BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2024
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/bVTAA8eiK1g?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
August 25, 2024
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—There’s Nothing Worth More [VT 369]–(arr. Rogers)–Meghann Rogers
Welcome & Prayer—Elizabeth Schmidt
*Hymn—What Is This Place—VT 22
Children’s Conversation—Blessing of the Backpacks—Jill Robb
Hymn—May God Grant You a Blessing—VT 845
Scripture Reading—1 Kings 8:1,6,10-11, 22-30, 41-43; Ephesians 6:10-20—Karen Ediger
Sermon—More Than Meets the Eye—Nathan Koontz
*Hymn—Beloved, God’s Chosen—VT 164
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—For the Healing of the Nations—VT 705
People with August birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal
*Birthday Blessing and Benediction
Postlude—May You Be Rooted and Grounded [VT 396]–(arr. Rogers)
Meghann Rogers
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual—Ken Lamp
For our youth to feel supported and loved for the 2024-2025 school year, we will be blessing their backpacks by giving them a tag to remind them they are being prayed over by members of our congregation.
Our backpack blessing for our youth (and adults) will be this Sunday, August 25 during the children’s story. Please have your child(ren) bring their backpack to have our congregation bless their year.
If you have a work bag you would like to be blessed by the congregation, PLEASE bring it with you to church so we can give you a tag for your bag!
— Jill Robb, Faith Formation Coordinator
The Next Week at BCMC: August 25—September 1, 2024
Sunday, August 25, 2024—Blessing of the Backpacks
9:30 a.m. Worship. Jeanette Leary will be the volunteer in the nursery.
YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/bVTAA8eiK1g?feature=share
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, August 29, 2024
6 p.m. Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
Saturday, August 31, 2024
11 a.m. Memorial Service for Marilyn Stucky in the Sanctuary; Lunch in the Fellowship Hall will follow immediately after the service
Sunday, September 1, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader
Monday, September 2, 2024—Labor Day—Office will be closed; church locked; Tuesday, September 3, 2024—Office will be closed
BCMC ANNOUNCEMENTS
The memorial service for Marilyn Stucky (Marilyn died June 20) will be Sat., Aug. 31, 11 a.m. at BCMC, with a lunch in fellowship hall following the service.
Dorothy Unruh turns 103 on September 12, 2024! Send birthday messages and blessings to Dorothy at 1407 Hillcrest Road, Newton, KS 67114.
The Chancel Bells will begin practicing September 5 for our fall music. But, I need several players to complete the choir. This commitment ideally would be for the entire year, but I can work with a month at a time. We are easy to work with and very forgiving if you are a new player. Please consider making this contribution to the worship of our church. I am excited to get going again with some new music and some that hasn’t been done for several years. Our library has many options. Contact Verlene: verlenegarber@gmail.com or 620-217-5266
If you’ve been a nursery volunteer in the past or would like to become a new nursery volunteer, please notify Sara Dick, new nursery schedule coordinator, at saradick1@gmail.com. The schedule is posted in the nursery and will be updated as folks volunteer. Please notify Sara rather than sign yourself up for shifts directly on the schedule, so she knows where we need helpers and where we’re all set. Thank you for caring for our youngest attenders and their families!
Pastor Joanna will have office hours at the 1887 Cafe in the Schultz Student Center every Thursday morning from ten to noon. She would love for you to stop by for a chat!
We offer sympathy to Pauletta (Stan) Brodhagen and Connie (Rex) Esau on the death of their sister, Patricia Kay Rupp. Patricia died Sun., Aug. 11, in Moundridge. Memorial services were held at Eden Mennonite Church on August 15.
Greetings on behalf of Faith Formation!
The Sunday School teaching year will officially begin September 8 and we are in need of teachers and helpers to teach 3 age levels of our youth: pre-k, elementary, and middle school.
Sunday School Safe Sanctuary training will be September 1 during the Sunday School time in Fellowship Hall.
Even if you are the slightest bit interested, please listen to the call and email Jill Robb at jill@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Save the Date: Peace Witness Event, Sept. 15-16
The BCMC Witness Commission is very pleased to announce plans for a peace witness event around Peace Sunday on September 15-16. Our church along with the Bible and Religion Department of Bethel College and in collaboration with area churches invites you to engage with Christianity and Democracy led by well known author, academic, and presenter, David P. Gushee (https://davidpgushee.com).
Community Playschool is gearing up for the start of another school year on September 10. We have 15 children and 8 volunteers lined up to participate in two classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We are offering a HUGE thank you to the youth group and their sponsors for clearing out debris from the perimeter of the playground. This happened on July 6 during their service/learning week. It was brutally hot that day, and they worked tirelessly to clear out several years of leaf clutter that gathers at the fence. We are so grateful to them for this effort! We hope you all can venture down the north hall in the lower level often after September 10 to see signs of our program at work right here at BCMC!
— Jeanette Leary and Kasey Newell, co-directors
Looking ahead to November, the Library theme for the next few months will be Religion and Politics. There are books that might help answer questions about our current political climate. A partial display is behind the library desk.
BCMC Offering for Aug. 18, 2024: General Fund $10,075; Kitchen Fund $23.30; Solar Fund $275.
Now is the time to renew the BCMC group subscription to Anabaptist World, a monthly magazine featuring voices from across the Anabaptist-Mennonite world. If you sign up with the congregation’s plan, you receive this publication at the discounted rate of $44. If interested in joining the group plan, contact Monica Lichti in the church office as soon as possible. New subscribers can also receive a one-year subscription for the discounted rate of $44. To subscribe email office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Bring in or mail your $44.00 to the office or place it in the offering plate Sunday. Mark your checks with “Anabaptist World” in the memo line. If you are currently receiving Anabaptist World through the BCMC group subscription plan it will expire Nov. 2024. Anabaptist World would like us to renew the subscription now so that you receive the magazine without interruption.
The deadline for announcements for the week’s upcoming Sunday’s BCMC bulletin is Thursday morning. It may not be possible to include an announcement if it is received later.
Bethel College Announcements:
· Mon., Aug. 26“The Rose Aesthetic,” works by Gwen and Victor Rose, opens in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College (reception Sept. 19). Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Sat., Sept. 14 — Duo piano recital: Dr. Christina Liu (Bethel College) and Dr. Brett Janssen (Central Christian College), 4 p.m., Ad Building chapel at Bethel College
· SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, Sept. 15, Forum on Democracy and Christianity with David Gushee, Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University, 3 p.m., Memorial Hall at Bethel College; sponsored by Bethel College Mennonite Church and the Bethel Department of Bible and Religion. Gushee will also speak in convocation Mon., Sept. 16, 11 a.m., in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center.
The Life Enrichment program at Bethel College plans to start up again on Wednesdays from Aug. 28-Nov. 20 this Fall. Life Enrichment is for people age 60 and above and is an excellent way to continue learning and meet people from the surrounding area in a relaxed setting.
· Cost: $40 per semester or $4 per week; first-time attendees get a free day
· Time: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.-11:50 a.m. for two-session dates; Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. for three-session dates
· Location: All sessions will be in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center on the Bethel campus
· Lunch cost: $7 full meal; $5 soup/salad/dessert. Please purchase tickets for lunch by 10:30 a.m. with cash, or check payable to “Aladdin Foods.”
August 28—9:30 a.m. “The Case for a Mennonite Work College,” Jon C. Gering, president, Bethel College
August 28—10:50 a.m. “The Harvey Girls: Women’s Roses in Railroads, Kansas and U.S. History,” Dr. Michaeline Chance-Reay, professor emeritus of women’s studies and education, Kansas State University, Manhattan
| Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements. |
We’re just a few weeks away from the Western District Women in Mission Women’s & Girls’ Retreat on September 7-8 at Camp Mennoscah with our theme of Peaceful Practices. Registrations are due by August 30. The retreat brochure and registration form are on our website at this link:
https://www.westerndistrictwomeninmission.org/events
If you plan to come Saturday morning to tie comforters, please remember that lunch is not provided, so bring a sack lunch. Questions? Send an e-mail to westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com.
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
FreedUp: Everence® is offering a new stewardship training program. The FreedUp program is a way for everyone to get their finances in order – and gain a deeper faith perspective on your money. Everence facilitators will lead the sessions. The upcoming option for participants is Mondays at 8 p.m. ET beginning Oct. 7; ending Nov. 18. Register at everence.com/partners.
SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER WEBINARS FROM EVERENCE®
Finances and You!
Discover topics that integrate your faith and finances!Don’t miss this free, four-part webinar series. You’ll hear how Everence® can help you make important financial decisions that reflect your faith values.The webinars will be presented by Everence professionals and there will be plenty of time for your questions.All webinars held on Wednesdays at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)Learn more and register SEPTEMBER 11
Why give now? 12 strategies to maximize your generosity in 2024.No matter your income or age, explore how you can make a difference in the world by stretching the impact of your giving to the missions, ministries and organizations you care about.Presented by: Lyle Miller, Stewardship Consultant & Phil Pratt, Charitable Consultant SEPTEMBER 18
Getting our lives together, Giving our lives away, and Giving our deaths away.For those of us interested in integrating our faith with our finances, we often find ourselves focusing on different concerns throughout our lives. Intentionally embracing these unique periods of our lives can encourage growth in our stewardship journey and help form us into the image of Christ. Presented by: Colin Saxton, Stewardship Theologian and Director of Church Relations SEPTEMBER 25
Social Security: Understanding your benefitsDoes the thought of figuring out social security make you want to curl up in a ball and cry? Well, help is on the way. Come and learn the in’s and out’s of social security that will provide you clarity as you consider your social security future.Presented by: Steve Lane, AWMA®, CFP®, Financial Consultant OCTOBER 2 Investing 202Mutual funds, pensions, stocks, bonds, IRA’s, Roth IRA’s, 401k’s, Real estate- this list seems to go on and on and on for investment options. This presentation will help you sort through your investment options and other considerations as you explore what investments make sense for you.Presented by: Michael Burton, CFP®, CEPA®, Financial ConsultantFor more information, visit everence.com/national. Please email national@everence.com with any questions.
Et Cetera Shop Volunteer Experience
Do you want to expand your social circle? Do you want to make new friends?
Do you want to be a part of a mission that serves our local communities and the world? Then join us for our Volunteer Experience Sat., Aug. 31 from 9-11 a.m., as we explore the mission and vision of the Newton Et Cetera Shop!
We will journey through the history of the shop, our current vision, the work of our volunteers, and how you might become a part of this vital mission in our community! This event is open to all!
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements
LABOR DAY WORK & PLAY RETREAT – If you, your family or a group of friends want to enjoy the holiday weekend at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, there are 16 spaces available to register. The weekend is offered as a day of work and play (Sat. or Sun.) with a Monday morning sendoff after breakfast. This year (August 30-September 2, 2024), we’ll be serving (foodservice & HK) along with additional work projects in preparing our facilities/grounds for the coming winter.
MDS FIRE, HAZARD & DISASTER MITIGATION – On October 8-12, 2024, Mennonite Disaster Service and Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp will continue their critical partnership in the work of forest thinning, chipping slash and moving/removing logs. A desire for 10 or more volunteers are needed each day to accomplish the tasks at hand. Volunteers for foodservice are also encouraged and welcomed to help in support of the week’s efforts. Please visit the volunteer page at www.rmmc.organd select “MDS FIRE MITIGATION & TREE THINNING & LIMBING” or “VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES & SIGN-UP” (foodservice) to register for the week or for the days you are able to come.
For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here
Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
Mennonite Men Webinar “Living outside the—Man Box” press here
Mennonite Mission Network “News from around the world” press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
| Call for blogs! Members of MC USA who were not raised in a Mennonite tradition or people who grew up in MC USA but feel that they have actively chosen to remain Mennonite as they grew into their faith are invited to submit a 500-900 word “Menno by Choice” blog about why they have actively chosen to be a Mennonite. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/form-choice-request View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/choice-slide Menno Snapshots Steve Griffin, the pastor of Bellwood Mennonite Church, Milford, Nebraska, chronicles his journey from leaving the Pentecostal church to Calvinism and to finally finding his home in Anabaptism. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/pentecostalism-to-anabaptism |
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the 25 congregations that make up Colombia Mennonite Church (IMCOL). Pray that IMCOL will realize its goals of strengthening its Anabaptist identity and organizational capacity.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: As the sun sets on another day, let’s welcome the gift and blessing of tomorrow. Let’s pray and be thankful for the opportunities to build relationships and share the love of Christ. Let’s pray for resolve and encouragement along with perseverance to keep trying. Let’s pray for our leaders and those called and willing to church plant and support church planting across WDC. Let’s be thankful for a new day! -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.