February 5, 2023 – Youth Sunday
Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County is still in green status indicating
low risk for COVID. You are invited to choose whether you wear a mask or social distance. Both are optional.
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 belows 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/MbpQ2h1bhzM?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
February 5, 2023
Church b changin’
Prelude—Lucy Burch, Will Wiebe-Friesen
Christ Candle Lighting—Maisie Brubacher, Payne Claassen
Land Acknowledgement—Lily Schloneger
Welcome and Prayer—Justin Zerger
*Hyrs—Here in This Place—VT 10
Children’s Conversation—Adah Hodge, Abram Wall
*Hyrs—Guide My Feet—VT 816
Scripture Reading—Galatians 3:26-28—Emma Gering
Reflections—Ani Koontz, Mara Oswald
*Hyrs—Rain Down—VT 703— Ani Koontz, solo- verse 1; Lucy Burch, flute; Chancel Choir- verses 2,3; Congregation-chorus
Prayers of God’s People—Ani Koontz
*Hyrs—You Shall Go Out with Joy—VT 847
*Benediction—Mara Oswald
Postlude—Lily Schloneger
* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Chancel Choir Director—Riley King; accompanist—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual— Ben Lichti
Pastor—Nathan Koontz
Youtube Link: https://youtube.com/live/MbpQ2h1bhzM?feature=share
This Week at BCMC: February 5-February 12, 2023
Sun., Feb. 5, 2023—Senior High Youth Group Leads Worship
9:30 am Worship Service
10:30 am Faith Formation
2:30 pm Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus rehearsal in the sanctuary
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:30 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); Mosaic (Rm 20); Open Circle (Room 21); Seekers (Rm 28)
Mon., Feb. 6, 2023
7 pm Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., Feb. 8, 2023
6 pm BCMC Decolonization Task Group meeting in Room 14
6:30 pm Menno Ringers Rehearsal in Room B7
7 pm Youth Group meets
7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Feb. 9, 2023
6:30 pm Chancel Bell Rehearsal in Room B7
Fri., Feb. 10, 2023
11 am Memorial service for Vel Teichroew in the Sanctuary
Sun., Feb. 12, 2023
9:30 am Worship Service with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith;
prelude by Erich Boschmann; music by Chancel Bells
10:30 am Faith Formation
10:30 am Pastoral Search Committee meeting in the Agape House
Roger’s Whereabouts – Roger traveled back to Topeka this past Friday, but will return to Newton this coming Thursday, February 9, and will preach on February 12.
After the worship service next Sunday, February 12, the members of the Junior High Club 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.
February 26 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. Guests: You will receive your food assignment next Sunday, February 19. Hosts: Next Sunday, February 19, you will receive the number of guests you will host.
Thank you to the Senior High Youth Group for leading the worship service Sunday morning!
Thank you for your support on our January 29th soup luncheon fundraiser. We appreciate your generosity and your company. A special thanks to Ben Lichti for his help behind the scenes. We lived through the cold, we laughed in your company, and we loved being with our congregation. The BCMC Senior High Youth Group. #LiveLaughLove
Menno Ringers—All students 3rd grade through 8th grade interested in ringing handbells are welcome! Rehearsals are each Wednesday, 6:30 pm in Room B7.
BCMC Offering for January 29: General Fund $5,717; Sr Hi Youth $2,892; Living Stones $50; Kitchen Fund $21.
Please remember in your prayers the members of the BCMC Sunday School class The Sojourners. Sojourners have met in various places in the church over the years and more recently in the Chapel. Due to declining attendance they have found it necessary to disband. They will be having a lunch together at BCMC on Friday, Feb. 17 at 11:30 am.
The Library Theme for the next couple of months is Black History. The Library Committee pulled part of the books that we have in our collection which are displayed either in back of the library desk or on the shelving in the Children’s Room. Please come see what we have to offer! Also, don’t forget that we still have puzzles for your puzzling pleasure right outside of the library door and more on the west wall of the library. Please come browse and place a donation in the envelope if you find one that catches your fancy.
There are three upcoming memorial services planned at BCMC:
· Memorial service for Vel Teichroew, Friday, Feb. 10 at 11 am
· Memorial service for Marilyn Loeffler, Saturday, Feb. 18 at 1 pm
· Memorial service for Grace Schroeder, Saturday, March 25 at 11 am
Life Enrichment for Feb. 9—Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center, Bethel College
9:30 am “The HMC Way,” Sara Kelly, outreach coordinator, and Re’An Will, outreach assistant, Health Ministries, Newton
10:35 am “The Miracle of Chase Kear,” Paul and Paula Kear, Colwich
11:30 am “On Two Wheels at 15,000 Feet (an MCC Learning Tour in Bolivia),” Joe Smucker, Goessel
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. The summer theme is FruitFULL Faith. Get ready to learn and sing about the Fruit of the Spirit this summer–it’s not a coconut!
Other events and happenings:
- Youth Volunteer Weekend is March 24-25! Youth in Grades 6-12 are invited to come to this retreat focused on worship and service. The retreat begins on Friday at 7pm with registration followed by snacks, games, and campfire. Rachel and Isaac, the Senior High program directors, will lead activities. Register in the Summer Youth Camp section by adding a person or session, if you have already registered for camp.
- Interviews for Summer Staff In Progress!We are seeking stunning summer staff to fill the following leadership positions for the 2023 summer: crafts, lifeguard, music, nature, office, and grounds. These positions are typically filled by college-age students, are summer-long and receive a stipend. Lifeguards and grounds are especially needed. It’s a summer of fun, service and faith formation!
- Spring Scrapbook and Craft Retreat registration is open!Online registration can be found here. Croppers and crafters of all skill levels are welcome. Participants at the Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats will have lodging in the Retreat Center and work space at the Dining Hall. Grade 3 and above are welcome with an accompanying adult. Further details available on the website or at 620-297-3290. See you in March!
- Do you have a hankering for a giant bonfire? Camp Mennoscah has several burn piles and tall grass areas that need to be burned.This takes several people, a full day and cooperating weather. Burning hasn’t been done for a few years and we’d like to have the piles and tall grass done for safety reasons. Call 620-297-3290 or email office@campmennoscah.org to volunteer.
- Or maybe dirt is your thing? The last few rows and the side aisles of the amphitheater still need to have dirt added. Call 620-297-3290 or email office@campmennoscah.org to help move dirt. Many hands make light work–invite a friend!
- Help us Plan for the Future! A seven-question survey will help us know how camp is used and what you would like to see in the future. This survey will close at the end of February. Click here to tell us what you think!
We are so excited to share with you the catalog for the 2023 Camp Mennoscah season! Fun-filled summer days await you at Camp Mennoscah where we are ready to welcome campers new and old to come build their house upon the Rock while they play in the sand.
Attached to this email you will find a digital copy of our catalog, and we welcome you to register here for the upcoming summer season! Detailed information about our Summer Youth Camps and our Program Directors can be found here, on the Camp Mennoscah website.
Registration is also open for our two Spring Scrapbooking and Crafts Retreats, which we will be hosting on March 10-12 and March 17-19. Folks of all crafts and skill levels are welcome to join us, and you can register online here to save yourself a spot!
We’re looking forward to a fantastic and joy-filled 2023 and hope that you will be able to join us.
If you have any questions about any of our upcoming retreats, the registration process, or Camp Mennoscah in general, don’t hesitate to reach out! We would love to hear from you and hope to see you soon.
Men and Boys Retreat, March 31-April 2 – Come to Camp Mennoscah for this long-standing, guys-only retreat! Enjoy time fishing, canoeing, worshiping, sitting by the fire, or visiting with friends in fellowship. The official beginning to the weekend is Saturday morning, but many arrive on Friday. There will be a worship service on Sunday morning. Meals can be purchased for Saturday night, Sunday morning and lunch. No pre-registration. Registration and payment will take place upon arrival. For more information contact Kevin Neufeld at 316-322-5515.
Bethel College Announcements
· Tues., Feb. 7 – Bethel College Organ Recital Series presents David Pickering, organ, and Audrey Pickering, cello and organ, 7 p.m., in a program featuring works by J.S. Bach, Lübeck, Alain, Bloch and Gawthrop, Administration Building chapel
· Sun., Feb. 19 – KIPCOR Film Series presents No Time to Waste: The Urgent Mission of Betty Reid Soskin, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. This film looks at the legendary 101-year-old park ranger’s inspiring life, work and determination to restore critical missing chapters of America’s story. An audience talkback will follow the screening. Free and open to the public, with a freewill offering taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Farm to Table,” ceramics by Stacey Stanhope Dundon, through Fri., Feb. 24. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· SAVE THE DATE: Sun., Feb. 26 – Bethel College Concert Choir Tour Send-off Concert (please note the change in date from some previously printed calendars)
SAVE THE DATE! Come join the fun at 15th annual MCC Comforter Blitz on March 6, 7 and 8 on the Journey Yoder Campus, one mile north of Yoder, KS. Times are Monday and Tuesday 9-5 and Wednesday 9-4. No sewing skills are required, we will teach you. Lunch is available by donation each day, or you may bring your own sack lunch. Bring snacks to share during the workday. This event is hosted by Kansas Friends of MCC to make comforters for relief to be sent to refugees or places after natural disasters. Please contact the MCC Central States office with questions at #316-283-2720, or check the Comforter Blitz Facebook Page, “Kansas MCC Comforter Blitz”.
February 6 – Sunflower Performing Arts: Our Song, Our Story: The New Generation of Black Voices
Join Hesston College’s Sunflower Performing Arts on February 6 at 7 p.m. in Hesston Mennonite Church for a great performance, Our Song, Our Story. Performing opera, art song, spirituals and jazz these world class black artists will pay homage to Marian Anderson and Jessye Norman who were at the vanguard of black classical singers. Tickets can be purchased online at hesston.edu/sunflower-performing-arts/ or by calling 620-327-8158.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!
MCC and MCUSA are partnering in a new webinar series, Beyond incarceration: A hard look at dismantling the prison system and building healthy communities. Join us to learn about the ways the faith community is actively understanding and working against these complex systems of confinement. The webinars will take place on Feb. 7, Feb. 21, March 7, and March 21 at 6:30 p.m. CST/5:30 p.m. MST. They will be followed by learning tour opportunities in different parts of the U.S. Registration link: mcc.org/beyond-incarceration-webinars Download Flyer here.
Mennonite Central Committee Announcements
MCC is seeking a Donor Relations Associate: This role is responsible for assisting in the implementation of the donor relations strategy for MCC Central States by stewarding major donors involving face-to-face contact to meet the budgeted income goals and generate the necessary resources to accomplish the mission of MCC. This is a full-time position; office location is flexible. Apply online by February 24 at mcc.org/donor-relations-associate. For more information contact Amber Falcón at 574-534-4133 or amberfalcon@mcc.org.
MCC Central States annual meeting, March 4 from 1-3 p.m. at MCC in North Newton, Kansas. This will primarily be an in-person event, but if you would like a link to join via Zoom please email tinaschrag@mcc.org for the link.
Volunteer with MCC Thrift today! You can support the relief development and peace work of Mennonite Central Committee AND your local community when you volunteer at your local MCC Thrift shop! By volunteering, you’ll make friends, gain work experience, and help make a difference in your community and around the world. From sorting to pricing to working the cash register, we’ve got a job that’s right for you. Sign up to volunteer thrift.mcc.org/volunteer!
Mennonite Central Committee Annual Run for Relief
Mark your calendars and plan to join us for the 26th Annual KS MCC Run for Relief on Saturday, April 15, 2023. We would love to see you all again at this event. The entry form and sponsor form are attached, and as in years passed, we also have the online registration option…the link is below. We also have a Facebook page (Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale-Run/Walk for Relief 5K), where you can see updates. https://runsignup.com/Race/KS/Hutchinson/KMRSRunWalkForRelief5k
For Mennonite Men press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
It is with great sadness that Mennonite Church USA announces the passing of James (“Jim”) Frederick Schrag, 78, pastor, leader and first executive director of the denomination, on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in North Newton, Kansas. Read more about his life of service here: mennoniteusa.org/news/mourns-first-executive
February is Black History Month. Be sure to check out Mennonite Church USA’s timeline honoring “Black History in the Mennonite Church.” mennoniteusa.org/resource/black-history
Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Central Committee are partnering in a new, four-part webinar series on mass incarceration, beginning Feb. 7 at 7:30 ET/4:30 PT. Join us to learn about the ways the faith community is actively understanding and working against these complex systems of confinement. Learn more and register here: mcc.org/beyond-incarceration-webinars
#MennoCon23
Registration for MennoCon23 will open on March 1. Mennocon23 will be held in Kansas City, Mo., July 3-6, immediately followed by the Mennonite Church USA Delegate Assembly and the new Youth and Young Adult Climate Summit. Subscribe to MC USA’s PeaceMail weekly newsletter for the latest updates. Mennoniteusa.org/peacemail View a slide for PeaceMail: mennoniteusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/PeaceMail-slide.pptx View a MennoCon23 slide: mennoniteusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MennoCon23.pptx
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Today, Hope for the Future’s three-day conference concludes in Atlanta, Georgia. Mennonite Mission
Network requests prayer for the Mennonite Black, Indigenous and People of Color leaders, as they return to their congregations and communities, strengthened by worship and fellowship. Pray also for White allies to work toward God’s justice.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for God’s guidance and blessing for WDC youth and their sponsors, pastors and families, in their journey of growing faith and discipleship.