BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 10, 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 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/Vob2q_oml9g?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 10, 2023
Prelude—In Summer (Charles Albert Stebbins)—Karen Schlabaugh; My Lord What a Morning (Eithun)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director
Christ Candle Lighting
Welcome and Prayer—Brad Kohlman
*Hymn—What Is This Place?—VT 22
Children’s Conversation—“Backpack Blessing”—Jill Robb
Worship Music—Steal Away & Swing Low (Moklebust)—Chancel Bells
Scripture Reading—Isaiah 61:1-4; Acts 6:1-7—Sheryl and Kevin Goering
Sermon—Church Politics—Roger Neufeld Smith
*Hymn—The Church of Christ Cannot be Bound—VT #392
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Heart With Loving Heart United—VT 813
Benediction—The Lord Lift You Up—VT 832
Postlude—Karen Schlabaugh
VT—Voices Together *You are invited to stand
Audio-visual—Francis Toews
This Week at BCMC: September 10—17, 2023
Sun., September 10, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; Back Pack Blessing
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
12 p.m. Fundraiser Lunch served by the Youth Group PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TABLE SERVICE TO FACILITATE THE CLEANUP!
12:45 p.m. Congregational meeting in the Fellowship Hall
YouTube Link for worship service:
https://youtube.com/live/Vob2q_oml9g?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)
Mon., September 11, 2023
7 p.m. Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tues., September 12, 2023—Community Playschool Starts Today
12 p.m. Mid-Kansas Investment Club in Fellowship Hall
1 p.m. Firetronics will do the yearly fire alarm inspection at the church
1:45 p.m. Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
5 p.m. Faith Formation meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., September 13, 2023
7 p.m. Youth Group meeting
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., September 14, 2023
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m. Finance Committee meeting
Sun., September 17, 2023—Peace Sunday
9:30 a.m. Service planned by the Witness Commission
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
2-4 p.m. Mentor/mentee event in Fellowship Hall with pizza and games
6:30 p.m. BCMC/Bethel College Ice Cream Social September 17, 6:30 p.m. on the BCMC front lawn. Come to enjoy ice cream with Bethel students and faculty. The Bethel College Relations Team (Darlene Dick, Ron Flickinger, Tim Hodge, Matt Koontz) ask that you bring a dessert or toppings to go with the ice cream
The next congregational meeting will be Sun., Sept. 10, at 12:45 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The senior high youth will serve a noon meal with the meeting to follow after a quick cleanup from lunch. To facilitate the cleanup please bring your own table service. The agenda will include a round-table discussion led by the Indigenous Justice Task Group, and reports from the Credence Report Task Group on intergenerational activities, Creation Care Solar Panel sub-committee, Education and Service Scholarship Committee, and the Pastor Search Committee. If time allows, there may be a brief time for sharing “what is going well in our congregation?”
For the agenda for the congregational meeting press here
For the minutes from the congregational meeting on May 7, 2023 press here
Memorial Service for Frances Siemens
The memorial service for Frances is this Saturday, September 9, 11 a.m. at BCMC. For a link to the obituary press here.
The service will be livestreamed. The live stream link is: https://youtube.com/live/qZ-PSk-UFTY?feature=share
Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger will be driving back to Topeka tomorrow (Monday) afternoon. He will be back in Newton on Wednesday, September 27. But Roger will be checking his email and phone almost every day. So feel free to email, text or call 785-220-1968.
BCMC Offering for September 3, 2023: General Fund $10,767.33; Library Reserve Fund $5; Living Stones $200; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $200; Kitchen Fund $9.
The Education and Service Scholarship Committee asks for donations to the Bethel College Scholarship Fund. This above-budget fund gives BCMC youth who are attending Bethel College a $1000 per year scholarship in addition to the $1000/year scholarship given to those attending Anabaptist colleges. This year we have four students who are attending Bethel. Please support our Bethel students by contributing. Checks can be made to BCMC with BC Scholarship Fund in the memo line. Thank you. – Margaret Toews for ESSC.
For Your Calendars:
· The BCMC Congregation is invited to a Baby Sprinkle for Adam and Jill Robb, October 1, 2-4 p.m., BCMC Fellowship Hall. Registry is: www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/surpriserobb
Kathy Stucky (316-772-2479) & Elaine Prouty (316-772-2572)
CREATION CARE COMMITTE AND SOLAR ENERGY
A subcommittee within the Creation Care Committee of BCMC has been working diligently for the last several months to develop a project to bring solar energy to our church and to the community. Many options have been explored – various possible sites for solar panels, collaborations with Bethel College and Kaufman Museum, bids from several installers, and several different funding approaches. Numerous individuals and groups within BCMC are participating in these discussions – members of the BCMC Board (especially Margaret Toews, Brad Kohlman, and Ada Schmidt-Tieszen), the Facilities Committee, the Finance Committee, and others on the Creation Care Committee.
These efforts have resulted in a proposal to place solar panels on portions of the south and east roofs of our building. More details about this project will be shared at the congregational meeting on September 10. On September 24 during the Sunday School hour there will be a follow-up meeting to provide additional information and opportunities for discussion and questions. The subcommittee members include Hugo Boschmann, Lorna Harder, and Dwight Krehbiel.
With all the discussions going on in our church about energy use, there might be interest in calculating carbon footprints. — Dwight Krehbiel
Click on this link: https://interfaithpowerandlight.org/coolcongregations/
Click on the “Calculators” menu at the upper right. There is one for households and one for congregations.
RAYLENE HINZ-PENNER BOOK SIGNING AT DYCK ARBORETUM
In addition to the usual selling of plants, this fall’s Flora Kansas Fall Native Plant Days at Dyck Arboretum will include a reading and book signing with author Raylene Hinz-Penner, featuring her memoir, “East of Liberal: Notes on the Land”, a “deeply researched story of a place” and a “personal land acknowledgement by one who loves the land and celebrates all those for whom it has been homeland.” The book signing will be Sat., Sept. 9, 11 a.m. in the Arboretum Visitor Center. Raylene was born and raised in southwest Kansas near Liberal, with extended family and emotional roots in central Oklahoma. Before retirement she taught English at Bethel College, her alma mater, and Washburn University, (along with Kansas University in Lawrence and Wichita State University).
Memorial Service for Patty Shelly
Patty Shelly passed away peacefully September 4 at her home. Please hold Patty’s mother June, Patty’s sister Doris and family, and her brother Andy & family, in your hearts in prayer for God’s comforting and abiding presence.
The memorial service for Patty Shelly will be Saturday, September 30 at 11 a.m. at BCMC. The service will be live-streamed. The link is: https://youtube.com/live/IX0_1OnzWQs?feature=share
Patty Shelly’s obituary link has been posted on Petersen’s Family Funeral Services page.
We will be welcoming new members to Bethel College Mennonite Church this fall. If you are interested in becoming a member, or transferring membership, or learning more about membership at BCMC, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Congregational Care Coordinator. She will be happy to visit with you!
The August/September Library theme is called “What’s For Dinner?” In the doldrums of this extreme heat, come check out one of the library’s books on food: either to find a new dish to prepare or sit back and enjoy a new read in the cool comfort of your own home. We’d love to help you find your next read.
Bethel College Announcements
· Life Enrichment, Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, September 13:
9:30 a.m. “Nursing Shortage: Why? How Can That be Change?,” Val Gleason, President and CEO, NMC Health
10:50 a.m. “The remarkable Life and Writings of Mennonite Activist J.G. Ewert,” Christopher M. Dick, Ph.D., professor of English, Tabor
College
· Sun., Sept. 10 – Eat, Protest, Lift, a film by Caleb Stephens, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium, Bethel College; Mon., Sept. 11, Dr. Stephens speaks in convocation, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium; sponsored by Bethel College Social Work, the KIPCOR Film Series and the Bethel College Women’s Association’s Carolyn Schultz Lectureship.
· Thurs., Sept. 21 – Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall
· Now in the Regier Gallery, Bethel College – “Drinking from a New Well,” ceramics by Tom and Pam Voth, through Thurs., Sept. 21. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
Bethel College’s annual online journal, Mennonite Life, can be accessed at ml.bethelks.edu – and there is a new item, “Elias Crosses the Molotschna,” a short story by Darrell Wiens. Also articles and reviews by Brad Born, Abigail Carl-Klassen, Daniel Shenk Cruz, Cheryl Denise, Josué Coy Dick, Nathan Garber, Rachel Waltner Goossen, Brad Gregory, Willmar Harder, Sheri Hostetler, Melanie Springer Mock, Hannah Neufeld, Kimberly Schmidt, Joe Smucker, Johnny Wideman and Ben Woodward-Breckbill.
FALL FAMILY FUN RETREAT AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN MENNONITE CAMP Young families and children (activities orientated for 2-8 year olds) are invited to RMMC this fall offering the perfect opportunity for your family to enjoy quality time, together, in the mountains. This is the age group that are too young to attend summer camps at RMMC, but ready to be introduced to the RMMC experience. The weekend is inviting all young families that have connections with the Mennonite Community and beyond. The weekend is coming Sept. 29-31, 2023 so visit the camp web page (rmmc.org) for additional information and to register online.
Register now for the fall 2023 Bluestem U semester courses. Bluestem U is lifelong learning partnership program between Bluestem Communities, Bethel College and Hesston College for those age 55 and better. Courses are taught by former or current Bethel College or Hesston College instructors or local experts. The fall 2023 courses are:
· “Music through the ages” taught by Ken Rodgers, Tuesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m., September 12 through October 17 at the Schowalter Villa Chapel.
· “Oops. We got here again! Communication and conflict” taught by Kevin Wilder, Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m., September 14 through October 12 at Schowalter Villa’s Mullet Place Theater.
Each course is $50. Register at bluestemu.org.
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
· Camp Mennoscah 75th Anniversary Kick-Off Event
The Camp Mennoscah 75th Anniversary Kick-Off event will be held on September 24 at Camp! The day will be filled with Fun Family Activities;
Camp Corporation Annual Meeting; Spike Ball Tournament; Storytelling;
Music and, for the first time ever – The Camp Mennoscah Talent/No Talent Show! An evening of live entertainment on the banks of the Ninnescah! Enter your talent or your “talent,” wow the audience, and win prizes. All ages welcome! Or….Bring your cash or checkbook to “vote” for your favorite acts. The act that generates the most money wins! All money collected will be considered a donation to Camp Mennoscah’s M&M Project!
Be sure to let us know if you plan to attend and if you have an act to enter – remember, all ages and talent levels welcome! Check Camp Mennoscah’s website at www.campmennoscah.org or Camp’s Facebook page for more information. Sun., Sept. 24 at Camp Mennoscah, 1-5 p.m.
4 p.m. Music and 5 p.m. Dinner – Burgers, Brats, Hot Dogs on the grill
6 p.m. is the Annual Meeting and 7 p.m. Talent/No Talent Show
· Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. You are welcome to bring a camper/RV and use a gas generator (no hookups available). The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations. Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
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
Yujin Kim, a communications associate for Mennonite Central Committee East Coast, reflects on the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement and how separation and longing are part of her family narrative, shaping her identity and motivating her to work for peace. Read her story here: mennoniteusa.org/belonging-in-peace
Doh Nay Kaw attended Mennonite Church USA’s convention in early July with her youth group of Whitehall (Pennsylvania) Mennonite Church. She wrote a poem as an expression of her experience of self-searching at MennoCon23. Read the poem here: mennoniteusa.org/who-am-i
Violence pervades some children’s Bibles, but The Peace Table, Shine’s new storybook Bible, provides a peace witness, while providing thoughtful prompts concerning more violent passages. Read more about Chrissie Muecke’s experience as part of The Peace Table’s Team here: mennoniteusa.org/peace-witness-paths
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the members of the Movement of Anabaptist Women Doing Theology from Latin America (MTAL), as they compile their devotional book for 2024–2025. Pray that God’s spirit will guide the team of volunteer editors and designers as they work with submissions from more than 300 women.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for God’s guidance for elected leaders of WDC (Executive Board, Gifts Discernment Committee, Church Planting Commission, Ministerial Leadership Commission, Resource Commission, Stewardship Commission) and other WDC committees and task forces, as they begin a new program year following Annual Assembly.