January 29, 2023 – Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany
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://youtu.be/ejtrkdcphfA
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
January 29, 2023
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude— “Together” (Nathan Grieser); “Untitled Hymn” (Chris Rice); “Will You Let me Be Your Servant” (Richard Gillard)—Meghann Rogers
Christ Candle Lighting
Welcome and Prayer—Sondra Koontz
*Hymn—Holy Spirit, Come with Power—VT 57
Children’s Conversation—Rebecca Schloneger
*Hymn—I Sought the Lord—VT 161
Scripture Reading—Matthew 5:1-12; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25—Brad Born
Sermon—After— Nathan Koontz
*Hymn—One is the Body—VT 386
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Move in Our Midst— VT 827
People with January birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal
*Birthday Blessing & Benediction— Nathan Koontz
Postlude—”Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” (arr. by Chris Rice)—Meghann Rogers
* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Audio visual— Francis Toews
Pastor—Nathan Koontz
This Week at BCMC: January 29-February 5, 2023
Sun., Jan. 29, 2023
9:30 am Sermon by Nathan Koontz
11:45 am Fundraiser Soup Lunch served by the Senior High Youth Group in the Fellowship Hall—Everyone is invited!
12:45 pm Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary
YouTube Link for this Sunday is: https://youtu.be/ejtrkdcphfA
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)
Tues., Jan. 31, 2023
1 pm Staff meeting in Room 14
Wed., Feb. 1, 2023
6 pm BCMC Repair 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. 2, 2023
6:30 pm Chancel Bell Rehearsal in Room B7
7 pm Church Board meets in Room 14
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
Youth Group Soup Lunch is in Fellowship Hall at 11:45 am. Table service will be provided.
Congregational Meeting Announcement
The congregational meeting will be on Sunday, January 29, at 12:45 in the sanctuary. You may watch on YouTube at the time of the meeting only; it will not be recorded for later viewing. Although there will not be a way to participate in discussion, you may vote on an item during the meeting by texting “yes” or “no” to the following number: 620 747-0185. If there are several people in the household, you may send a vote for each person represented by the text.. YouTube Link for the congregational meeting is:
https://youtu.be/Ye0dtKEB4n0
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.
Pastoral Search Committee
The Search Committee has begun their work with an orientation from Western District Conference pastor Kathy Neufeld Dunn. Search Committee members are Heather Zerger (chair), Megan Kohlman, Doug Penner, Lois Preheim, and John Waltner. Thank you to all these members for the important work they will be doing! The Search Committee’s work will be informed by and run parallel to the work of the Credence Report Task Group which will oversee decisions and implementation of recommendations from the Credence and Company consultants. Thank you for your support and prayers as these dual processes move forward.
BCMC Offering for January 22: General Fund $9,360.33; Senior High Youth Group $100; Living Stones $48.33; Kitchen Fund $29; Women’s Fellowship $563.47.
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.
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. Sunday there will be sign up sheets at the back of the church, for being either a host or a guest for a dinner.
Pastor Roger Neufeld Smith will be in North Newton Sunday for worship and the congregational meeting and later in the week in order to attend meetings. He will travel back to Topeka Friday morning, February 3. He is available by voice mail or text when necessary at 785-220-1968 or by email: roger@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
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.
The memorial service for Vel Teichroew will be Friday February 10, 11 am at BCMC.
The memorial service for Grace Schroeder will be Saturday, March 25. Exact time of the service will be announced later.
Life Enrichment for Feb. 2—Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center, Bethel College
9:30 am “Faithful Journeys,” A.B. Stokes, Bethel College head football coach
10:35 am “The Impact of Social Media on Youth and the Classroom,” Brian Skinner, 2022 Kansas Techer of the Year
11:30 am “KanCare Expansion-The Movement Too Urgent to Be Ignored,” April Holman, executive director, Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, Topeka
Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite Church USA 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
Bethel College Announcements
· 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 (artist lecture and reception Feb. 23). Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Sat., Feb. 4 – Kauffman Museum bird walk, 8 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets (2801 N. Main St., North Newton 67117). Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).
· 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
New Hope Shelter Announcement: 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
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”.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
As we approach the end of the last month of our fiscal year, Western District Conference invites you to share a gift with WDC to help our congregations Witness & invite others to faith in Jesus Christ, Dwell in just & loving relationships, and Connect to God’s mission in the world. Current projections suggest that WDC income will fall short of expenses for the current year. Your generous gifts are invited to help close the gap towards WDC’s 2022 budget goal! You may make an online contribution HERE (credit card, PayPal, Google Pay accepted) or send a check to Western District Conference, PO Box 306, North Newton KS 67117. We are grateful for your generosity!
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
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!
Other events and happenings:
- Summer Youth Camp Registration will open at the beginning of February. We’re excited, too!
- 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. Let us know who you think would make a great summer staffer at Camp Mennoscah. It’s a summer of fun, service and faith formation!
- 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.
- 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!
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. Photos will be posted here of race-day activities. Please let me or another member of our committee know if you have any questions.
For Mennonite World Conference press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News from around the world press here
For Mennonite Creation Care Network press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
Hesston College Announcements
February 4 – The Small Glories
Join the Dyck Arboretum Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. to hear The Small Glories. They have stage banter that strikes a unique balance between slapstick and sermon and are veteran singer-songwriters. Crust & Crumb will be serving during intermission. Learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events.
February 4 to 5 – Know Jesus
The junior high event, Know Jesus, will return to Hesston College Feb. 4 and 5 after its break due to COVID. The HC Bible Department works with two Mennonite Church USA area conferences: South Central and Western District to provide a weekend of Christian formation for students in grades 5 through 8. Register at mennowdc.org/know-jesus-registration-is-open/.
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.
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA has released the MennoCon23 block schedule and registration rates. Learn more about MennoCon23 here: mennoniteusa.org/mennocon23-schedule
Menno Snapshots
Sarah Augustine, co-founder and executive director of the Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition, is both Indigenous and a Mennonite, two identities that she believes complement one another. In her blog post, “I am Indigenous and an Anabaptist,” she shares how she incorporates her cultural heritage into her faith journey. Read it here: mennoniteusa.org/i-am-indigenous-and-an-anabaptist
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the Tucson, Arizona, Mennonite Voluntary Service unit, made up of Michaela Esau, Cade Fisher, Jessie Landis and Andrea Troyer. The MVSers help extend the ministries of their host congregation, Shalom Mennonite Fellowship, by working with the Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition and adult literacy, immigration and refugee rights, and environmental protection programs.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for wisdom and insight for the WDC Executive Board, as it implements action steps growing out of its anti-racism audit completed last year.