January 15, 2023 – Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday
Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County has returned to 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://youtu.be/3bSEgO4ci6Y
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
January 15, 2023
Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday
Prelude— His Eye Is on the Sparrow and Just a Closer Walk With Thee—(Two gospel song settings by Jack Schrader)—Karen Unruh, piano
Christ Candle Lighting
Welcome and Prayer—Dave Linscheid
*Hymn—Guide My Feet—VT 816—Ron Garber, soloist on first phrase of each verse
Children’s Conversation—Margaret Goering
Anthem—Celebrate With Joy (Cynthia Dobrinski) and ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus (arr. Sandra Eithun)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director
Scripture Reading—Micah 4:1-4—Zona Galle
Sermon—Martin Luther King’s Challenge to Peaceful Mennonites—Roger Neufeld Smith
*Hymn—Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing—VT 359
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Lift Every Voice and Sing—VT 611
*Benediction—Roger Neufeld Smith
Postlude—Soon and Very Soon–(Andraé Crouch)—Karen Unruh
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual—John Thiesen
Pastor—Nathan Koontz
This Week at BCMC: January 15-22, 2023
Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023-Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday
9:30 am Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; music by
Chancel Bells
YouTube Link for this Sunday is: https://youtu.be/3bSEgO4ci6Y
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);
Sojourners (Chapel)
Mon., Jan. 16, 2023—Martin Luther King Jr. Day—office will be closed and church building will be locked
4 pm Pastor Search Committee meet in Room 14
Wed., Jan. 18, 2023
6:30 pm Menno Ringers Rehearsal in Room B7
7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Jan. 19, 2023
6:30 pm Chancel Bell Rehearsal in Room B7
7 pm Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sun., Jan. 22, 2023—Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday
9:30 am Sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Choir
Pastor Nathan Koontz will be away January 14-16, 2023.
BCMC Offering for January 8: General Fund $14,068.27; Living Stones $1,150; Kitchen Fund $21; Women’s Fellowship $90.
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. There will be sign up sheets at the back of the church, for being either a host or a guest for a dinner, for the next two Sundays.
FROM THE NEWTON COMMUNITY FOR RACIAL JUSTICE AND THE HARVEY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Mon., Jan. 16, 2 p.m., Harvey County Historical Museum & Archives, 203 N. Main St., Newton (next door to Petersen’s Funeral Home) – The public is invited to an afternoon of storytelling and learning with members of Newton’s Black community. Co-sponsored by the Harvey County Historical Society and Newton Community for Racial Justice.
We offer sympathy to the family of Grace Schroeder. Grace died Jan. 10 at Schowalter Villa, Hesston. Following is a note from Elaine Prouty:
“ I’m writing to inform you that Hank’s dear aunt Grace Schroeder, a long time BCMC member, passed away peacefully this afternoon at Schowalter Villa. She’d been struggling with pneumonia and had been failing; the last two weeks have been difficult. Her daughter Cathy Holdeman (of Wichita) and her son Jeff Schroeder (of Los Alamos, New Mexico) were with her at the time she passed.
Her children have requested services at a later time, probably in the spring when her grandchildren (who are scattered across the United States) can be here.”
Menno Ringers—All students 4th grade through 8th grade interested in ringing handbells are welcome to come tonight at 6:30 pm in Room B7.
Thank you to the characters creating a scene on Epiphany Sunday: Adah Hodge, Glen Ediger, David Kreider, Dale Schrag and last but not least, plus appearing twice, the camel crew stars – Miles Brubacher, Collin and Brett Gaeddert, Justin and Addison Zerger guided by Tim Hodge and Adam Robb.
Roger will be driving back to Topeka this afternoon but will be checking his BCMC email regularly while in Topeka. (roger@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org). He is also available by voice mail or text when necessary (785-220-1968). Roger will be back in the BCMC office from Wednesday, January 26 at 1:00 p.m., and staying in Newton through the annual meeting on Sunday, January 29. His schedule for his days in Newton beyond January 29 is still a “work in progress”. Thanks for your patience and your prayers.
Message from Elizabeth Schmidt, Congregational Care Coordinator
“Behold, I am doing a new thing!”
I am excited about coordinating new ways of welcoming, caring and connecting in our congregation! I’ve begun care visits and visiting Faith Formation classes to gather wisdom and get to know you better. I am working with Deacons on visitation and welcoming visitors and new members. Be watching for announcements about new caring opportunities to arise, and be emboldened to share your ideas – in person, by email to elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org, and by calling the church office. Office hours: I plan to be in the office on Wednesdays, with half days on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings.
Call for gently-used gift bags and baskets!
While you are doing post-holiday clean-up, or New Year’s de-cluttering, here is a creation care and caring connection opportunity! Your donations of gently-used gift bags and baskets may be deposited on pews in the back of the sanctuary, for future repurposing as care packages. “The Lord loveth a cheerful giver!”
Marvin and Ruthann Dirks have moved to Assisted Living in Ft. Collins, CO. Their new address is: 1002 Rule Dr., Apt. 205, Fort Collins, CO 80525 Phone: 316-772-0618; Email: dirksrut@gmail.com
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.
Bethel College Announcements
· Mon., Jan. 16 – Bethel College celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, featuring Dr. Marché Fleming-Randle from Wichita State University, “Together We Can Be THE Dream,” 7 p.m., Memorial Hall
· Sun., Jan. 22 – Bethel College Music Department Honors Recital, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel, featuring freshman, sophomore and junior vocal and instrumental students who performed exceptionally during the fall 2022 semester.
· Sat., Jan. 28 – Kauffman Museum annual Kansas Day event, “Kansans Create!,” noon-4 p.m., museum parking lot and grounds (corner of Main & 27th Streets, North Newton). Featuring local artists and artisans, a community art project, food trucks and much more. For more information, see the Kauffman Museum Facebook page or kauffmanmuseum.org
New Hope Shelter Announcement We greatly need to increase our volunteer base as we head into the new year and with the new building only one year away, do as much as we can to provide two volunteers each evening per shift. If you have anyone who is interested in volunteering, please let me know. My volunteer training sessions are normally planned at the end of each month based on availability and need. — Shonda M Suddeth, Shelter/Volunteer Coordinator
(316) 283-7711, shonda@newhope-shelter.org Please contact Valetta Seymour if you can consider becoming a New Hope Shelter volunteer. Generally, we have people to provide meals, but evening volunteers are needed. Contact: seymour2314@gmail.com 620-217-7536
Registration is beginning for the 2023 season of Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC). Those who sang last year will find a registration form in your church mail box. We are working to recover after the pandemic. Numbers were significantly down last year. Please consider joining this year. Please contact Joe Peters for registration forms. We sing that others may live.
WANTED: Your stories. To share at the “Schweitzers and Friends” 150th celebration of Swiss Volhynian Mennonites coming to the U.S. in 1874, planned for Aug. 23-25, 2024. Everyone loves the stories told about days gone by. This event gives us opportunity to collect ancestor stories. Brian Adams from Massachusetts would like to edit stories for a Swiss Volhynian book with the help of his daughter Casey Adams (cpadams992@gmail.com). Brian says no stories are too small or inconsequential. He has heard stories from his Grandfather Jacob (Red Jake) Krehbiel from Moundridge. Think of a story you could share and send to Brian. Themes could be family, faith, agriculture, language. We would all love to read those stories at the celebration event in 2024. Brian’s contacts: smolts123@yahoo.com. Phone: 413-586-3063 and he could interview you by phone. — Kathy Goering for the planners
WANTED — Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, RVs, 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.
Everence Opportunities: Everence makes it easy to find ways to give back and support your favorite charity. My Neighbor Card: Everence donates 1.50% of every purchase you make to the charity of your choice. Donor Advised Funds allows you to grow funds intended for charitable giving at any time.
College scholarships available: Everence offers college scholarships for Everence members and their children. Eligible students receive scholarships up to $3,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year. Applications are accepted Jan. 1 through Feb. 28.Visit everence.com/scholarships for eligibility guidelines and application. Information is also available by contacting Jim Robb.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!
Hesston College Announcements
Missional Leadership Class
The “M” word. You’ve heard it, you’re intrigued, but what does it really mean? Join Michele Hershberger to learn what the word “missional” means and how a proper understanding of this concept can transform your congregation! As part of the class, Missional Leadership, you will see the Bible through a missional lens and learn great tips for starting your church on a journey of spiritual renewal and growth! You can join the class in person on Hesston’s campus or online via Zoom on Monday evenings starting January 16 through May 8, 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. central time. Contact Michele Hershberger at michele.hershberger@hesston.edu for more information.
January 14 – Masterworks Performance
Join Hesston College Performing Arts for a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend on January 14 at Hesston Mennonite Church. The performance will feature music by African American composers and is titled “I Believe.” Find more information at hesston.edu/masterworks or join the concert virtually at hesston.edu/livestream.
January 15 – Lindsay Lou
Join the Dyck Arboretum January 15 at 4 p.m. to hear Lindsay Lou. She is a singer, songwriter, musician, and performer who demands the listener’s attention. Crust & Crumb will serve sweet and savory treats during intermission. Learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events.
For MennoCon23 Seminars press here
For Mennonite Mission Newtwork News and Beyond press here
For Mennonite Creation Care Network press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
The Kineo Center, a ministry partner of Mennonite Church USA, offers cohort programs for pastors and leaders experiencing burnout, and a new cohort begins Feb. 5. The program features a 24-week, online discussion group and a four-day trip to the Kineo retreat center in Puerto Rico. Learn more about this opportunity here: mennoniteusa.org/kineo-center-cohort
Menno Snapshots
From a young age, Cristian Alemán, outreach coordinator and bilingual music director for College Mennonite Church in Goshen, Indiana, knew he might one day lose his sight, but he did not know the lessons that he would learn from the experience. Adriana Celis, a writer for MenoTicias, the Spanish-language newsletter published by Mennonite Church USA and Hispanic Ministries of Mennonite Education Agency, shares Alemán’s story in “Learning to value the colors of life.” Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/learning-to-value-the-colors-of-life/ (Lea la versión en español aquí: mennoniteusa.org/learning-to-value-the-colors-of-life-spanish)
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Jane and Jerrell Ross Richer, and their son, Jordan, who are spending the next several months renewing relationships in Ecuador. Due to complications from the pandemic, deaths of loved ones and illness, the Ross Richers had not been able to return to Ecuador for more than two years. Pray that God’s Spirit will guide and bless their ministry.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the WDC Gifts Discernment Committee as it begins work to prepare nominations of conference leaders for election at WDC annual assembly in 2023.