Author Archives: Monica Lichti

Announcements for September 10-17, 2023

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.

https://www.petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/patricia-shelly

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!

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.

View the worship service for September 3, 2023

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH

September 3, 2023

Celebration of Ministry License for Elizabeth Schmidt

Prelude—“Here I am, Lord” (arr. Wagner); “Come thou fount of every blessing” (arr. Lau)—

Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Call to Worship—Dorothy Nickel Friesen

Land Acknowledgement—Judy Friesen

Invocation

*Hymn—Summoned by the God Who Made Us—VT 1

Children’s Conversation—Kathy Stucky

*Hymn—There Are Many Gifts—VT 374

Scripture Reading—Exodus 3:1-4; Mark 12:28 – 31; Ephesians 3:17-21—

Jim and Beaty Robb; Adam, Jill, Gabby, and Jake Robb

Sermon—“Called to be Present”—Kathy Neufeld Dunn

Worship Music—O Christ, Surround Me—Octet—(God Be the Love VT 43)

Litany for Elizabeth Schmidt: License for Specific Ministry (see insert)

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Will You Let Me Be Your Servant—VT 778

*Benediction

Postlude—“Allegro Maestoso from Water Music” (G.F. Handel)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

*You are invited to stand

VT—Voices Together

Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Audio visual—Ben Lichti

Service of Licensing for Specific Ministry for
Elizabeth Schmidt – Congregational Care Coordinator Bethel College Mennonite Church
September 3, 2023

Congregational Moderator: Today we give thanks that Elizabeth Schmidt has been called to specific ministry as Congregational Care Coordinator of Bethel College Mennonite Church, to work together with all who share in the ministry of Christ in this congregation. Elizabeth, you have been called to listen carefully to the joys and sorrows of God’s people here, to pray with and witness to God’s presence in people’s lives, to love and serve the people among whom you work, as our congregation moves into the future with hope.

Conference Minister: (to Elizabeth): I now ask you these questions:

Do you believe that you are truly called by God and God’s church to this ministry?

Elizabeth: I believe I am so called.

Conference Minister: Will you respect and be guided by the beliefs and practices of the Mennonite Church and the work of this congregation and conference?

Elizabeth: With God’s help, I will.

Conference Minister: Will you be faithful in the study of scripture, seeking the word of God and the mind of Christ? And will you do your utmost to pattern your life in accordance with the teachings of Christ, so that through your ministry the reconciling of love of Christ may be known and received?

Elizabeth: With God’s help, I will.

Conference Minister: Will you persevere in prayer, asking God’s grace, both for yourself and for others, offering all your labors to God through the power of the Holy Spirit?

Elizabeth: With God’s help, I will.

Conference Minister: May God who has given you the will to do these things give you the grace and power to perform them.

[to the congregation): Sisters and brothers of this congregation, do you accept your role in calling Elizabeth into ministry? Will you honor her calling and also your own? Will you search the scriptures and pray with her? Will you speak the truth in love? Will you, too, listen carefully and prayerfully to your siblings here? And will you join with her wholeheartedly in the ministries of Bethel College Mennonite church? If so, please respond: We will, by God’s grace.

Congregation: We will, by God’s grace.

Conference Minister: (to fellow ministers of BCMC) Hearing Elizabeth’s commitment to the work of ministry and the afirmation of this congregation, will you prayerfully support her as colleagues and siblings in Christ? Will you listen carefully to her when she is weary or wounded? Will you celebrate with her the many blessings that she will witness among God’s people here?

If so, please respond, “We will, by God’s grace.

Fellow BCMC Ministers: We will, by God’s grace.

Conference Minister: (to Elizabeth) Elizabeth, hearing this affirmation of God’s call, and on behalf of the Western District Conference, I declare that you are licensed as the Bethel College Mennonite Church Congregational Care Coordinator. May God bless you and the congregation in this ministry.

Announcements for September 3-10, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE FOR
SEPTEMBER 3, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 3, 2023
Celebration of Ministry License for Elizabeth Schmidt

Prelude—“Here I am, Lord” (arr. Wagner); “Come thou fount of every blessing” (arr. Lau)—
Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Call to Worship—Dorothy Nickel Friesen

Land Acknowledgement—Judy Friesen

Invocation

*Hymn—Summoned by the God Who Made Us—VT 1

Children’s Conversation—Kathy Stucky

*Hymn—There Are Many Gifts—VT 374

Scripture Reading—Exodus 3:1-4; Mark 12:28 – 31; Ephesians 3:17-21—
Jim and Beaty Robb; Adam, Jill, Gabby, and Jake Robb

Sermon—“Called to be Present”—Kathy Neufeld Dunn

Worship Music—O Christ, Surround Me—Octet—(God Be the Love VT 43)

Litany for Elizabeth Schmidt: License for Specific Ministry (see insert)

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Will You Let Me Be Your Servant—VT 778

*Benediction

Postlude—“Allegro Maestoso from Water Music” (G.F. Handel)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

*You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ben Lichti
Octet Members: Dick Koontz, Dwight Krehbiel, Malinda King, Riley King, Virginia Mininger, Weldon Schloneger, Susie Swartley, Barbara Thiesen

Litany for Licensing
Service of Licensing for Specific Ministry for
Elizabeth Schmidt – Congregational Care Coordinator
Bethel College Mennonite Church
September 3, 2023

Congregational Moderator: Today we give thanks that Elizabeth
Schmidt has been called to specific ministry as Congregational Care Coordinator of Bethel College Mennonite Church, to work together with all who share in the ministry of Christ in this
congregation. Elizabeth, you have been called to listen carefully to the joys and sorrows of God’s people here, to pray with and witness to God’s presence in people’s lives, to love and serve the people among whom you work, as our congregation moves into the future with hope.

Conference Minister: Elizabeth, I now ask you these questions:

Do you believe that you are truly called by God and God’s church to this ministry?
Elizabeth: I believe I am so called.

Conference Minister: Will you respect and be guided by the beliefs and practices of the Mennonite Church and the work of this congregation and conference?
Elizabeth: With God’s help, I will.

Conference Minister: Will you be faithful in the study of scripture,
seeking the word of God and the mind of Christ? And will you do your utmost to pattern your life in accordance with the teachings of Christ, so that through your ministry the reconciling of love of Christ may be known and received?
Elizabeth: With God’s help, I will.
Conference Minister: Will you persevere in prayer, asking God’s grace, both for yourself and for others, offering all your labors to God through the power of the Holy Spirit?
Elizabeth: With God’s help, I will.

Conference Minister: May God who has given you the will to do these things give you the grace and power to perform them.

People of this congregation, do you accept your role in calling Elizabeth into ministry? Will you honor her calling and also your own? Will you search the scriptures and pray with her? Will you speak the truth in love? Will you, too, listen carefully and prayerfully to your siblings here? And will you join with her wholeheartedly in the ministries of Bethel College Mennonite church? If so, please respond: We will, by God’s grace.

Congregation: We will, by God’s grace.

Conference Minister: To fellow ministers of BCMC, hearing Elizabeth’s commitment to the work of ministry and the
affirmation of this congregation, will you prayerfully support her as colleagues and siblings in Christ? Will you listen carefully to her when she is weary or wounded? Will you celebrate with her the many blessings that she will witness among God’s
people here?
If so, please respond, “We will, by God’s grace.
Fellow BCMC Ministers: We will, by God’s grace.
Conference Minister: Elizabeth, hearing this affirmation of God’s call, and on behalf of the Western District Conference, I declare that you are licensed as the Bethel College Mennonite Church Congregational Care Coordinator. May God bless you and the congregation in this ministry.

This Week at BCMC: September 3—September 10, 2023
Sun., September 3, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship
10:45 a.m. Official start of Sunday school
YouTube Link for worship service:
https://youtube.com/live/-qBAhuUqH9w?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 4, 2023—Labor Day—Church building and office will be closed for the holiday
Wed., September 6, 2023
6:30 p.m. Gifts Discernment Committee meeting in Room 14
7 p.m.      Youth Group meeting
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., September 7, 2023
11 a.m.     Staff meeting in Room 14
5:30 p.m. Community Playschool Open House in the Playschool rooms
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.        Church Board meeting in Room 14
Sat., September 9, 2023
11 a.m.     Memorial service for Frances Siemens in the Sanctuary
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
1 p.m.        Congregational meeting in the Fellowship Hall

For Your Calendars:
· 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.
· September 17: A mentor/mentee event in Fellowship Hall with pizza and games from 2 to 4 p.m.
· The BCMC Congregation is invited to a Baby Sprinkle for Adam and Jill Robb on October 1, 2023, 2:00-4:00pm at BCMC Fellowship Hall. Registry is: www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/surpriserobb
Kathy Stucky (316-772-2479) & Elaine Prouty (316-772-2572)

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, and the Education and Service Scholarship Committee. If time allows, there may be a brief time for sharing “what is going well in our congregation?”

Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger’s time in Newton was cut short last week due to his positive test for COVID. So Roger will make a brief return trip to Newton this week, arriving on Friday morning (9/1) at 9 am and staying until Sunday afternoon (9/3). He will be back to his regular schedule next week, arriving in Newton on Wednesday morning (9/6) and driving back to Newton on Monday afternoon (9/11).
Roger’s Health Update – “I started feeling mild cold-like symptoms last Wednesday, had a restless night, and tested positive for COVID on Thursday morning. I drove home Thursday afternoon, started taking prescription Paxlovid, and gradually felt better through the weekend. On Tuesday my doctor said I was clear of virus and could resume normal activities. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and concern. Thanks especially to those who filled in for me in the worship service last Sunday and for the friendly “wave to the camera” during the service. I felt loved!”
Email roger@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org or text or call (785-220-1968.)

BCMC Offering for August 27, 2023: General Fund $2,000; Living Stones $75; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $300; Bequests $22,880.33; Kitchen Fund $8; Rosie Horst Memorial $805.75.

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 a master calendar of future BCMC events click here.
This calendar will be issued monthly as things evolve.

CREATION CARE COMMITTE AND SOLAR ENERGY

Children and youth of BCMC read 14 books to earn 14 books for children and youth at the New Hope shelter in Newton. These books will be added to books purchased with donated funds and funds raised by children attending VBS. The books will stock the shelves in the family activity room of the newly built facilities scheduled to open later this year.

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!

HOFFNUNGSAU FUN NIGHT
Everyone is invited to Hoffnungsau on Saturday, September 2 for our Community Fun Night! The Fun will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a free cornhole tournament (arrive early, limited to 18 teams), inflatables, face painting, a car show, and food for sale. Tom Gaeddert (Faith Mennonite, Newton) will provide live music from 6:30-7:30 p.m and the evening will end with a movie on the lawn at dusk. This year’s movie will show you a whole new world with a little magic. Come celebrate the end of summer with friends and fun at Hoffnungsau.

Bethel College Announcements
· Life Enrichment, Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, September 6:
9:30 a.m. “Are You from Here? People, Place, and the Future of the Rural Church,” Brad Roth, pastor and author, Hesston
10:50 a.m. “My Time at KWCH-Channel 12,” Rob Schunn, Wichita
· 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.
· Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts (BCAPA) is excited to offer an Adult Group Piano class beginning Tues., Sept. 5, running 8 weeks through Oct. 10, 11 a.m.-noon in the piano lab in Luyken Fine Arts Center on the Bethel campus. This beginning piano class is the perfect starter course to develop basic piano skills. Every student plays on their own keyboard in the piano lab, and no prior piano experience is needed to join. Seats are limited, so please e-mail bcapa@bethelks.edu or text/call us at 316-804-8864 if you are interested and/or have questions.

The Schowalter Singers, the resident choir at Schowalter Villa, will perform a concert Thurs., Sept. 7, 7 p.m., at Whitestone Mennonite Church, 629 Crescent Dr., Hesston. The program entitled “Look at the world: A celebration of God’s creation,” is a multi-media presentation weaving photos with choral pieces from various genres of music. The choir is under the direction of Leland Flickinger.

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).

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.

AIMM Gathering: Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission, a partner of Mennonite Mission Network, will host a gathering on Friday, September 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of First Mennonite Church, 429 East 1st Street in Newton, KS with Co-Executive Coordinators John Fumana from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Bruce Yoder from Ontario, Canada. John Fumana and his wife Lucie are visiting North America for him to share about collaborative ministries of adult literacy, African missionary initiatives, villages savings and loan associations, Bible translation, and agricultural development. His work stresses African resources and expertise in its assets-based approach to building resilient and thriving communities and churches that add their unique voices to the global Anabaptist movement and its witness in the world. John is active in global Anabaptist networks and has served as chair and vice-chair of Mennonite World Conference’s Global Anabaptist Service Network. All are invited to join in welcoming John and Lucie for their first tour of AIMM friends and supporters in North America!

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
75th Anniversary and Annual Meeting of Camp Mennoscah has changed dates to Sunday, September 24. Activities for all ages will begin at 1pm with a meal at 5pm. The Annual Meeting will be at 6pm, followed by a Talent Show at 7pm. Watch the Camp Mennoscah Facebook page and Website at www.campmennoscah.org for details.
Other events and happenings:

Western District Women in Mission Women’s & Girls Retreat is Sept. 9-10 at Camp Mennoscah. Registration forms are available to download, print and send in at https://www.westerndistrictwomeninmission.org/events. See form for where it should be sent. We hope you can join us! This year’s theme is Women Talking, Listening, and Creating, with our scripture theme being 2 Peter 1:12-21. We’ll be diving into some fun activities around storytelling, listening, story-catching, and story-keeping in a variety of formats. Registration is due by September 5. For questions, e-mail westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com.
Multitudes of thanks to Work & Play participants and volunteers from Grace Hill and Zion Mennonite Churches! Staining was done on the wooden playground structure, the crafts building received much-needed organization (lookin’ spiffy!), and trails were cleared. We are grateful for the gifts of time and energy you shared with the whole of the Camp Mennoscah community!
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

For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA Executive Board staff has named 2023 Goshen (Indiana) College graduate Olivia Krall as archives coordinator for the MC USA Archives in Elkhart. Krall holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Goshen College, with minors in political studies and sociology. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/olivia-krall/

Peaceful Options for Training and Careers (POTC) — formerly known as Alternatives to Military Enlistment Network (AMEN) — has formed a steering committee, recruited volunteers and began its work to counter the recruitment of youth by the U.S. military. POTC is an independent initiative that began as an outgrowth of a collaboration between Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite Church USA. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/potc

MC USA is inviting young people to actively care for the planet through the Generation Z Energy and Spirit Challenge, which runs through April 2024. The challenge is “a friendly competition to embrace our Anabaptist calling as earth keepers, reduce our carbon footprints, nurture environmental leadership, and utilize and bless the gifts of youth and young adults.” Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/energy-challenge/ Register for the MC USA Generation Z Energy and Spirit Challenge by October 15, 2023: https://www.mennocreationcare.org/energy-and-spirit-challenge/ View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/slide-energy-youth

Menno Snapshots

Anicka Fast, who ministers through Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Mission Network and Mennonite World Conference, finds joy, sheds tears and dreams of intercontinental, interchurch research in the Mennonite Church USA Archives. Read more about her work here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/archives/

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network’s service programs are welcoming new participants. Mennonite Voluntary Service just completed online orientation, and Service Adventure begins orientation on Friday. Pray that God’s spirit will prepare participants hearts and minds, as they step out of their comfort zones and risk living out their faith in Anchorage, Alaska; Tucson, Arizona; San Francisco, California; Alamosa and Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for God’s gift of renewal and fellowship for WDC members attending the Women and Girls’ Retreat next weekend at Camp Mennoscah, sponsored by Western District Women in Mission.

View the worship service for August 27, 2023

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
August 27, 2023

Prelude—Andante and Allegro (Ropartz)—Ben Lichti, trumpet

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—George Leary

Hymn—Come, Thou Fount—VT 563

Children’s Conversation—Crystal Gaeddert

Worship Music—Little Adagio (Bizet, arr. Beeler)—Ben Lichti

Scripture Reading—Mark 1:29-35; John 15:1-5—Richard Friesen

Sermon—The Inward Journey— Roger Neufeld Smith and Dale Schrag

Hymn—How Firm a Foundation—VT 592

Prayers of God’s People

Hymn—Precious Lord, Take My Hand—VT 610—People with August birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal.

Benediction

Postlude/Benediction response—What a Wonderful World (Weiss/Thiele, arr. Pyeon)—Ben Lichti

Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Audio-visual—John Thiesen

VT—Voices Together

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/VEn3fkBxF7E?feature=share

Announcements for August 27-September 3, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE FOR AUGUST 27, 2023

This Week at BCMC: August 27—September 3, 2023
Sun., August 27, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Pastor Roger Neufeld Smith (read by Dale Schrag); August birthday recognition
10:45 a.m. The Indigenous Justice Task Group in Fellowship Hall
Worship Service YouTube Link:  https://youtube.com/live/VEn3fkBxF7E?feature=share
10:45 a.m. You are welcome to join the Indigenous Justice Task Group in Fellowship Hall
AUGUST 27 Repair Network Discussions:
The BCMC Task Group for Indigenous Justice, in its continuing work on dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery as a call for the Christian Church, invites the congregation to the second of two post-worship discussions in the Fellowship Hall August 27. We will discuss the Repair Network, a coalition of 30 churches across the U.S. that supports church communities in education, solidarity and reparative action alongside Indigenous Peoples. We will share the seven steps recommended by the Repair Network to join and how BCMC has been working on those the past couple of years. We will also talk about what it would mean for BCMC to become a part of the Coalition. Please join our discussion with your ideas, comments, and questions.

Mon., August 28, 2023
10 a.m. Staff meeting in Room 14
Tue., August 29, 2023
6 p.m.     Pastor Search Committee meeting in Room 14
Wed., August 30, 2023
7 p.m.      Youth Group meeting
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., August 31, 2023
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
Sun., September 3, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Kathy Neufeld Dunn and Elizabeth Schmidt; Celebration of Elizabeth Schmidt license for ministry
10:45 a.m. Official start of Sunday school

For your calendars on September 17: A mentor/mentee event in Fellowship Hall with pizza and games from 2 to 4 p.m.

You’ll want to mark your calendars for the BCMC/Bethel College Ice Cream Social set for 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.

A Celebration of Life/Memorial service for Frances Siemens will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Frances Eleanor (Schultz) Siemens died July 25, 2023 at Kidron Bethel Village. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Bethel College.

Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger plans to be back in the BCMC office on Thursday, Aug. 31. Email roger@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org or text or call (785-220-1968.)

BCMC Offering for August 20, 2023: General Fund $10,437; Living Stones $160; Kitchen Fund $31.

Senior High Youth Group 23-24. As we begin a new year of youth group activities, our first task is to renovate our meeting space (room 24). Plans include painting the walls, increasing/improving the seating, and adding technology. We need your help. We are searching for good quality two person love seats. If you have a love seat to donate, please contact George at 316-587-6910 or george@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org, or catch me in person. Thank 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.

LAST CALL FOR “ANABAPTIST WORLD”
“ANABAPTIST WORLD” SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL
It is time to renew the BCMC group subscription to Anabaptist World, a monthly magazine featuring voices from across the Anabaptist-Mennonite world. If you sign up with the congregation’s plan, you receive this publication at the discounted rate of $39. If interested in joining the group plan, please contact Monica Lichti in the church office AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. New subscribers can also receive a one-year subscription for the discounted rate of $39. To subscribe: email the church office: office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Bring in or mail your $39.00 payment to the office or place it in the offering plate on Sunday. Be sure to mark your checks with “Anabaptist World” in the memo line. If you are currently receiving Anabaptist World through the BCMC group subscription plan it will expire November 25, 2023. Anabaptist World would like us to renew the subscription now so that you will receive the magazine without interruption.

The Education and Service Scholarship Committee would like to ask 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 the ESSC.

JOIN A BCMC CHOIR
Chancel Choir: BCMC’s Voluntary adult Chancel Choir will begin our 2023-24 season with the first practice on August 30. The choir will meet in the sanctuary at 7:30 pm. If you like to sing and like to sing with others, come and help to “Make a Joyful” noise.

Chancel Bell Choir: The BCMC Bell Choir began practice on August 24. They meet at 6:30 p.m. in Room B7. If your music abilities include reading music and know how to count, you are invited.

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!

Next Congregational Meeting: September 10

The next congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, September 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. 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, and the Education and Service Scholarship Committee. If time allows, there may be a brief time for sharing “what is going well in our congregation?”

Bethel College Announcements
· Sat., Sept. 2 – Kauffman Museum bird walk, 7 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.
· Sun., Sept. 10 – Eat, Protest, Lift, a film by Caleb Stephens, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium, 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.
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at 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.

Life Enrichment, Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, August 30:
9:30 a.m. “Opioid and Prescription Misuse/Prevention Measurers,” Courtney Johnson, pharmacist, Hesston Pharmacy
10:35 a.m. “Inspiring Mobility and Independence,” Curtis Stubbs, Newton
11:30 a.m. “Of Cemeteries and Undertakers,” Darryl Claassen, Whitewater

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
· Save the date! Camp Mennoscah will host a kick off event to celebrate our 75th Anniversary on September 23! There will be a day of fun activities down by the river, so mark your calendars now! Watch Camp Mennoscah’s website – www.campmennoscah.org – for more details as the date approaches!
· 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!

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.

Want to be a story catcher, story keeper, and story sharer? Find out more by attending the Western District Women in Mission Women’s & Girls Retreat Sept. 9-10 at Camp Mennoscah! Activities will be available for all ages (no specific girls programming). A brochure and registration form are available to download, print and send in at https://www.westerndistrictwomeninmission.org/events. We hope you can join us! This year’s theme is Women Talking, Listening, and Creating, with our scripture theme being 2 Peter 1:12-21. Registration is due by September 5. For questions, email westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com.

Historian and pastor John Sharp will be at the Newton Public Library, at noon Sept. 8 in the Bessmer Room, for a special discussion of The White Mosque: A Memoir. This is part of the library’s regular Nonfiction Book Club series, but anyone is welcome to attend. Sharp is a recently-retired historian who taught at Hesston College, and a former director of the Mennonite Church USA Historical Committee and Archives. In 2016, he led a tour group, which included the author Sofia Samatar, that followed in the footsteps of 19th-century Mennonites who traveled from Russia into Central Asia, where their charismatic leader predicted Christ would return. Samatar was fascinated not only by the hardships of the Mennonites’ journey, but by its aftermath: the establishment of a small Christian village in a Muslim region that is now part of Uzbekistan – named Ak Metchet, or “The White Mosque”, after the whitewashed church the Mennonites built there. The White Mosque is the memoir Samatar wrote following her tour experience. It is a historical tapestry of border-crossing travelers, students, wanderers, martyrs and invaders, as well as a record of the strange shifts, encounters and accidents that combine to create an identity. Sharp will share his deep knowledge of this “Mennonite Great Trek to Central Asia,” answer questions and help facilitate discussion of the book. Copies of The White Mosque are available for borrowing at Newton Public Library. Ask at the public service desk or call 316-283-2890.

LABOR DAY WORK & PLAY RETREAT at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp – If you, your family or a group of friends want to enjoy the holiday weekend at RMMC, there are 16 spaces available to register. The weekend is offered as a day of work and play (Sat. or Sun.) with a Monday morning sendoff after breakfast. This year (September 1-4), we’ll be serving (foodservice & HK) along with additional work projects in preparing our facilities/grounds for the coming winter.

AIMM Gathering: Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission, a partner of Mennonite Mission Network, will host a gathering on Friday, September 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of First Mennonite Church, 429 East 1st Street in Newton, KS with Co-Executive Coordinators John Fumana from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Bruce Yoder from Ontario, Canada. John Fumana and his wife Lucie are visiting North America for him to share about collaborative ministries of adult literacy, African missionary initiatives, villages savings and loan associations, Bible translation, and agricultural development. His work stresses African resources and expertise in its assets-based approach to building resilient and thriving communities and churches that add their unique voices to the global Anabaptist movement and its witness in the world. John is active in global Anabaptist networks and has served as chair and vice-chair of Mennonite World Conference’s Global Anabaptist Service Network. All are invited to join in welcoming John and Lucie for their first tour of AIMM friends and supporters in North America!

For Mennonite Mission Network “News from around the world” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and beyond” press here
For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Menno Snapshots
On June 11, 2023, the congregation of Lombard (Illinois) Mennonite Church celebrated the 50th anniversary of the ordination of Emma Richards (1927-2014), the first Mennonite woman pastor to be ordained as a pastor of a Mennonite congregation in North America. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/celebrating-emma-richards

One of the many identity markers for being a Mennonite is hospitality and its culture. Reverend Erica Lea-Simka, pastor of Albuquerque Mennonite Church and southwest representative for Mennonite Women USA, proposes that hospitality and its meaning in Anabaptist culture can be examined more closely. Read more of her thoughts here: mennoniteusa.org/culture-of-hospitality

Intersectionality seeks “… to describe how race, class, gender, and other individual characteristics ‘intersect’ with one another and overlap.” Joanne Gallardo, Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference co-minister, reflects on her own experiences within the Mennonite church, relating to intersectionality and tokenism. Read her reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/intersectionality-tokenism

As part of MC USA’s series on The Peace Table, the new storybook Bible from Shine, a children’s Sunday school curriculum, jointly published by MennoMedia and Brethren Press, Joan Daggett, project director for Shine: Living in God’s Light, shares her part of the journey to create The Peace Table. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/judge-this-book-by-its-cover

God’s power and omnipresence is with us, even in the darkest of times. “To understand God’s omnipresence — not limited by space and time but existing everywhere in the past, present and future simultaneously — is to realize God is already living out tomorrow at this very moment,” reflects Wil LaVeist, Mennonite Mission Network’s senior executive of advancement. Read his story here: mennoniteusa.org/gods-omnipresence

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Bekah York in her work with the Colombia Mennonite Church and Justapaz, the church’s peacebuilding organization. May God grant Bekah wisdom, energy and contagious hope for her ministries.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Please pray for emerging congregations as the Spirit draws them together to be of one mind and heart to do the will of the Lord. -WDC Church Planting Commission

View the worship service for August 20, 2023

Press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
August 20, 2023

Prelude—Von Gott will ich nicht lassen (J.C. Bach); Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele (Johann Gottfried Walther); Nun bitten wir (Dietrich Buxtehude ; Ein’ feste Burg ist under Gott (Walther)–Karen Schlabaugh

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer–Ada Schmidt-Tieszen

*Hymn—Praise With Joy the World’s Creator— VT 428

Children’s Conversation—Kevin Neufeld

*Hymn—O Praise the Gracious Power—VT 87 Congregation sing verses 1-2,6-7; Octet sing verses 3-5; All sing refrain

Scripture Reading—Psalm 67; Matthew 15:10-28—Mike Ingenthron

Message—Is That Sarcasm I Hear?—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn of Response—Together—VT 389 Octet verse 1, Congregation only verse 2, Octet verse 3, All verse 4

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Sing a New World Into Being—VT 809

*Benediction

Postlude— Allegro (J.S. Bach)—Karen Schlabaugh

* You are invited to stand

VT—Voices Together

Keyboard- Karen Schlabaugh

Audio visual— Francis Toews

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/bQ5WBCgc7UI?feature=share

Announcements for August 20-27, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR AUGUST 20, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
August 20, 2023

Prelude—Von Gott will ich nicht lassen (J.C. Bach); Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele (Johann Gottfried Walther); Nun bitten wir (Dietrich Buxtehude ; Ein’ feste Burg ist under Gott (Walther)–Karen Schlabaugh

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer–Ada Schmidt-Tieszen

*Hymn—Praise With Joy the World’s Creator— VT 428

Children’s Conversation—Kevin Neufeld

*Hymn—O Praise the Gracious Power—VT 87 Congregation sing verses 1-2,6-7; Octet sing verses 3-5; All sing refrain

Scripture Reading—Psalm 67; Matthew 15:10-28—Mike Ingenthron

Message—Is That Sarcasm I Hear?—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn of Response—Together—VT 389 Octet verse 1, Congregation only verse 2, Octet verse 3, All verse 4

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Sing a New World Into Being—VT 809

*Benediction

Postlude— Allegro (J.S. Bach)—Karen Schlabaugh

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Karen Schlabaugh
Audio visual— Francis Toews

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/bQ5WBCgc7UI?feature=share

This Week at BCMC: August 20—27, 2023
Sun., August 20, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Pastor Nathan Koontz
YouTube Link:  https://youtube.com/live/bQ5WBCgc7UI?feature=share
10:45 a.m. You are welcome to join the Indigenous Justice Task Group in Fellowship Hall
AUGUST 20/AUGUST 27 Repair Network Discussions:
The BCMC Task Group for Indigenous Justice, in its continuing work on dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery as a call for the Christian Church, invites the congregation to two post-worship discussions in the Fellowship Hall on August 20 and August 27. We will discuss the Repair Network, a coalition of 30 churches across the U.S. that supports church communities in education, solidarity and reparative action alongside Indigenous Peoples. We will share the seven steps recommended by the Repair Network to join and how BCMC has been working on those the past couple of years. We will also talk about what it would mean for BCMC to become a part of the Coalition. Please join our discussions with your ideas, comments, and questions.

Mon., August 21, 2023
10 a.m. Staff meeting in Room 14
Tue., August 22, 2023
7 p.m.     Creation Care Committee meeting in Room 14
Wed., August 23, 2023
7 p.m.     Youth Group meeting
Thurs., August 24, 2023
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7:30 p.m. Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
7 p.m.        Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
Sun., August 27, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Pastor Roger Neufeld Smith; August birthday recognition
10:45 a.m. The Indigenous Justice Task Group in Fellowship Hall

Senior High Youth Group 23-24. As we begin a new year of youth group activities, our first task is to renovate our meeting space (room 24). Plans include painting the walls, increasing/improving the seating, and adding technology. We need your help. We are searching for good quality two person love seats. If you have a love seat to donate, please contact George at 316-587-6910 or george@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org, or catch me in person. Thank you

For your calendars on September 17: A mentor/mentee event in Fellowship Hall with pizza and games from 2 to 4 p.m.

Children and Youth of BCMC: Read a book. Earn a Book on or before August 27: Summer vacation is almost over, but you can still earn a book for the New Hope Shelter for each BCMC library book you check out, read, and return. And parents, grandparents, and friends of youth, you can help by checking out a book from the children’s collection and reading it too, or with a child. The challenge is to fill a whole shelf of books for homeless children and youth. Visit the table outside the door to the children’s room of the BCMC church library for more information.

Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger plans to be back in the BCMC office on Wed., Aug. 23. Email roger@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org or text or call (785-220-1968.)

BCMC Offering for August 6, 2023: General Fund $10,956.33; Caring Fund $250; Library Reserve Fund $5; VBS Fund $701.88; Living Stones $8.33; Kitchen Fund $6; Women’s Fellowship $50; Esther Thieszen Memorial $400; Metta Lieb Memorial $200.

We had hoped to make it “4 in a row” but ;unfortunately July was a down month. Our receipts were $4000 below expenses for the month and are currently about $12000 below expenses ‘’year to date. As we go into the later parts of the year, we need to make the church budget a priority in our thoughts and prayers. We all know the challenges and we certainly have the ability to accomplish the goal. As usual, thank you so much for your efforts. —Finance Committee

A Celebration of Life/Memorial service for Frances Siemens will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Frances Eleanor (Schultz) Siemens died July 25, 2023 at Kidron Bethel Village. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Bethel College.

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!

CARD SHOWER FOR MARLES PREHEIM
Marles Preheim, former BCMC choir director and Bethel College choral professor, is turning 90 on August 25! His family suggests that a card shower would be most welcome! He is currently living at 3056 Ivy Ct., Apt. 21, North Newton, KS 67117 and has a new email address:
mcpre@united.net

“ANABAPTIST WORLD” SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL
It is time to renew the BCMC group subscription to Anabaptist World, a monthly magazine featuring voices from across the Anabaptist-Mennonite world. If you sign up with the congregation’s plan, you receive this publication at the discounted rate of $39. If interested in joining the group plan, please contact Monica Lichti in the church office AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. New subscribers can also receive a one-year subscription for the discounted rate of $39. To subscribe: email the church office: office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Bring in or mail your $39.00 payment to the office or place it in the offering plate on Sunday. Be sure to mark your checks with “Anabaptist World” in the memo line. If you are currently receiving Anabaptist World through the BCMC group subscription plan it will expire November 25, 2023. Anabaptist World would like us to renew the subscription now so that you will receive the magazine without interruption.

LINK TO SERMON

On Sunday, August 13, the live-stream suddenly stopped towards the end of Pastor Nathan’s sermon.
Here is the link to the full sermon from Sunday morning: https://youtu.be/itWaR1LJxig

JOIN A BCMC CHOIR
Chancel Choir: BCMC’s Voluntary adult Chancel Choir will begin our 2023-24 season with the first practice on August 30. The choir will meet in the sanctuary at 7:30 pm. If you like to sing and like to sing with others, come and help to “Make a Joyful” noise.

Chancel Bell Choir: The BCMC Bell Choir will begin practicing on August 24. We meet at 6:30 p.m. in Room B7. If your music abilities include reading music and know how to count, you are invited.

You’ll want to mark your calendars for the BCMC/Bethel College Ice Cream Social set for 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.

WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE WOMEN IN MISSION
This year’s registration form and brochure for the Western District Women in Mission Women’s & Girls Retreat Sept. 9-10 at Camp Mennoscah is available to download, print and send in at https://www.westerndistrictwomeninmission.org/events. We hope you can join us! This year’s theme is Women Talking, Listening, and Creating, with our scripture theme being 2 Peter 1:12-21. We’ll be diving into some fun activities around storytelling, listening, story-catching, and story-keeping in a variety of formats. Registration is due by September 5. For questions, e-mail westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com.

Bethel College Announcements
· Fri., Aug. 25 – “Drinking from a New Well,” ceramics by Tom and Pam Voth, opens in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College (reception Sept. 21). Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· SAVE THE DATES: Sun., Sept. 10, Dr. Caleb Stephens presents his film Eat, Protest, Lift, and a convocation lecture Mon., Sept. 11, at Bethel College

Western District Conference Announcements
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Save the Date! The 2024 Western District Conference Annual Assembly will be held on August 2-4, 2024 at First Mennonite Church, Beatrice, NE. We hope to see you there and thanks to all who came out or attended virtually this past weekend!

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

75th Anniversary of Camp Mennoscah Kick-Off! Be on the lookout for more information. Camp Mennoscah is beginning the celebration of its 75th Anniversary this fall. An event to kick off the celebration will take place at Camp on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Mark your calendars, save the date, and watch the Camp Mennoscah Facebook page and Website at www.campmennoscah.org for details.
Need a bunk-like bed? Camp Mennoscah will be taking apart the bunks used with the large tents since there has not been a recent need for them. These bunks have the lower bed at essentially ground level. If you would be interested in purchasing one, contact us at 620-297-3290.
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!

M&M Project Update: Over the Halfway Point!
Thank you all so much! The money continues to come in for Camp Mennoscah’s M&M Project! Thanks to all of these faithful supporters for giving to this effort!

As of this writing, Camp Mennoscah has received more than $56,000 toward our goal! That means we are over halfway to the $100,000 our donor is offering to match!

Now is the time to join the effort. If you haven’t taken any action yet, we are sure you will want to be in on this opportunity to continue our Mission at Camp – to be a place where all can renew themselves, their relationships, and their connection with God through Jesus Christ.

Churches are invited to put together a fundraising event this year that would specifically benefit the M&M Project.Churches are planning events for the summer and the fall. If you would like camp representation at such an event at your church, we are more than happy to see what we can do! And we’ll advertise for you on our website and Facebook page. We know you have great ideas!
Hope Mennonite in Wichita is holding an event on August 27 and the proceeds will go to Camp Mennoscah. Details can be found on their website: www.hopemennonite.org.

For more information, please check out the Camp Mennoscah Website, or contact Tammy at the addresses below. Checks can be made to Camp with “M&M” in the memo, or you can give 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

Everyone is invited to Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church (43 13th Ave, Inman) on Saturday, Sept 2 for our Community Fun Night! The Fun will begin at 5:30 pm with a free cornhole tournament (arrive early, limited to 18 teams), inflatables, face painting, a car show, and food for sale. Tom Gaeddert (Faith Mennonite, Newton) will provide live music from 6:30 – 7:30 pm and the evening will end with a movie on the lawn at dusk. This year’s movie will show you a whole new world with a little magic. Come celebrate the end of summer with friends and fun at Hoffnungsau.

ET CETERA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Are you looking at giving back to the community, to the region, or the world? Then volunteering at Newton Et Cetera Shop is where you need to be! August 24, 6:30-7:30 pm.
Enter through the back door.

For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA Executive Board is strengthening its ongoing commitment to creation care and climate justice by expanding its Peace & Justice ministries to include Mennonite Creation Care Network. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/mccn

Menno Snapshots
During her “Called to be Bad” MennoCon23 seminar, Mariah Martin, a pastor at Faith Mennonite Church and the host of the “Called to be Bad” podcast used the media platform as a case-study to explore the life-giving possibilities for virtual community. Read more about her podcast here: mennoniteusa.org/called-to-be-bad

“Living into Repentance and Transformation” a seminar that took place during MennoCon23, allowed for curiosity about questions of repentance and transformation through table talk and group conversation. Randy Spaulding, pastor of Boulder (Colorado) Mennonite Church, invited ideas, stories, actions and creative possibilities ahead of the seminar. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/living-into-repentance-transformation

Jessica Griggs, blog editor for MC USA, talked to Sarah Nahar, a non-violent action trainer and inter-spiritual theologian, ahead of the Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit. Watch the video and read the article as Nahar answers questions about climate justice and her work on this subject: mennoniteusa.org/climate-justice-poop-loop

MennoCon is a formative event for many youth and young adults as they journey in their faith. Rylee Weishaupt, future Hesston College graduate, reflects on the conventions she has attended as a youth and the ways these events have impacted her. Read her story here: mennoniteusa.org/transformed-through-mennocon

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Pray for Christy Harrison and Peter Sensenig, and their three children, as they complete their North American Ministry this week and go back to Chad on Friday. Pray for safe travels and a joyful reunion with friends, as they return to teaching at Shalom Evangelical Theological Seminary (Peter), working in maternal and child health (Christy) and school (the children). The family serves jointly with Eastern Mennonite Missions and Mennonite Mission Network.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC children, youth and their families, teachers and mentors as a new school year begins, and give thanks for the WDC Resource Library that offers faith formation resources for all ages!

View the worship service for August 13, 2023–The live-stream stopped at the end of Pastor Nathan’s sermon–to view the full sermon, click on the link at the end of this post.

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
August 13, 2023
Welcome Bethel College!

Prelude—The Spacious Firmament on High (arr. DeCou); I Sing the Mighty Power of God (arr. Payne)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome—Brad Kohlman

Opening Prayer—Tobin Wise

*Hymn—Could It Be That God Is Singing—VT 42

Children’s Conversation—Julianna Schrag, Jacob Schrag, Timothy Schrag

*Hymn—My Soul Proclaims with Wonder—VT 222

Scripture Reading—Numbers 27:1-11— Aaliyah Hunt

Message—Intersecting Lines—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn of Response—There Is a Line of Women—VT 546

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say—VT 536

*Benediction

Postlude—Jesus, Lover of My Soul (arr. Hustad)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand

VT—Voices Together

Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Audio visual— Ben Lichti

FOR FULL SERMON CLICK HERE: https://youtu.be/itWaR1LJxig

Announcements for August 13-20, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR AUGUST 13, 2023

THE WORSHIP SERVICE THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, WILL BEGIN AT 10 A.M. FOLLOWED BY A RECEPTION ON THE CHURCH FRONT LAWN. THERE WILL BE NO SUNDAY SCHOOL.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
August 13, 2023
Welcome Bethel College!

Prelude—The Spacious Firmament on High (arr. DeCou); I Sing the Mighty Power of God (arr. Payne)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome—Brad Kohlman

Opening Prayer—Tobin Wise

*Hymn—Could It Be That God Is Singing—VT 42

Children’s Conversation—Julianna Schrag, Jacob Schrag, Timothy Schrag

*Hymn—My Soul Proclaims with Wonder—VT 222

Scripture Reading—Numbers 27:1-11— Aaliyah Hunt

Message—Intersecting Lines—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn of Response—There Is a Line of Women—VT 546

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say—VT 536

*Benediction

Postlude—Jesus, Lover of My Soul (arr. Hustad)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual— Ben Lichti

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/0YMMXD_D4Y4?feature=share

This Week at BCMC: August 13—20, 2023
Sun., August 13, 2023—BCMC Worship will be at 10 a.m. with Bethel
College New Students
We welcome new students from Bethel College to BCMC. Come join in a time of fellowship afterwards on the church front lawn and welcome our new neighbors!    No Sunday school this Sunday
YouTube Link for this Sunday is:
https://youtube.com/live/0YMMXD_D4Y4?feature=share

Mon., August 14, 2023
11 a.m. Worship Commission meeting by Zoom
Wed., August 15, 2023
7 p.m.     Youth Group meeting
Thurs., August 16, 2023
4 p.m.      Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
Sun., August 20, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Pastor Nathan Koontz
10:45 a.m. The Indigenous Justice Task Group in Fellowship Hall
AUGUST 20/AUGUST 27 Repair Network Discussions:
The BCMC Task Group for Indigenous Justice, in its continuing work on dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery as a call for the Christian Church, invites the congregation to two post-worship discussions in the Fellowship Hall on August 20 and August 27. We will discuss the Repair Network, a coalition of 30 churches across the U.S. that supports church communities in education, solidarity and reparative action alongside Indigenous Peoples. We will share the seven steps recommended by the Repair Network to join and how BCMC has been working on those the past couple of years. We will also talk about what it would mean for BCMC to become a part of the Coalition. Please join our discussions with your ideas, comments, and questions.

Chancel Choir:   BCMC’s Voluntary adult Chancel Choir will begin our 2023-24 season with the first practice on August 30. The choir will meet in the sanctuary at 7:30 pm. If you like to sing and like to sing with others, come and help to “Make a Joyful” noise.

Chancel Bell Choir:  The BCMC Bell Choir will begin practicing on August 24. We meet at 6:30 p.m. in Room B7. If your music abilities include reading music and know how to count, you are invited.

BCMC Offering for July 30, 2023: General Fund $9,287.33; Living Stones $250.

We had hoped to make it “4 in a row” but ;unfortunately July was a down month. Our receipts were $4000 below expenses for the month and are currently about $12000 below expenses ‘’year to date. As we go into the later parts of the year, we need to make the church budget a priority in our thoughts and prayers. We all know the challenges and we certainly have the ability to accomplish the goal. As usual, thank you so much for your efforts. —Finance Committee

Roger’s Whereabouts : Pastor Roger (and Cynthia) are helping their daughter move from Durham, North Carolina to Los Angeles, CA. Roger will be “on the road” for a couple of weeks. He will probably NOT have internet access for much of this time. But he will try to check his email and text messages when he can. Email roger@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org or text or call (785-220-1968.) Roger plans to be back in the BCMC office on Wed., Aug. 23.

Congratulations to Pastor Elizabeth Schmidt
Elizabeth Schmidt, Congregational Care Coordinator here at BCMC, received a License for Special Ministry from the Western District Conference Ministerial Leadership Commission on August 2. We will be celebrating this milestone of pastoral ministry on September 3 during worship. We are so thankful for Elizabeth’s call and gifts in ministry.

A Celebration of Life/Memorial service for Frances Siemens will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Frances Eleanor (Schultz) Siemens died July 25, 2023 at Kidron Bethel Village. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Bethel College.

Children and Youth of BCMC: Read a book. Earn a Book on or before August 27: Summer vacation is almost over, but you can still earn a book for the New Hope Shelter for each BCMC library book you check out, read, and return. And parents, grandparents, and friends of youth, you can help by checking out a book from the children’s collection and reading it too, or with a child. The challenge is to fill a whole shelf of books for homeless children and youth. Visit the table outside the door to the children’s room of the BCMC church library for more information.

On the advice of the Faith Formation Commission, the BCMC board renewed contracts for Jill Robb, our Faith Formation Coordinator (.2 FTE), and George Leary, our Youth Coordinator (.3 FTE), for an additional year. The contracts offer continuity through the summer as well as the coming program year. The church is so fortunate to have the inspired and dedicated work of each of these fine staff; please offer your appreciation to them!

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.

Kidron Bethel Village and Bethel College will host “Can Our Actions Cool the Planet?”, an interactive presentation and discussion on variables that impact global temperature change, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 17 in Kidron Bethel Village’s Kidron Hall, 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton. The presentation will be given by Josh Kennell, a senior biology major at Bethel College. The presentation is free and open to the public.

It is time to renew the BCMC group subscription to Anabaptist World, a monthly magazine featuring voices from across the Anabaptist-Mennonite world. If you sign up with the congregation’s plan, you receive this publication at the discounted rate of $39. If interested in joining the group plan, please contact Monica Lichti in the church office by August 18. New subscribers can also receive a one-year subscription for the discounted rate of $39. To subscribe: email the church office: office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Bring in or mail your $39.00 payment to the office or place it in the offering plate on Sunday. Be sure to mark your checks with “Anabaptist World” in the memo line. If you are currently receiving Anabaptist World through the BCMC group subscription plan it will expire November 25, 2023. Anabaptist World would like us to renew the subscription now so that you will receive the magazine without interruption.

Prairie View is offering free youth mental health first aid training on Aug. 16 and 30, 8:30 a.m.—5 p.m. It is also offering free mental health first aid training (for adults) on Aug. 18 and 23, 8:30 a.m.—5 p.m. Both trainings are at the Prairie View Auditorium, 1901 E. 1st St., Newton. See the church bulletin board for more details.

The Mennonite Central Committee School Kit Challenge is going strong, thank you for helping us meet our goal of gathering 10,000 school kits in the month of August! School kits now include four new blue or black ballpoint pens. The MCC material resources center in North Newton is very low on pens and notebooks. Please keep these needs in mind as you see these items for sale this month. Buy online and ship it to MCC or bring items to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117). Questions are always welcome, please contact katemast@mcc.org or 316-283-2720. A full list of MCC kit contents and other challenge resources can be found at mcc.org/school-kit-challenge.

The Women’s & Girls Retreat will be Sept. 9 & 10 at Camp Mennoscah sponsored by Western District Women in Mission. Retreat theme is “Women Talking, Listening and Creating.” Come for a time of friendship, fellowship, and story-telling with Tammy Duvanel Unruh, Wendy Funk Schrag and others. Registration information and more details will be on the Western District Conference website, in the church bulletin, on the church bulletin board. Follow the Western District Women in Mission on Facebook.

LABOR DAY WORK & PLAY RETREAT at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp – If you, your family or a group of friends want to enjoy the holiday weekend at RMMC, there are 16 spaces available to register. The weekend is offered as a day of work and play (Sat. or Sun.) with a Monday morning sendoff after breakfast. This year (September 1-4, 2023), we’ll be serving (foodservice & HK) along with additional work projects in preparing our facilities/grounds for the coming winter.
FALL FAMILY FUN RETREAT – 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, 2022 so visit the camp web page (rmmc.org) for additional information and to register online.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.

Tabor Mennonite Church’s annual MennoGrass Concert will be on Saturday, August 12 as a part of WDC’s Annual Assembly! Everyone is welcome to come (even if you’re not registered for the Assembly)! The meal will begin at 5:30 and will be catered by Carlos’ Kitchen & Cater. Musical performances by Michelle & Friends, The Hopeful Blues and The Flannelbacks will begin at 6pm. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Donations to help cover the cost of the meal are welcome.

For Mennonite Mission Network Seeds of Peace press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

For Mennonite Central Committee In Touch press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA has named Nancy Kauffmann, former board president of Dove’s Nest and longtime Mennonite church leader, as the interim denominational minister of Church Safety for MC USA’s Church Vitality office. This new position was created so that the denomination could address the need for continued abuse education and prevention work. Read the announcement here: mennoniteusa.org/news/interim-minister-church-safety

Approximately 300 youth, young adults and their sponsors gathered in Kansas City at the Kansas City Convention Center on July 7, 2023, for the Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit. The summit focused on climate change, including climate anxiety, social justice and advocacy themes. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/encouraged-challenged-climate-summit

Follow Jesus
In this Menno Snapshots blog, Glen Guyton, executive director of MC USA, introduces and reflects on the new theme for the next biennium, “Follow Jesus.” “MC USA’s role in our society is more critical than ever. Our message of peace, love, community and reconciliation is needed in this hurting world,” Guyton said. Read more about the new theme here: mennoniteusa.org/follow-jesus View the slide graphic here: mennoniteusa.org/fj-qr

Menno Snapshots
The pandemic was a time of great anxiety but also a time for reflection and healing. Jesica Lynn Nichols, a member of Lowville (New York) Mennonite Church, reflects on how and why she became a Mennonite during the pandemic. Read more of her story here: mennoniteusa.org/blessings-amid-pandemic

Lisa Longacher, a development officer for Hesston College shares about how her art can be used for positive change. Longacher co-led a youth seminar, “Art for Change: Exploring Your Creativity,” at MennoCon23. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/art-for-change

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Everett and Miriam Ramer are serving with Mennonite Mission Network’s SOOP program in Quebec, Canada, for more than two months. Pray for them as they work at Maison de l’Amitié (Friendship House) in Montréal and Camp Péniel, which offers a Jesus-centered experience for children and youth.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for the gracious hospitality shared by Tabor Mennonite Church in hosting WDC Annual Assembly this weekend, with a closing worship service and seminars this morning.

View the worship service for August 6, 2023

press here for the video

BCMC Worship Service

August 6, 2023

Prelude—Prelude and Fugue in C (JS Bach)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Raylene Hinz-Penner (Elizabeth Schmidt substituted)

*Hymn—Here in This Place—v.1,2,4—VT 10

Kin-dom Report—MCC School Kit Challenge-Lincoln Kohlman

Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz

Land Acknowledgement—Raylene Hinz-Penner (Elizabeth Schmidt substituted)

*Hymn—By the Waters of Babylon—VT 695

Scripture Reading—VT 13—and VT 783—Darlene Dick
John 4:3-7, 9-10,19-24—Darlene Dick and Raylene Hinz-Penner (Elizabeth Schmidt substituted)

Sermon—Finding a Place in the World–Roger Neufeld Smith

*Hymn—Let Us Build a House—v.1,2,5–VT 36

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Be Thou My Vision—v. 1,2,5—VT 549

Benediction—The Lord Lift You Up—VT 832

Postlude—The Kingsfold Trumpet (Alfred Fedak)—Will Wiebe-Smith

Audio-visual – Ken Lamp

Guitar—Roger Neufeld Smith

Scripture Reader—Darlene Dick

Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/R5OB4b4fuko?feature=share

Are you looking at giving back to the community, to the region, or the world? Then volunteering at Newton Et Cetera Shop is where you need to be! August 24, 6:30-7:30 pm.Enter through the back door.

Are you looking at giving back to the community, to the region, or the world? Then volunteering at Newton Et Cetera Shop is where you need to be! August 24, 6:30-7:30 pm.
Enter through the back door.