BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
OCTOBER 22, 2023
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 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/I4DjeiW3ERY?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 22, 2023
Twenty First Sunday After Pentecost
Prelude—Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (arr. Payne)–Will Wiebe-Friesen
Christ Candle Lighting—Dianne Epp
Call to Worship and Prayer
*Hymn—In the Rifted Rock I’m Resting—VT 619
Children’s Conversation—David Kreider
Anthem—Fairest Lord Jesus (Derek Hakes)–Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
Scripture Reading—Exodus 33:12-23—Mara Oswald
*Hymn—We Long to Know Her—VT 44
Scripture Reading—Matthew 22:14-22—Mara Oswald
Sermon—Our God?—Nathan Koontz
*Hymn—Ask the Complicated Questions—VT 440
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise—VT 98
Benediction
Postlude—Fanfare on “Mit freuden zart” (arr. Portman–)Will Wiebe-Friesen
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual—Ken Lamp
This Week at BCMC: October 8—15, 2023
Sun., October 22, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/I4DjeiW3ERY?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 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); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
2 p.m. Sunday, October 22 Wedding of Charlie Gibson and Nathan Garber in the BCMC Sanctuary
Congratulations to Verlene and Ron Garber on the marriage of their grandson Nathan Garber to Charlie Gibson,
Tues., October 24, 2023
11 a.m. Staff meeting
Wed., October 25, 2023—Wednesday Night Supper
5:30 p.m. Wednesday night supper in Fellowship Hall—Menu is: Chicken Cordon Bleu, green beans, wild rice, banana pudding dessert
7 p.m. Youth Group meeting
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., October 26, 2023
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m. Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
7 p.m. Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sun., October 29, 2023—Reformation Sunday
9:30 a.m. Sermon by Lois Barrett
10:45 a.m. Sunday school elective in the Sanctuary
Reformation Sunday (always the last Sunday in October) is marked in Protestant churches for the reformers like Zwingli, Luther, Calvin, etc. However, the Anabaptists did not want to reform the church but declared that believer’s baptism, separation of church and state, and holy living were the true marks of the church, hence called the “Radical Reformation”. Lois Barrett, ordained pastor and retired professor of theology and Anabaptist studies at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (Elkhart, IN) will preach on October 29. She and Dorothy Nickel Friesen will lead the elective Sunday School with a presentation and discussion of the book they co-edited, Proclaiming the Good News: Mennonite Women’s Voices 1972-2006, recently published by AMBS/Institute of Mennonite Studies.
It’s Supper Time at BCMC! Oct. 25, 5:30 p.m., in Fellowship Hall. The cooks would like an idea of how much food to make so we are asking you to make reservations for supper by emailing the office by Mon., Oct. 23. Cost is $6/person or $18/family per meal. To facilitate the clean-up, please bring your own table service. Menu for Oct. 25 is Chicken Cordon Bleu, green beans, wild rice, banana pudding dessert.
For the office email, click here
Roger’s Whereabouts: Roger will be driving back to Topeka Sunday afternoon (10/22). He will be back in Newton on November 1. Whether he’s in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone call (785-220-1968).
BCMC Offering for October 15, 2023: General Fund $380.33; Wed. supper $641; MCC Meat Canning $150; Plant Fund $58.33; Library Reserve Fund $5; Patty Shelly Memorial $150.
Congratulations! We are moving into the final quarter of 2023 in one of the strongest financial positions since 2016. We were about $850 short last month and we are down about $10,000 for the year, but with the intents/pledges that remain to be filled we should make it. With a bit of extra effort we could bring in dollars above budget which would go to support the churches list of benevolences. This seems like a laudable goal. — Finance Committee
Creation Care Challenge
Most of us are aware of the dangers that plastic bags are doing to our environment. So, let’s take a challenge to address that issue. We are encouraging everyone to participate in collecting clean plastic bags for recycling. These bags can be delivered to BCMC and placed in a receptacle in the south entrance. Our goal is to collect 1,000 pounds in one year with a reward of a composite bench made from plastic. Please combine smaller bags into a larger bag rather than dropping in separate bags.
Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum, today Oct. 22 @ 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
“Learning about Climate Change with Online Simulation Software: Agriculture, Food, and Equity Issues,” by Dr.Dwight Krehbiel, professor emeritus of psychology, Bethel College. The presentation will provide a rapid overview of a free online tool called En-ROADS to promote learning and thinking about climate change. Dr. Krehbiel will explore how this tool can be employed to help understand the role of agriculture and of food production and consumption in climate change, as well as the countless ways in which climate change threatens health and wellbeing, especially for people who are already poor or in some way marginalized. Dr. Krehbiel developed an interest in climate change modeling over a number of years of teaching a course on computing in science. In early 2020, he completed a 6-week training course in the use of En-ROADS software for workshops with diverse audiences, becoming a Climate Ambassador for Climate Interactive, a non-profit climate think-tank that created En-ROADS. Dwight has been teaching at Bethel for the past 46 years in psychology, statistics, and neuroscience.
Our Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Meat Canning dates are October 24 and 25 (Tuesday and Wednesday.) Make checks out to BCMC with “MCC Meat Canning” in the memo line. We also need volunteers to help with the canning. The link for work signup is: https://tinyurl.com/MeatCanning2023 If this doesn’t work, just show up—they’ll probably need you. Let’s help feed the hungry people in our world! —Lowell Stucky, BCMC Meating Canning Representative
Harvey County Habitat for Humanity’s major fundraiser is a pick-up or dine-in pork chop meal on November 16 from 4-7 pm at Faith Mennonite Church. Call 316-283-0121 (before Nov. 2) and leave a message to reserve your meal(s). Bring your donation on Nov.
16, send to PO Box 1015, Newton KS 67117 or make on-line at
harveycountyhabitat.org/donate.
Bethel College Announcements
(Sun., Oct. 22) – Guest lecture and performance: Dr. Jeffrey Savage, 4 p.m., Ad Building chapel at Bethel College. Dr. Savage, a faculty member at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, will discuss Beethoven’s “Sonata Op. 90” and then play it to conclude the program.
Mon., Oct. 23 – Brian Skinner, a teacher at Newton High School, will receive the 2023 Young Alumnus Award and give a presentation at Bethel College, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center.
Sun., Oct. 29 & Mon., Oct. 30 – Annual Menno Simons Lectures, “The Mennonites in Revolutionary Ukraine,” with Dr. Aileen Friesen, professor of Mennonite studies at the University of Winnipeg, 7 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Lecture 1: “Violence Among Neighbors: Revolution and Tragedy in Southern Ukraine”; Lecture 2: “Beyond the Red Gate: Mennonites and Emigration from Soviet Ukraine”; Lecture 3: “In Love, We Remain: Family and Loss under Stalin.” Opportunity for discussion follows each lecture.
https://www.bethelks.edu/article/bethel-lecturer-will-look-historical-conflict-modern-war-zone
Tues., Oct. 31 – Bethel College Chamber Orchestra Halloween concert, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Sun., Nov. 5 – Bethel Sings, a concert featuring all Bethel College vocal groups, Henry Waters, director, 4 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church (2600 College Ave., North Newton 67117)
Mon., Nov. 6 – Julia Spicher Kasdorf: “Thinking of Certain Mennonite Women: Reading from her poems and those of others, with discussion,” 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel at Bethel College. Sponsored by the Bethel College Women’s Association Carolyn Schultz Lecture Endowment. Kasdorf will also speak in convocation Mon., Nov. 6, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center, on “Documentary Poetry,” and lead a reading and open mic at 1887 Café, Tues., Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m.
Life Enrichment at Krehbiel Auditorium, Bethel College—October 25
9:30 a.m. “Welcoming refugees in Kansas,” Galyna Golyshevska, community engagement coordinator, International Rescue Committee Kansas, Wichita
10:35 a.m. “Maxwell Wildlife Refuge—As Good as It Gets,” Trisha Smith, director, Canton
11:30 a.m. “Coast to Coast by Bicycle,” John and Mindy Long, Newton
You are invited to a Warkentin House Hymn Sing and Faspa, Sun., Oct. 29, 4 p.m., Warkentin House, 211 E. 1st St., Newton. Reservations are required with a suggested donation of $10. Hymnals will be provided. Karen Bauman Schlabaugh, pianist, William Eash, song leader. To reserve your spot, email Merle Schlabaugh at mschlab@bethelks.edu.
Camp Mennoscah Announcement
M&M Project Update: SO CLOSE!!
As of October 16, we have raised more than $90,000 for the Mission and Maintenance Project at Camp Mennoscah! Thank you all who have supported this effort with your prayers and your gifts! It shouldn’t be long before we reach our goal of $100,000, matching our generous giver who started this challenge back in the Spring!
Donations have continued to come in from many individuals and congregations. On September 24, the good folks at Southern Hills Mennonite Church in Topeka, KS, had a Camp Sunday. Various people shared about their camp experiences, wore their Camp Mennoscah gear, and sang a few Camp songs during worship. Children’s time included a campfire! (Not a real one, but . . .) After church a taco salad lunch was served – a traditional Camp favorite! Southern Hills gave Camp Mennoscah’s M&M Project a gift of more than $3300 to help support Camp’s mission by supporting Camp’s Maintenance!
Camp Mennoscah had a booth at the Bethel College Fall Festival, where Camp gear was sold and a donation station collected money specifically for the M&M Project. That same weekend, First Mennonite Church in Halstead, KS, held their annual Hog Roast, with part of the proceeds going to M&M.
There are events coming up, the income from which will go to support M&M. Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, Inman, KS, is holding its annual Mission Supper on October 21 with proceeds to go to the M&M Project, and First Mennonite Church in Beatrice, NE, is planning to host a breakfast event to raise funds on October 29.
We are almost there! Now is the time to make your donation and become part of the M&M Project and the promise it represents.
You can contact Tammy at the addresses below. Checks can be made to Camp with “M&M” in the memo line, or you can give your gifts online.
Tammy Duvanel Unruh
Development Director, Camp Mennoscah
tammy.d.unruh@campmennoscah.org
316-207-3472
or
Camp Mennoscah
PO Box 65 Murdock, KS 67111
620-297-3290
Mennonite Central Committee responding to the Palestine and Israel conflict – As conflict has escalated in the region, MCC laments the violence and mourns all lives lost in Palestine and Israel. MCC remains committed to a just peace for all, and we invite you to join us in praying for an end to the violence. MCC is planning an emergency response to the current crisis with existing partners. Our response will focus on the humanitarian needs in Gaza, given the vulnerability of the population and lack of resources available to families. MCC’s work will build on previous responses to the ongoing conflict, including the distribution of food and bedding. We are also planning to offer trauma healing support and housing reconstruction. Donate online at mcc.org/Palestine-Israel or call 1-888-563-4676.
Everence® to hold Nov. 6 Medicaid and long-term care workshop
Everence will hold an informative Medicaid and long-term care workshop on Monday, Nov. 6, starting at 6:30 p.m. Topics will include, what benefits are provided by Medicaid and who is eligible, how the Division of Assets process works, when long-term care insurance is a good fit, and how long-term care insurance can protect your heirs. There will also be time for your questions. The in-person workshop will take place at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton, KS.
Information will be presented by guest speaker, Cynthia A. Wiens, attorney from Adrian & Pankratz, P.A.
To register contact Everence at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
The Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association Fall banquet will be at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N. Anderson Ave., Thurs., Oct. 26, 6 p.m. Speaker will be Jerry Juhnke who has been researching Swiss Volhynian Mennonite genealogy and history, with a program entitled “Interesting Happenings Over Our Last 500 Years”. An ethnic German meal will be catered by the Breadbasket. Bohne beroggi will be made by authentic Schweitzer cooks. Cost to attend is $25 per person payable at the door. RSVP by texting or calling Nancy Stucky, 620-532-5693 by October 23.
QUILTOBER AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN – The window for October quilt retreats is closing fast with only UFO III, October 22-27 and Fall Mennonite Quilters Retreat, October 31-Nov. 3. Come enjoy good food, accommodations and fellowship as part of working on a variety of projects. Sharing projects, ideas, tips, techniques, walks and snacks are all part of the time shared together in retreat. To register, please visit the camp website at www.rmmc.org.
GriefShare offers a safe, welcoming support group to help you discover relief, comfort, and peace of mind in loss. Manhattan Mennonite Church will host an online GriefShare group beginning November 1, 6:30-8pm, and continuing every Wednesday night through January 31. This group meets intentionally through the holidays because grief can be especially difficult in these seasons. A zoom link and a workbook will be available to those who register. More information here: https://www.griefshare.org/groups/175924
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
A message from MC USA Moderator Jon Carlson. For the message press here
Mennonite Church USA Executive Board has named two peacemakers, Jonathan Kuttab and Sydney Leah Bontrager, as the 2023 Bring the Peace award winners. The denomination gives the award to a Legacy Peacemaker and a Young Peacemaker each year. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/23-btp-winners
Menno Snapshots
Sydney Leah Bontrager, Mennonite Church USA’s 2023 Bring the Peace award recipient, describes how God has impacted her through her work raising funds to provide relief to Myanmar villages and a Myanmar orphanage. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/interview-bontrager
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network “Opening Doors Blog” press here
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Tomorrow, Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission and its partners, from eight countries, are beginning their annual International Central Council meetings in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mennonite Mission Network, one of these partners, asks you to join in prayer for God’s Spirit to guide the five days of worship, prayer, discernment and decision making for the coming year.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC staff as they help to carry out WDC’s work of supporting ministers and other leaders, resourcing congregations, and nurturing emerging communities of faith.