BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
Worship Service and Announcements for October 29, 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/CRW9ATSb-5k?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 29, 2023
Reformation Sunday
Prelude—God of Heaven and of Earth (Sigfrid Karg-Elert), O my Soul, Rejoice with Gladness (Sigfrid Karg-Elert), Now Thank We all Our God (Sigfrid Karg-Elert)—Karen Schlabaugh
Christ Candle Lighting
Call to Worship and Prayer—Dorothy Nickel Friesen
*Hymn—A Mighty Fortress Is Our God—VT 421
Children’s Conversation—Dorothy Nickel Friesen
*Hymn—There Is a Line of Women—VT 546
Scripture Reading—Acts 2:1-4, 14-18—Joyce Holck
Sermon—Your Sons and Daughters will Prophesy—Lois Barrett
*Hymn—The Word of God Is Solid Ground—VT 399
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Move in Our Midst—VT 827
People with October birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal
Blessing and Benediction—Nathan Koontz
Sung Benediction—The Lord Lift You Up—VT 832
Postlude—Many Gifts (Patty Shelly)—Karen Schlabaugh
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual— John Thiesen
This Week at BCMC: October 29—November 5, 2023
Sun., October 29, 2023—Reformation Sunday
9:30 a.m. Sermon by Lois Barrett
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) preaches today. She and Dorothy Nickel Friesen will lead the elective Sunday School (in the Sanctuary) 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.
Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/CRW9ATSb-5k?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)
Wed., November 1, 2023—Wednesday Night Supper
5:30 p.m. Wednesday night supper in Fellowship Hall—
Menu is: Sausage potato breakfast casserole, Fruit, Waffle Cake
6:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Programming: Senior High Youth Representatives Panel on Climate Change in Fellowship Hall
6:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Club
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., November 2, 2023
4 p.m. Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m. Church Board meeting in Room 14
Sun., November 5, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; welcoming new members to BCMC 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
4 p.m. “Bethel Sings” in the Sanctuary
Congratulations to Herb and Mary Fransen who celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on October 24!
Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger will be back in the BCMC office on Wednesday morning, November 1, returning to Topeka on Sunday, November 5 . 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 22, 2023: General Fund $7,992; Wed. Supper $356.15; MCC Meat Canning $1,190; Plant Fund $150; Caring Fund $25; Bequests $15.42; Kitchen Fund $19; Women’s Fellowship $305. LaVerne Epp Memorial $50.
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.
If anyone is interested in a Pot Luck Thanksgiving meal, please contact Naomi Krause. You would be invited to bring your special dish. Two or more persons could volunteer to cook the turkey/ham. It’s fun to join together! naomikrause@gmail.com or call/text: 925-808-5620
It’s Supper Time at BCMC! Nov. 1, 5:30 p.m., in Fellowship Hall. Cost is $6/person or $18/family per meal. To facilitate the clean-up, please bring your own table service. Menu for Nov. 1 is Sausage potato breakfast casserole, Fruit, and Waffle cake.
You’re invited to a Panel Discussion on White Christian Nationalism Sunday, Oct. 29, 4 p.m., at Shalom Mennonite Church, Newton. Kansas Interfaith Action (KIFA) is holding a series of panel discussions throughout the state in October and November to explore White Christian Nationalism: what it is, how it is affecting state and national politics and policy, and how people of faith can effectively stand against it. Join KIFA and local community leaders for an in-depth discussion on this dangerous ideology, which is being used to push regressive policies in a wide variety of areas in Kansas and nationally. Panelists include Jerrell Williams, pastor of Shalom Mennonite Church, and Peter Goerzen, professor of Bible and Religion at Bethel College. As people of faith we are uniquely equipped to combat Christian Nationalism. In order to do so, we must first understand the concept and how it takes form in policy.
Harvey County Habitat for Humanity’s major fundraiser is a pick-up or dine-in pork chop meal on November 16 from 4-7 p.m. 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 67114 or make on-line at harveycountyhabitat.org/donate.
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.
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.
You are invited to join First Mennonite Church of Halstead for their Annual Mission Supper at their church building, 427 W 4th, Halstead, Sat., Nov 11 from 5-7 p.m. The meal will be by donation to benefit missionaries Dave & Rebekka Stutzman (Germany) and Joseph and Rachel Givens (France), and local mission projects. The menu is German Sausage, Chicken Borscht, Fried Potatoes, Green Beans, Sauerkraut, Zwiebach, and Pie.
Join Hope Mennonite Church for their Fall Festival Sat., Nov. 4, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the church building, 868 N. Maize Road, Wichita. All proceeds from the event help support Hope Mennonite Church service projects: Camp Mennoscah, Family Promise and MCC. There will be live music, a bake sale, kids activities, local vendors, Quilter’s Corner, and breakfast and lunch – Cinnamon Rolls, German Sausage, Bierocks, Pie, and more. All are welcome!
Bethel College Announcements
· TODAY (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 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.
· Mon., Oct. 30 – “Motherhood,” mixed media works by Eden Quispe, opens in the Regier Art Gallery in Lukyen Fine Arts Center at Bethel College (reception Nov. 16). Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Tues., Oct. 31 – Bethel College Orchestra Halloween concert, “Halloween Soundscapes,” directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Music from internationally known video games and animation such as The Legend of Zelda, Princess Mononoke and Super Mario Brothers Galaxy.
· Sat., Nov. 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).
· Sun., Nov. 5 – Bethel Sings, a concert featuring all Bethel College vocal groups (Chapel Choir, Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Open Road, Woven), Dr. 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.
· Sat., Nov. 11 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Josué Coy Dick, violin, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Sun., Nov. 12 – KIPCOR Film Series presents Eroding History, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Audience talkback follows the screening; a freewill offering will be taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.
Life Enrichment at Krehbiel Auditorium, Bethel College—November 1
9:30 a.m. “Changing Landscape of Local Journalism and the Importance of Community Support,” Adam Strunk, minority owner and managing editor, Harvey County Now, Newton
10:50 a.m. “Midwest Arrowhead Hunting,” Mike Todd, Sedan.
Everence will hold an informative Medicaid and long-term care workshop Mon., Nov. 6, starting at 6:30 p.m. Topics 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 be at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton. 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.
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, 6:30-8 p.m., 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
Schweitzers and Friends. An opportunity for the theatrically inclined. One of the events celebrating 150 years since ancestors came to the U.S. in 1874 is a musical drama to be given March 23 and 24, 2024, by Schweitzers and Friends. The first informational meeting will be Sun., Nov. 12, 2023, 2 p.m. in the Eden Mennonite Church, 401 18th Ave. Moundridge. If you are interested in being part of a drama depicting a history of Anabaptist Mennonites there are parts for children and adults, as well as a choir. Rehearsals will begin the last week of January and be held twice a week (the evening that works best and Sunday afternoons). Questions: contact Jenny Schrag by text or phone 620-747-9158.
From Mennonite Church USA
| Join us for our second Learn. Pray. Join: End Gun Violence webinar focused on the intersectionality of gun violence and the call to explore our Anabaptist response to it. This webinar will provide information about the impact of gun violence on different communities, as well as provide information about mental health impacts, including suicide and how congregations can walk alongside those at risk and their family/friends. |
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
From Mennonite Church USA – The Corinthian Plan – Open Enrollment – November 1, 2023 – click here
For Mennonite Men Appreciation Breakfast for men in Newton, Kansas area – November 18, 8 a.m. click here
Living that Matters for Men: A half-day retreat. Men, what kind of man do you want to be and how can you live a life that matters? In this half-day retreat, men will examine scripts we’ve been given, explore differing expressions of masculinity, and reconsider our purpose in life. This retreat will be led by Steve Thomas, director of Mennonite Men and author of Living that Matters (Herald Press, 2023), at Shalom Mennonite Church from 8:00-12:00, on Saturday, November 11. See more information or register at https://www.mennonitemen.org/.
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” click here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News from around the world” press here
For Mennonite World Conference “Info” click here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network “Opening Doors Blog” press here
| We need your help! On Saturday, November, 18, 2023 Buhler Mennonite Church & IdeaTek need your help to package 50,000 meals. Our plan is to keep the meals local– providing food for our local neighbors. What a great way to give of your time during the Thanksgiving season to help those who struggle to put food on the table. There is a job for all ages 7 to 147 years of age. You can work one shift or both shifts. Job orientation is provided. This will be held at the Sand Hills Event Center in Hutchinson and there are two shifts available. Click below for more details and a link to signup… |
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Volunteers are needed immediately to work (M-F) alongside the facilities director on general maintenance tasks. Working on these regular maintenance tasks will allow more time for planning and preparation for the Retreat Center HVAC project. The project is running behind and we need to make up time! Call or text Jordan at 316-613-1848. Calls/texts will be answered between 8am – 5pm. Volunteer hours will also be 8am-5pm or a portion of that time. Please bring a water bottle and your lunch.
Other events and happenings:
- Recruiting for Summer Staff at Hesston, Tabor, and Bethel College will take place November 6-8 respectively. Camp staff will be available primarily in the morning until lunch (or maybe somewhat longer) to answer questions about summer staff positions. Staffers need to be at least 18 years old, preferably with one year of college or equivalent experience (like volunteering). Positions include office, lifeguard, nature, music, maintenance, and crafts. A pizza gathering for interested people will be held on November 8 around 6:30pm, location TBD. Text or call Olivia at 316-293-7313 with questions.
- The Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats will be moving to the Retreat Center. All activities and lodging will be in the Retreat Center. HVAC renovations have not taken place yet, so space heaters will still be used. The Retreat Center is better insulated and will offer a more comfortable temperature than the dining hall. Cropping and crafting will be downstairs and meals will be upstairs, so attendees need to be prepared to go up and down stairs. If you have already registered and this does not work for you, contact us at 620-297-3290. Register now and bring your friends!
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA is saddened to announce that Patricia Shelly, 71, who was a former pastor, professor, MC USA Executive Board member and moderator, died Sept. 4, in Newton, Kansas, after a three-year struggle with pancreatic cancer. Patricia “Patty” Shelly served as a board member on the MC USA Executive Board from 2005 to 2017, the final four years of which she served as moderator-elect, then moderator. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/patricia-shelly
Menno Snapshots
Chrissie Muecke, curriculum writer and editor for MennoMedia and Brethren Press, describes how art depicted in The Peace Table was created with intention, with special consideration for diversity and creating ways for children to relate to the stories and the characters. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/art-peace-table
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Today brings closure to a five-day gathering of Mennonite Mission Network’s Mennonite Voluntary Service leaders and participants in Tucson, Arizona. Pray that this gathering inspired each participant to grow in their faith and in their practice of discipleship throughout the coming year.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: From generation to generation your mighty works have been. I also ask that your mighty works be manifested amid the times in which we live. Make us understand your desires and appreciate and carry out your projects and vision of these last days. In the name of Jesus we ask you. Amen -WDC Church Planting Commission