of the email should read “BCMC Pastoral Vote”.
-Please use this means of voting ONLY if you are unable to vote on the day of the meeting.
Your vote will be kept confidential. Thanks to all for your participation!
The Pastoral Search Committee would like to thank all the people who helped make Joanna Harader’s candidating weekend happen. So many of you contributed in so many ways, from hosting and organizing events at church and in your homes, facilitating and participating in discussion times, making coffee and providing snacks, making meals, asking thoughtful questions, setting up and cleaning up, and generally making Joanna and Ryan feel welcome. Thank you! You are what maked BCMC such a wonderful community.
The Next Week at BCMC: May 19-26, 2024
Sunday, May 19, 2024—Pentecost Sunday
9:30 a.m. Worship Service—YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/xJrsHf4-nC4?feature=share
10:45 a.m. Congregational meeting in the sanctuary—YouTube Link for the
congregational meeting:
https://youtube.com/live/_v01p6FxLK0?feature=share
11:45 a.m. Fundraiser Lunch served by the Senior High Youth Group in
Fellowship Hall—Everyone is welcome!
Monday, May 20, 2024
4:30 p.m. Faith Formation Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
11 a.m. Staff Meeting
7 p.m. Women’s Fellowship meeting in Fellowship Hall
Thursday, May 23, 2024
4 p.m. Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
7:30 p.m. Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, May 26, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; music by Joan Griffing (Academic Dean at Hesston College)
Bethel College Women’s Fellowship meets at 7 p.m., Tues., May 21, in Fellowship Hall. Program: Rose Haury, and her sister Margaret Wiebe, will present a slide show of their volunteer service work in the Dominican Republic earlier this year. All women invited.
Congratulations to BCMC 8th Grade Graduates!
Addie Zerger (daughter of Heather and Jonathan Zerger) and Alli and Madey Zerger (daughters of Brian and Kristin Zerger)
Congratulations to Ben Ewert, grandson of BCMC member Ron Ewert (Des Moines, Washington), who graduated from Middle Park High School, Granby Colorado, on Saturday May 18.
Roger Neufeld Smith will be back in Newton on Wednesday, May 22 Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)
The next Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting will be Wednesday, August 21, at 9 a.m. in Room 14 for a planning meeting. There will be no meetings this summer.
BCMC Offering for May 12, 2024 General Fund $4,410; Mennonite Camp Scholarship $1; Solar Fund $1,500; Donald Kaufman Memorial $25.
We offer sympathy to Ken, Annette, Katherine, and Elizabeth Lamp on the death of Ken’s brother, Doug Lamp, Texas City, Texas. Doug passed away May 10, 2024 after a brief hospitalization.
VBS is coming up! Newton Mennonite Vacation Bible School will meet at Shalom Mennonite Church, 5:30-7:30pm, May 28-31. On Sunday Morning, June 2, all our congregations will worship together on the Bethel College Green. VBS is open to all students from age 4 to grade 4, and we also need adult, high school, and junior high volunteers! To register students, visit https://bit.ly/newtonvbskids and to register as a volunteer, please visit https://bit.ly/newtonvbsvols . Our congregation’s contact people for VBS are Jill Robb and Mary Ellen Hodge.
BCMC Prayer Network: The Prayer Network is an email-based prayer network comprised of Deacon Commission members and BCMC congregants. Participants make a one-year commitment to this prayer ministry which is coordinated by Pastors and the Office and Facilities Manager. Pastors respond to prayer requests and determine when and how these requests are distributed. Specific prayer requests are shared only with the permission of the person(s) involved. If you would like to join the BCMC prayer network, please email your interest to office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. Thanks to all who serve BCMC in the Prayer Network.
To read the BCMC “Kaleidoscope” Newsletter – 2023 A Year In Review press here
There are copies available in the Gathering Place.
The current library theme is Poetry! We want to highlight our new “Mennonite Poetry” corner as well as the many other fine poetry books we have in the library. Those are found behind the check out desk as well as the south wall of the children’s/youth room. Keep reading and keep puzzling! Library Committee
A stunning sculpture acknowledging 150 years of Mennonite history designed by Ann Zerger and Chip Parker will be unveiled at Black Kettle Festival Fri., May 31, 5 p.m. The sculpture will be built at the corner of Redbud and Christian in Moundridge, KS with a plaque nearby explaining the reason for designing this beautiful remembrance at this 150th celebration occasion. “150 years ago, Volhynian Mennonite immigrants settled here, bringing Turkey Red Wheat, a commitment to peace, social justice, and a love of land and community. As we commemorate this, let us not forget the sacrifices—the vast prairies that once stretched endlessly and the Indigenous 1st Peoples who thrived here for generations.” You will see the Symbols and Ann will share the meaning of the Peace Dove, Stalks of Wheat, and Grass Stalks. Kathy Goering, publicity for the 150th Celebration
The next Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association, “Schweitzers and Friends” Pioneer Demonstration will be binding and setting up shocks of the Turkey Red Hard Winter Wheat planted last fall. This event will start at 2 p.m. June 1st at the field just West of Moundridge Museum, weather permitting. Volunteers will set up shocks following the horse-drawn binder. The public is invited to share and view this unique Pioneer Event. Be sure to visit the Moundridge Museum while you’re there and enjoy K3Creamery homemade ice cream too.
Bethel College Announcements
· Sat., June 1 – An outdoor trifecta! 6 a.m.-8 p.m., the public is invited to Walk Sand Creek Trail Day, part of National Trails Day®. Water will be available for people and leashed dogs at the trailhead at Memorial Grove on the Bethel College campus, courtesy of the Sand Creek Trail Committee, with members there to answer any questions about the trail. 7 a.m., Kauffman Museum monthly bird walk, led by experienced local birders; 9 a.m., Kauffman Museum-sponsored wildflower walk with Brad Guhr of Dyck Arboretum in Hesston. The bird walk begins at the kiosk in the museum parking lot at the corner of North Main and 27th streets in North Newton, the wildflower walk begins at the museum, and both walks will follow part of Sand Creek Trail.
· Enrollment is open for Uncle Carl’s Camp at Kauffman Museum at Bethel College. Half-day camps are offered in art, history and nature for kids ages 4-18. New this year is Creative Writing Camp for students finishing grades 7-12, with instructor Lydia Chappell Deckert. The writing camp starts June 3, so sign up soon! Go to www.kauffmanmuseum.org/uncle-carls-camp/ for more information about this and other camps with space still available, and to register online.
Western District Conference Annual Assembly: Want new ideas for how to engage all ages in how our faith stories connect with the Jesus story? Join us at the WDC Annual Assembly, August 2-4, 2024 at First Mennonite Church, Beatrice, NE. Sarah Neher will lead an intergenerational faith formation track Saturday, August 3. Sarah is the Pastor of Faith Formation, First Mennonite Church, Beatrice. This is an in-person only event. There will also be an opportunity for virtual registrants to have a conversation together about creative faith formation ideas.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
You are invited to attend the Mennonite Central Committee Sale Annual Meeting scheduled for Thurs., May 23, 6 p.m., at Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church. The cost for the meal is $20/person and you will pay at the door. Please RSVP to Barb BJ Reeves by May 19. 620-543-6863 or bj.reeves@live.com The meeting to review the Sale and present MCC with a check will be held after dinner at approximately 7 pm.
Everence® May workshop: Make Medicare an Easy Step Everence will hold its Medicare workshop at its office in North Newton, 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, Tues., May 28 ,6:30 p.m. Topics include, when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare covers, plus an explanation of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare. Those interested in attending should contact the Everence office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.
You are invited to attend the dedication and celebration of the new Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Cabinet Shop and Warehouse, Sun., June 9 at 604 E. Main St., Goessel, KS from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free. During the celebration, we will offer tours of the cabinet shop and warehouse, and an opportunity to learn more about this innovative MDS initiative to draft and distribute kitchen cabinets to be installed in MDS volunteer-built homes across the U.S. We have already distributed cabinets to more than 75 homes. Also featured will be a fundraising concert at 5:30 p.m. by September River, a family band featuring Jude and Doug Krehbiel and daughter Stefanie (Krehbiel) Giffin. The band incorporates elements of bluegrass, gospel, blues, acoustic rock, Irish, and folk music. The MDS Storm Encounter will also be on hand for those who want to experience a simulated tornado—then see how MDS volunteers respond to bring hope to communities impacted by disaster.
Hesston College Announcements
· May 23 – Dyck Arboretum of the Plains Summer Music Nights: Kilometer 81
Bring your friends and family, lawn chairs or picnic blankets and join us for Summer Music Nights at Dyck Arboretum! This event is free to the public – donations are welcome. Water and lemonade will be provided. Bring your own picnic, if you like. Everyone is welcome to walk the arboretum grounds and enjoy the summer evening. Music will begin at 7 p.m. Performers will be located on the covered patio on the west side of the Prairie Pavilion and the public is invited to gather on the lawn areas nearby. Kilometer 81 is a local bluegrass band composed of three siblings, Eli (mandolin), Addie (guitar), and Austin (banjo), and their parents, Ken (bass) and Amy (vocals). They build elements of jazz, folk and barbershop music onto a traditional bluegrass foundation.
· June 16 to 22 – Summer Theatre Camp Student actors ages 11 to 18 are invited to stage a live theatre performance at Hesston College’s annual summer theatre camp June 16 to 22. The weeklong theatre immersion will culminate in a public performance of the musical “Mean Girls” at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 22, in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary on the Hesston College campus. Theatre camp registration is $335 per person and includes lodging and meals for seven days and six nights, or $285 for day camp only. A discount is available for families registering more than one student. Participants can visit hesston.edu/theatrecamp to register online. Registration is due June 10.
Nurses and kitchen helpers are needed for the Camp Mennoscah Summer Youth Camps. If you are an RN and can fill part or all of the July 7-12 or July 14-19, email olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or text 316-293-7313. Kitchen helpers are especially needed for July 7-12. No great skill needed, just the ability to follow directions. Up to a full camper discount can be received by kitchen staff or nurses. Nurses can choose to receive a stipend instead.
| Dear Bethel College Mennonite,With the invasion of Rafah underway, it’s easy to overlook that within Israel there are young Israeli Jews choosing prison in protest of their government’s war on the Palestinian people and in pursuit of repairing their society, deeply broken from racism, nationalism, and militarism. Yuval Dag is one of those courageous leaders of the Israeli conscientious objection movement.Mennonite Central Committee U.S. is a co-sponsor of an upcoming webinar titled “Emergency Forum with Conscientious Objector Yuval Dag,” hosted by Fellowship of Reconciliation–USA on Thursday, May 23rd at 1:00 pm (EDT). |
| After growing up with a nationalist identity, Dag began to question his privilege and how it was maintained through the oppression of Palestinians. “Resistance begins, first of all, with self-reflection and understanding,” said Dag. “With the understanding that by wearing a uniform and symbols of a certain body, you choose to represent that body. With the understanding that enlisting in the army is a political choice, and its meaning is to support the military and political agenda, and to take part in it. The understanding that even a small cog contributes to the system’s function.” Dag decided that he could not in good conscience accept his military conscription. He spent two months in prison for his refusal to serve and today works with the Israeli Refusers Solidarity Network to support other Israeli Jewish Refusniks.What makes Dag and his fellow Refuseniks action so exceptional is that, while there are avenues to avoid military conscription and service in Israel, they are choosing prison bars as the best way they can have an impact for liberation.Please join us for this urgent and important Zoom conversation with Dag hosted by Ariel Gold of FOR–USA and Diana Oestreich of Red Letter Christians. |
| In peace and solidarity,Zachary Murray Legislative Associate MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries |
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
Talking Tombstones Tour
Different people experienced the migration from South Russia to Kansas and the early settlement period very differently. Some, like Elder Jacob Buller, had the heavy responsibility of the whole group on his shoulders. For a few, like Anna Richert Wedel, they remembered a prior migration from Prussia to Russia. On May 26, 2024, we will hear a few of the stories through first person accounts presented at their tombstone. Talking Tombstones Tour will begin at 3:00 pm at the Alexanderwohl Mennonnite Church Cemetery. Three stories will be presented, then participants will drive to Tabor Mennonite Church Cemetery for three stories. Following that, we will go to Goessel cemetery and Blumenfeld cemetery. We encourage people to carpool between cemeteries. The Immigrant Flags will also be up at each cemetery to mark the graves of the immigrants in 1874. In case of bad weather, the event will be held inside Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church. If the road to the Blumenfeld Cemetery is inaccessible, Anna Richert Wedel’s story will be told at another cemetery.A 150th Anniversary Event of the arrival of the Alexanderwohl village in Kansas.
The Mennonite Heritage & Agricultural Museum invites everyone to remember the immigrants of 1874 and the sacrifice they made coming to America. The immigrant flags are back in the church cemeteries recognizing the FAITH, COURAGE, and ACTION of the 1874 immigrants. The flags will be displayed in the Alexanderwohl, Tabor, Goessel, and Lehigh church cemeteries from May 23 – June 5. Come and listen to their voices flutter in the breeze!
Hello friends, We apologize – we made a mistake! The email we sent on May 9 contained a link to a sign up form that was not working. If you tried signing up and were unable to, we have since corrected the issue and hope that you will try again!
Click the button below to sign up for the church publicity kit. (We are still happy for you to join in the challenge if you don’t request a publicity kit.) The kit includes:
- 2 (11×17) inch posters with space for you to add your own information
- 20 school kit packing instruction cards
- And 20 colorful “Make an MCC school kit” pencils, just for fun!
Please sign up by June 14!Sign up here
Thank you for your support and we apologize again for our mistake.
Peace, Tina Schrag
Communications Coordinator, MCC Central States
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Delicia Bravo Aguilar and Peter Wigginton, of Mennonite Mission Network, request prayer for the Mennonite churches in Ecuador, as they unite in living out Jesus’ message of peace, in response to the increasing violence in their country. Pray for protection and courage, as regular peace-building gatherings move Jesus’ followers toward Spirit-led action.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for children, youth and their families in WDC congregations, as they approach the end of the school term, and make plans for summer.
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.