Author Archives: Monica Lichti

Announcements for January 22-29, 2023

January 22, 2023 – Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday

Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County is still in green status indicating
low risk for COVID. You are invited to choose whether you wear a mask or social distance. Both are optional.

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtu.be/kqA26fB2hP8

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
January 22, 2023
Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday

Prelude— O, When Shall I See Jesus (arr. Hustad); The Kingsfold Trumpet (arr. Fedak)—
Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Doug Siemens

*Hymn—We Are People of God’s Peace—VT 797

Children’s Conversation—Glen Ediger

Anthem— Let All the World (K. Lee Scott)—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading— Psalm 62:1-6; Luke 18:35-43 Jane Goering

Sermon—Anabaptist or Mennonite: Whose Choice? —Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—I Bind My Heart This Tide—VT 556

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—We, Your People, Sing Your Praises—VT 849

*Benediction—VT 850

Postlude— Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten (J.S. Bach)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Audio visual— Ben Lichti
Pastor—Nathan Koontz

This Week at BCMC: January 22-29, 2023
Sun., Jan. 22, 2023—Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday
9:30 am    Sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Choir
YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtu.be/kqA26fB2hP8

The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:30 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   High School – Room 24
Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14);
Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Mosaic (Rm 20); Open Circle (Room 21); Seekers (Rm 28);
Sojourners (Chapel)
Mon., Jan. 23, 2023
10 am        Library Committee meets in Room 14
Wed., Jan. 25, 2023
6:30 pm   Menno Ringers Rehearsal in Room B7
7:30 pm   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Jan. 26, 2023
4 pm         Hospitality Commission meets in Room 14
6:30 pm   Chancel Bell Rehearsal in Room B7
7 pm         Deacon Commission meets in Room 14
Sun., Jan. 29, 2023
9:30 am    Sermon by Nathan Koontz
11:45 am Fundraiser Soup Lunch served by the Senior High Youth Group in the Fellowship Hall
12:45 pm   Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary

BCMC Offering for January 15: General Fund $13,230.33; Library Reserve Fund $15; Living Stones $33.33; Kitchen Fund $15; Paul Harder Memorial $1,025.

A Slight Change in Roger’s Travel Schedule
In order to be able to attend meetings during the week following the congregational meeting, Roger has adjusted his travel schedule to Newton from the dates previously announced. The next time Roger will travel to Newton will be Sat., Jan. 28. He will travel back to Topeka Fri. morning, Feb. 3. Roger is still available by email: roger@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org or by voice mail or text when necessary (785-220-1968).

Congregational Meeting Set for January 29
The next congregational meeting will take place on Sun., Jan. 29, at 12:45 following a soup lunch prepared by the Youth Group. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary and made available live on YouTube only while the meeting is in progress; it will not be recorded. Votes from remote viewers can be texted to a number available in Sunday’s bulletin and announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items will include a finance report from 2022 as well as approval of the budget for 2023, reports from several committees and commissions, and updates on the Search Committee and Credence and Company process.

There will be a fundraising soup lunch before the meeting at 11:45 am in Fellowship Hall, prepared and served by the Senior High Youth Group.

Menno Ringers—All students 4th grade through 8th grade interested in ringing handbells are welcome! Rehearsals are each Wednesday, 6:30 pm in Room B7.

Pastoral Search Committee
The Search Committee has begun their work with an orientation from Western District Conference pastor Kathy Neufeld Dunn. Search Committee members are Heather Zerger (chair), Megan Kohlman, Doug Penner, Lois Preheim, and John Waltner. Thank you to all these members for the important work they will be doing! The Search Committee’s work will be informed by and run parallel to the work of the Credence Report Task Group which will oversee decisions and implementation of recommendations from the Credence and Company consultants. Thank you for your support and prayers as these dual processes move forward.

Thank you BCMC for accepting the financial challenge and getting the job done. When the church’s books closed at the end of December, all financial obligations were met and there was a $14,000 surplus that was distributed among the churches benevolent partners. You made this possible and we thank you for accepting the challenge and for your great effort. – Finance Committee.

February 26 has been designated as “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” Sunday! “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” is a way for BCMC folks to get acquainted with other BCMC folks that they might not know very well. The Hospitality Commission will match people who sign up as hosts with people who sign up as guests. There will be sign up sheets at the back of the church for the next two Sundays, for being either a host or a guest for a dinner.

Message from Elizabeth Schmidt, Congregational Care Coordinator
“Behold, I am doing a new thing!” I am excited about coordinating new ways of welcoming, caring and connecting in our congregation! I’ve begun care visits and visiting Faith Formation classes to gather wisdom and get to know you better. I am working with Deacons on visitation and welcoming visitors and new members. Be watching for announcements about new caring opportunities to arise, and be emboldened to share your ideas – in person, by email to elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org, and by calling the church office. Office hours: I plan to be in the office on Wednesdays, with half days on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings.

Call for gently-used gift bags and baskets!
While you are doing post-holiday clean-up, or New Year’s de-cluttering, here is a creation care and caring connection opportunity! Your donations of gently-used gift bags and baskets may be deposited on pews in the back of the sanctuary, for future repurposing as care packages. “The Lord loveth a cheerful giver!”

The Library Theme for the next couple of months is Black History. The Library Committee pulled part of the books that we have in our collection which are displayed either in back of the library desk or on the shelving in the Children’s Room. Please come see what we have to offer! Also, don’t forget that we still have puzzles for your puzzling pleasure right outside of the library door and more on the west wall of the library. Please come browse and place a donation in the envelope if you find one that catches your fancy.

Bethel College Announcements
· (Sun., Jan. 22) – Bethel College Music Department Honors Recital, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel, featuring vocal and instrumental students who performed exceptionally during the fall 2022 semester, including piano, oboe, trumpet, saxophone, violin and voice.
· Sat., Jan. 28 – Kauffman Museum annual Kansas Day event, “Kansans Create!,” noon-4 p.m., museum parking lot and grounds. Featuring local artists and artisans, a community art project, food trucks and much more. For more information, see the Kauffman Museum Facebook page or kauffmanmuseum.org, or call 316-283-1612.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!

As we enter the last month of our fiscal year, Western District Conference invites you to share a gift with WDC to help our congregations Witness & invite others to faith in Jesus Christ, Dwell in just & loving relationships, and Connect to God’s mission in the world. Current projections suggest that WDC income will fall short of expenses for the current year. Your generous gifts are invited to help close the gap towards WDC’s 2022 budget goal! You may make an online contribution HERE (credit card, PayPal, Google Pay accepted) or send a check to Western District Conference, PO Box 306, North Newton KS 67117. We are grateful for your generosity!

New Hope Shelter Announcement We greatly need to increase our volunteer base as we head into the new year and with the new building only one year away, do as much as we can to provide two volunteers each evening per shift. If you have anyone who is interested in volunteering, please let me know. My volunteer training sessions are normally planned at the end of each month based on availability and need. — Shonda M Suddeth, Shelter/Volunteer Coordinator (316) 283-7711, shonda@newhope-shelter.org Please contact Valetta Seymour if you can consider becoming a New Hope Shelter volunteer. Generally, we have people to provide meals, but evening volunteers are needed. Contact: seymour2314@gmail.com 620-217-7536

SAVE THE DATE! Come join the fun at 15th annual MCC Comforter Blitz on March 6, 7 and 8 on the Journey Yoder Campus, one mile north of Yoder, KS. Times are Monday and Tuesday 9-5 and Wednesday 9-4. No sewing skills are required, we will teach you. Lunch is available by donation each day, or you may bring your own sack lunch. Bring snacks to share during the workday. This event is hosted by Kansas Friends of MCC to make comforters for relief to be sent to refugees or places after natural disasters. Please contact the MCC Central States office with questions at #316-283-2720, or check the Comforter Blitz Facebook Page, “Kansas MCC Comforter Blitz”.

WANTED: Your stories. To share at the “Schweitzers and Friends” 150th celebration of Swiss Volhynian Mennonites coming to the U.S. in 1874, planned for Aug. 23-25, 2024. Everyone loves the stories told about days gone by. This event gives us opportunity to collect ancestor stories. Brian Adams from Massachusetts would like to edit stories for a Swiss Volhynian book with the help of his daughter Casey Adams (cpadams992@gmail.com). Brian says no stories are too small or inconsequential. He has heard stories from his Grandfather Jacob (Red Jake) Krehbiel from Moundridge. Think of a story you could share and send to Brian. Themes could be family, faith, agriculture, language. We would all love to read those stories at the celebration event in 2024. Brian’s contacts: smolts123@yahoo.com. Phone: 413-586-3063 and he could interview you by phone. — Kathy Goering for the planners

WANTED — Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, RVs, Campers, Tractors, Modern Farm Equipment, etc. for the Kansas Mennonite Central Committee Sale. Items you no longer need can help Feed and Clothe thousands in desperate living conditions. ALL donations are Tax Deductible. Call Jerry Toews for info: 620 367 8257. Help make a difference.

Everence Opportunities: Everence makes it easy to find ways to give back and support your favorite charity. My Neighbor Card: Everence donates 1.50% of every purchase you make to the charity of your choice. Donor Advised Funds allows you to grow funds intended for charitable giving at any time.

For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level press here
For MennoCon23 Seminar Suggestions press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
For Mennonite World Conference press here

Dyck Arboretum Announcements
January 23 – Nature Book Club
Join the Dyck Arboretum January 23 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom to participate in their Nature Book Club. Books this month will be “How the Penguins Saved Veronica” by Hazel Prior and “Horizon” by Barry Lopez. Register and learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events.

January 29 – The Barefoot Movement
Join the Dyck Arboretum January 29 at 4 p.m. to hear The Barefoot Movement. They are an acclaimed Americana group that has carved out a space in the acoustic scene. Crust & Crumb will serve sweet and savory treats during intermission. Learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events.

January 31 – Attracting Bees & Beneficial Insects with Native Plants
Join the Dyck Arboretum January 31 at 7 p.m. via Zoom to be a part of their presentation Attracting Bees & Beneficial Insects with Native Plants. Heather Halm will present. Register and learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
This Friday and Saturday, please pray for the Mennonite Church USA Executive Board, as they meet online by Zoom. May God grant them wisdom and clarity during their time together.

In November 2022, the National Faith Leaders Climate Roundtable, which is made up of 16 U.S. denominational leaders — including Glen Guyton, Mennonite Church USA’s Executive Director — gathered to discuss climate justice. They acknowledged the importance of engaging local congregations and communities to reach their climate goals. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/accelerate-climate-action

Menno Snapshots
What does it take for a rural church to install solar panels? For Metamora (Illinois) Mennonite Church, it required a team with a vision, a lot of planning and some flexibility, along with some help from the Mennonite Creation Care Network. Karla Kauffman, a therapist who is developing expertise in climate grief work, outline’s Metamora Mennonite’s process in “A rural congregation goes solar: Metamora (Illinois) Mennonite Church.” Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/metamora-illinois-mennonite-church

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Pray, with Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission and Mennonite Mission Network, for the Mennonite churches in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which continue to bring the message of God’s healing and love to those who were injured and traumatized by the Kamuina Nsapu rebellion four years ago.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC pastors, chaplains and other credentialed ministers, and give thanks for the important ministries and leadership they offer.

View the worship service for January 15, 2023

press here for Jan. 15 video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
January 15, 2023
Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday

Prelude— His Eye Is on the Sparrow and Just a Closer Walk With Thee—(Two gospel song settings by Jack Schrader)—Karen Unruh, piano

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Dave Linscheid

*Hymn—Guide My Feet—VT 816—Ron Garber, soloist on first phrase of each verse

Children’s Conversation—Margaret Goering

Anthem—Celebrate With Joy (Cynthia Dobrinski) and ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus (arr. Sandra Eithun)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director

Scripture Reading—Micah 4:1-4—Zona Galle

Sermon—Martin Luther King’s Challenge to Peaceful Mennonites—Roger Neufeld Smith

*Hymn—Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing—VT 359

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Lift Every Voice and Sing—VT 611

*Benediction—Roger Neufeld Smith

Postlude—Soon and Very Soon–(Andraé Crouch)—Karen Unruh

* You are invited to stand

VT—Voices Together

Audio visual—John Thiesen

Pastor—Nathan Koontz

View the worship service for January 8, 2023

press here for Jan. 8 video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
January 8, 2023
Epiphany

Prelude—We three kings of orient are (arr. D. Bish); Nun ist sie erschienen (arr. S. Vincent)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Esther Kreider Eash

*Hymn—Arise, Your Light Is Come! —VT 273

Anthem—See Whose Glory Fills the Skies (arr. Evelyn Simposon-Currenton) [VT 274]—

Chancel Choir—Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading— Matthew 2:1-12—William Eash

Children’s Conversation—Judy Harder

*Hymn—On This Great Day of Days—VT 260

Sermon—Divine Incognito—Keith Harder

*Hymn—Unexpected and Mysterious—VT 229

Installation—Roger Neufeld Smith, Interim Pastor; Elizabeth Schmidt, Congregational Care Coordinator—VT 965

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Love Came Down at Christmas—VT 255

*Benediction—Keith Harder

Postlude—Praise Ye the Lord of Hosts (Saint-Saëns)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand

VT = Voices Together

Audio visual— Ken Lamp

Pastor—Nathan Koontz

Announcements for January 15-22, 2023

January 15, 2023 – Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday

Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County has returned to green status indicating
low risk for COVID. You are invited to choose whether you wear a mask or social distance. Both are optional.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
January 15, 2023
Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday

Prelude— His Eye Is on the Sparrow and Just a Closer Walk With Thee—(Two gospel song settings by Jack Schrader)—Karen Unruh, piano

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Dave Linscheid

*Hymn—Guide My Feet—VT 816—Ron Garber, soloist on first phrase of each verse

Children’s Conversation—Margaret Goering

Anthem—Celebrate With Joy (Cynthia Dobrinski) and ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus (arr. Sandra Eithun)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director

Scripture Reading—Micah 4:1-4—Zona Galle

Sermon—Martin Luther King’s Challenge to Peaceful Mennonites—Roger Neufeld Smith

*Hymn—Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing—VT 359

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Lift Every Voice and Sing—VT 611

*Benediction—Roger Neufeld Smith

Postlude—Soon and Very Soon–(Andraé Crouch)—Karen Unruh

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual—John Thiesen
Pastor—Nathan Koontz

This Week at BCMC: January 15-22, 2023
Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023-Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday
9:30 am    Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; music by
Chancel Bells
YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtu.be/3bSEgO4ci6Y
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:30 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   High School – Room 24
Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14);
Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Mosaic (Rm 20); Open Circle (Room 21); Seekers (Rm 28);
Sojourners (Chapel)
Mon., Jan. 16, 2023—Martin Luther King Jr. Day—office will be closed and church building will be locked
4 pm       Pastor Search Committee meet in Room 14
Wed., Jan. 18, 2023
6:30 pm   Menno Ringers Rehearsal in Room B7
7:30 pm   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Jan. 19, 2023
6:30 pm   Chancel Bell Rehearsal in Room B7
7 pm         Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sun., Jan. 22, 2023—Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday
9:30 am    Sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Choir

Pastor Nathan Koontz will be away January 14-16, 2023.

BCMC Offering for January 8: General Fund $14,068.27; Living Stones $1,150; Kitchen Fund $21; Women’s Fellowship $90.

February 26 has been designated as “Guess Who’s Coming to
Dinner” Sunday! “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” is a way for BCMC folks to get acquainted with other BCMC folks that they might not know very well. The Hospitality Commission will match people who sign up as hosts with people who sign up as guests. There will be sign up sheets at the back of the church, for being either a host or a guest for a dinner, for the next two Sundays.

FROM THE NEWTON COMMUNITY FOR RACIAL JUSTICE AND THE HARVEY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Mon., Jan. 16, 2 p.m., Harvey County Historical Museum & Archives, 203 N. Main St., Newton (next door to Petersen’s Funeral Home) – The public is invited to an afternoon of storytelling and learning with members of Newton’s Black community. Co-sponsored by the Harvey County Historical Society and Newton Community for Racial Justice.

We offer sympathy to the family of Grace Schroeder. Grace died Jan. 10 at Schowalter Villa, Hesston. Following is a note from Elaine Prouty:

“ I’m writing to inform you that Hank’s dear aunt Grace Schroeder, a long time BCMC member, passed away peacefully this afternoon at Schowalter Villa. She’d been struggling with pneumonia and had been failing; the last two weeks have been difficult. Her daughter Cathy Holdeman (of Wichita) and her son Jeff Schroeder (of Los Alamos, New Mexico) were with her at the time she passed.
Her children have requested services at a later time, probably in the spring when her grandchildren (who are scattered across the United States) can be here.”

Menno Ringers—All students 4th grade through 8th grade interested in ringing handbells are welcome to come tonight at 6:30 pm in Room B7.

Thank you to the characters creating a scene on Epiphany Sunday: Adah Hodge, Glen Ediger, David Kreider, Dale Schrag and last but not least, plus appearing twice, the camel crew stars – Miles Brubacher, Collin and Brett Gaeddert, Justin and Addison Zerger guided by Tim Hodge and Adam Robb.

Roger will be driving back to Topeka this afternoon but will be checking his BCMC email regularly while in Topeka. (roger@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org). He is also available by voice mail or text when necessary (785-220-1968). Roger will be back in the BCMC office from Wednesday, January 26 at 1:00 p.m., and staying in Newton through the annual meeting on Sunday, January 29. His schedule for his days in Newton beyond January 29 is still a “work in progress”. Thanks for your patience and your prayers.

Message from Elizabeth Schmidt, Congregational Care Coordinator
“Behold, I am doing a new thing!”
I am excited about coordinating new ways of welcoming, caring and connecting in our congregation! I’ve begun care visits and visiting Faith Formation classes to gather wisdom and get to know you better. I am working with Deacons on visitation and welcoming visitors and new members. Be watching for announcements about new caring opportunities to arise, and be emboldened to share your ideas – in person, by email to elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org, and by calling the church office. Office hours: I plan to be in the office on Wednesdays, with half days on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings.

Call for gently-used gift bags and baskets!
While you are doing post-holiday clean-up, or New Year’s de-cluttering, here is a creation care and caring connection opportunity! Your donations of gently-used gift bags and baskets may be deposited on pews in the back of the sanctuary, for future repurposing as care packages. “The Lord loveth a cheerful giver!”

Marvin and Ruthann Dirks have moved to Assisted Living in Ft. Collins, CO. Their new address is: 1002 Rule Dr., Apt. 205, Fort Collins, CO 80525 Phone: 316-772-0618; Email: dirksrut@gmail.com

Bethel College Announcements
· Mon., Jan. 16 – Bethel College celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, featuring Dr. Marché Fleming-Randle from Wichita State University, “Together We Can Be THE Dream,” 7 p.m., Memorial Hall
· Sun., Jan. 22 – Bethel College Music Department Honors Recital, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel, featuring freshman, sophomore and junior vocal and instrumental students who performed exceptionally during the fall 2022 semester.
· Sat., Jan. 28 – Kauffman Museum annual Kansas Day event, “Kansans Create!,” noon-4 p.m., museum parking lot and grounds (corner of Main & 27th Streets, North Newton). Featuring local artists and artisans, a community art project, food trucks and much more. For more information, see the Kauffman Museum Facebook page or kauffmanmuseum.org

New Hope Shelter Announcement We greatly need to increase our volunteer base as we head into the new year and with the new building only one year away, do as much as we can to provide two volunteers each evening per shift. If you have anyone who is interested in volunteering, please let me know. My volunteer training sessions are normally planned at the end of each month based on availability and need. — Shonda M Suddeth, Shelter/Volunteer Coordinator
(316) 283-7711, shonda@newhope-shelter.org Please contact Valetta Seymour if you can consider becoming a New Hope Shelter volunteer. Generally, we have people to provide meals, but evening volunteers are needed. Contact: seymour2314@gmail.com 620-217-7536

Registration is beginning for the 2023 season of Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC). Those who sang last year will find a registration form in your church mail box. We are working to recover after the pandemic. Numbers were significantly down last year. Please consider joining this year. Please contact Joe Peters for registration forms. We sing that others may live.

WANTED: Your stories. To share at the “Schweitzers and Friends” 150th celebration of Swiss Volhynian Mennonites coming to the U.S. in 1874, planned for Aug. 23-25, 2024. Everyone loves the stories told about days gone by. This event gives us opportunity to collect ancestor stories. Brian Adams from Massachusetts would like to edit stories for a Swiss Volhynian book with the help of his daughter Casey Adams (cpadams992@gmail.com). Brian says no stories are too small or inconsequential. He has heard stories from his Grandfather Jacob (Red Jake) Krehbiel from Moundridge. Think of a story you could share and send to Brian. Themes could be family, faith, agriculture, language. We would all love to read those stories at the celebration event in 2024. Brian’s contacts: smolts123@yahoo.com. Phone: 413-586-3063 and he could interview you by phone. — Kathy Goering for the planners

WANTED — Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, RVs, Campers, Tractors, Modern Farm Equipment, etc. for the Kansas Mennonite Central Committee Sale. Items you no longer need can help Feed and Clothe thousands in desperate living conditions. ALL donations are Tax Deductible. Call Jerry Toews for info: 620 367 8257. Help make a difference.

Everence Opportunities: Everence makes it easy to find ways to give back and support your favorite charity. My Neighbor Card: Everence donates 1.50% of every purchase you make to the charity of your choice. Donor Advised Funds allows you to grow funds intended for charitable giving at any time.

College scholarships available: Everence offers college scholarships for Everence members and their children. Eligible students receive scholarships up to $3,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year. Applications are accepted Jan. 1 through Feb. 28.Visit everence.com/scholarships for eligibility guidelines and application. Information is also available by contacting Jim Robb.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!

Hesston College Announcements
Missional Leadership Class
The “M” word. You’ve heard it, you’re intrigued, but what does it really mean? Join Michele Hershberger to learn what the word “missional” means and how a proper understanding of this concept can transform your congregation! As part of the class, Missional Leadership, you will see the Bible through a missional lens and learn great tips for starting your church on a journey of spiritual renewal and growth! You can join the class in person on Hesston’s campus or online via Zoom on Monday evenings starting January 16 through May 8, 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. central time. Contact Michele Hershberger at michele.hershberger@hesston.edu for more information.

January 14 – Masterworks Performance
Join Hesston College Performing Arts for a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend on January 14 at Hesston Mennonite Church. The performance will feature music by African American composers and is titled “I Believe.” Find more information at hesston.edu/masterworks or join the concert virtually at hesston.edu/livestream.

January 15 – Lindsay Lou
Join the Dyck Arboretum January 15 at 4 p.m. to hear Lindsay Lou. She is a singer, songwriter, musician, and performer who demands the listener’s attention. Crust & Crumb will serve sweet and savory treats during intermission. Learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events.

For MennoCon23 Seminars press here
For Mennonite Mission Newtwork News and Beyond press here
For Mennonite Creation Care Network press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
The Kineo Center, a ministry partner of Mennonite Church USA, offers cohort programs for pastors and leaders experiencing burnout, and a new cohort begins Feb. 5. The program features a 24-week, online discussion group and a four-day trip to the Kineo retreat center in Puerto Rico. Learn more about this opportunity here: mennoniteusa.org/kineo-center-cohort

Menno Snapshots
From a young age, Cristian Alemán, outreach coordinator and bilingual music director for College Mennonite Church in Goshen, Indiana, knew he might one day lose his sight, but he did not know the lessons that he would learn from the experience. Adriana Celis, a writer for MenoTicias, the Spanish-language newsletter published by Mennonite Church USA and Hispanic Ministries of Mennonite Education Agency, shares Alemán’s story in “Learning to value the colors of life.” Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/learning-to-value-the-colors-of-life/ (Lea la versión en español aquí: mennoniteusa.org/learning-to-value-the-colors-of-life-spanish)

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Jane and Jerrell Ross Richer, and their son, Jordan, who are spending the next several months renewing relationships in Ecuador. Due to complications from the pandemic, deaths of loved ones and illness, the Ross Richers had not been able to return to Ecuador for more than two years. Pray that God’s Spirit will guide and bless their ministry.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the WDC Gifts Discernment Committee as it begins work to prepare nominations of conference leaders for election at WDC annual assembly in 2023.

View the worship service for January 1, 2023

Press here for the Jan. 1 Video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH

New Year’s Day January 1, 2023

Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly

Prelude—Verlene Garber

Land Acknowledgement Statement

Welcome and Prayer—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—The First Noel, the Angel Did Say—VT 250

Children’s Conversation

*Hymn—Joy to the World—VT 240

*Hymn—O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem—VT 275

Common Purpose Statement—Nathan Koontz

Scripture Reading—Micah 6:8 –Dwight Platt

Meditation—Doug Penner

*Hymn—Healer of Our Every Ill—VT 644

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—There’s a Wild Hope in the Wind—VT 828

*Benediction—Nathan Koontz

Postlude—Verlene Garber

* You are invited to stand

VT = Voices Together

Audio visual— Francis Toews

Pastor—Nathan Koontz

View the worship service for December 25, 2022

Press here for Dec. 25 video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH

Christmas Day December 25, 2022

Sing for joy: Your God reigns

Prelude— Mark Kreider

Advent Candle Lighting—Rebecca, Aaron, and Theo Tschetter

*Hymn—Hark! the Herald Angels Sing—VT 247

Welcome—Matt Schloneger

Call to Worship

Leader: Sing and shout; how great is our God! The heavens praise your name; the earth proclaims your glory!

People: How beautiful are the feet on the mountain of those who bring good news.

Leader: Great is your peace, and great are your promises.

People: Your good news brings comfort to my soul. In my heart a new song cries out.

Leader: Sing hallelujah!

All: Our God reigns!

*Hymn—Oh, How Joyfully—VT 254

Hymn—Infant Holy, Infant Lowly—VT 243

Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz

*Hymn— O Come, All Ye Faithful—VT 241

Piano Solo—Mark Kreider

Scripture Readings—Isaiah 52:7-10; John 1:1-14—Adah Hodge, Barb Koontz

Meditation—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—In the Beginning—VT 270

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Angels We Have Heard on High—VT 249

*Benediction—Nathan Koontz

Postlude—Verlene Garber

* You are invited to stand

VT = Voices Together

Audio visual—Ben Lichti

Pastor—Nathan Koontz

Announcements for January 8-15, 2023

January 8, 2023 – Epiphany

Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County has returned to green status indicating low risk for COVID. You are invited to choose whether you wear a mask or social distance. Both are optional.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
January 8, 2023
Epiphany

Prelude—We three kings of orient are (arr. D. Bish); Nun ist sie erschienen (arr. S. Vincent)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Esther Kreider Eash

*Hymn—Arise, Your Light Is Come! —VT 273

Anthem—See Whose Glory Fills the Skies (arr. Evelyn Simposon-Currenton) [VT 274]—
Chancel Choir—Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading— Matthew 2:1-12—William Eash

Children’s Conversation—Judy Harder

*Hymn—On This Great Day of Days—VT 260

Sermon—Divine Incognito—Keith Harder

*Hymn—Unexpected and Mysterious—VT 229

Installation—Roger Neufeld Smith, Interim Pastor; Elizabeth Schmidt, Congregational Care Coordinator—VT 965

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Love Came Down at Christmas—VT 255

*Benediction—Keith Harder

Postlude—Praise Ye the Lord of Hosts (Saint-Saëns)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Audio visual— Ken Lamp
Pastor—Nathan Koontz

Keith Harder brings us the sermon on January 8, 2023–Epiphany Sunday
We welcome Keith Harder, retired pastor and church leader, who will bring us the sermon, on January 8.

This Week at BCMC: January 8-15, 2023
Sunday, Jan. 8 2023
9:30 am    Worship with sermon by Keith Harder
YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtu.be/SV5Uoaxy1IY
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:30 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   High School – Room 24;
Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Mosaic (Rm 20); Open Circle (Room 21); Seekers (Rm 28);
Sojourners (Chapel)
4 pm      Service of Remembrance in the Sanctuary—all are welcome
Mon., Jan. 9, 2023
9 am       Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tues., Jan. 10, 2023
12 noon Mid-Kansas Investment Club meets in Fellowship Hall
Wed., Jan. 11, 2023
7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs, Jan. 5, 2023
6:30 pm   Chancel Bell Rehearsal in Room B7
Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023-Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday
9:30 am    Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; music by
Chancel Bells

In order to recognize and mourn the loss of our loved ones from 2022, Bethel College Mennonite Church is hosting a Service of Remembrance today at 4 pm, in the BCMC sanctuary.
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/F7Rb3ZGkXjg

BCMC Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meets Monday, January 9 at 9:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

Judy and John Kliewer—SOOP Assignment
I am pleased to share with you that John and Judy Kliewer will be participating in a SOOP assignment (Service Opportunities with Our Partners) through Mennonite Mission Network. They will be serving in Tucson for the month of January, 2023. This will be John and Judy’s first SOOP assignment. For more information about SOOP, please visit our website, https://serve.mennonitemission.net/serve/Pages/SOOP.aspx. Please join us in praying for John and Judy as they prepare for this assignment and while they are gone. — Arloa Bontrager, North American Regional Co-Administrator, SOOP/Youth Venture/Short-term Opportunities, Mennonite Mission Network

During the service on January 8, we will welcome Elizabeth Schmidt, Congregational Care Coordinator. In addition to being our recent past church moderator, Elizabeth is a Bethel College graduate, has taken coursework for an MA in Theology at Illiff School of Theology, and has completed one unit of Extended Clinical Pastoral Education at Wesley Medical Center. She was also Executive Director of Harvey-Marion County Community Developmental Organization from 2007 to 2019. In this new half-time position, Elizabeth will develop ways we can support each other, coordinate visitation for those in need of care, and work at welcoming and integrating those new to our congregation and at all stages of life. Elizabeth began work on January 1.

January 1 marked the beginning of work for Roger Neufeld Smith, our new half-time Interim Pastor. He comes with 30 years of experience as pastor at Southern Hills Mennonite Church in Topeka and has recently been an interim pastor in Beatrice, Nebraska. We will welcome him officially during the worship service on January 8 with his first sermon planned for January 15, Martin Luther King, Jr Sunday. In addition to preaching about once per month, he will also work with committees and commissions and be involved with visitation in collaboration with Pastor Nathan and the Congregational Care Coordinator.

To reach Elizabeth or Pastor Roger Neufeld Smith you can use their emails:
elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
roger@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org

Thanks for your warm welcome this week as I began my ministry at Bethel College Mennonite Church. I will be returning to Topeka this afternoon, but I will be checking my BCMC email regularly while in
Topeka (roger@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org). I’m also available by voice mail or text when necessary (785-220-1968). I will be back in the BCMC office from Thursday to Sunday this coming week, January 12-15. As I settle into ministry here, I hope to establish a regular pattern of when I will be in Newton. Thanks for your patience and prayers as we work together in the kin-dom of Christ.
— Pastor Roger Neufeld Smith

Menno Ringers—All students 4th grade through 8th grade interested in ringing handbells are welcome! Rehearsals begin Jan. 11, 2023, 6:30 pm in Room B7.

Celebration of Life for Gwen Claassen
There will be a celebration of life for Gwen Claassen on Saturday, January 14, 3 p.m. at the Dyck Arboretum in Hesston, KS

Pastor Nathan Koontz will be away January 14-16, 2023.

BCMC Offering for January 1: General Fund $3,560; Caring Fund $50; Living Stones $50; Kitchen Fund $26.75; Women’s Fellowship $10.

Bethel College Announcements
· Mon., Jan. 16 – Bethel College celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, featuring Marche Fleming-Randle, “Together We Can Be the Dream,” 7 p.m., Memorial Hall
· Sun., Jan. 22 – Bethel College Music Department Honors Recital, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel, featuring freshman, sophomore and junior vocal and instrumental students who performed exceptionally during the fall 2022 semester.
· Save the date: Sat., Jan. 28 – Kauffman Museum annual Kansas Day event, “Kansans Create!,” noon-4 p.m., museum parking lot and grounds. For more information, see the Kauffman Museum Facebook page or kauffmanmuseum.org

New Hope Shelter Announcement
We greatly need to increase our volunteer base as we head into the new year and with the new building only one year away, do as much as we can to provide two volunteers each evening per shift. If you have anyone who is interested in volunteering, please let me know. My volunteer training sessions are normally planned at the end of each month based on availability and need. — Shonda M Suddeth, Shelter/Volunteer Coordinator (316) 283-7711, shonda@newhope-shelter.org Please contact Valetta Seymour if you can consider becoming a New Hope Shelter volunteer. Generally, we have people to provide meals, but evening volunteers are needed. Contact: seymour2314@gmail.com 620-217-7536

Registration is beginning for the 2023 season of Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC). Those who sang last year will find a registration form in your church mail box. We are working to recover after the pandemic. Numbers were significantly down last year. Please consider joining this year. Please contact Joe Peters for registration forms. We sing that others may live.

Roots of Justice Anti-Racism training is being held January 13-15, 2023 at the Newton Rec Center. If you would like to help support this event by bringing snacks, or helping with snack setup and cleanup, please sign up at the following link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EYyJPrblgCitrIp7Rg_8Zwsb0162YPU1NyDrePqdbug/edit?usp=sharing If you want to help but don’t want to use the link, call Margaret Toews at 316-258-8900, or email at mctoews1@gmail.com

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!

WDC’s Hope Fund assists WDC congregations and commissions in response to the impact of the COVID pandemic, natural disasters and other emergencies resulting in added expenses, stress, and loss of income. Thanks to generous contributions from WDC congregations, members and friends, 28 grants were made from 2020 to 2022, totaling over $62,000. Nearly a third of WDC congregations and the Ministerial Leadership Commission have received grants (some receiving multiple grants) to assist with needs such as rent, utility bills, facility repairs, groceries, medical costs, transportation, children’s daycare, mental health counseling and coaching. After all this good work, the Hope Fund is running low and seeks new contributions in 2023! Donations designated “Hope Fund” may be made online at https://forms.ministryforms.net/embed.aspx?formId=c50eb5b3-a9b7-4431-ba3c-bcb6744f74f1 or sent to Western District Conference at PO Box 306, North Newton, KS 67117. Thank you for sharing in this ministry of mutual encouragement within WDC. For more information and application see https://mennowdc.org/wdc-hope-fund-response-to-the-coronavirus-pandemic/

“Reimagining the Call: Finding and Forming the Leaders God is Calling”

with David Boshart, Heidi Regier Kreider, & Clarence Rempel

January 13, 2023 – 12-1:30p.m. at
Water’s Edge Restaurant, 701 S. Main St., Hesston

Is your congregation being proactive about calling people to leadership in the church? How can future leaders for your congregation and the broader church be identified and prepared?

Pastors, congregational leaders, and interested laypersons are invited to a luncheon on Friday, January 13 from noon to 1:30 pm at Water’s Edge Restaurant, 701 S. Main Street, Hesston. Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary president David Boshart will be offering perspectives on calling and nurturing leaders from within congregations, followed by a conversation with Heidi Regier Kreider (conference minister for Western District Conference) and Clarence Rempel (regional ministry coach for South Central Conference).

Lunch will be served, compliments of AMBS; RSVP by Friday, January 6 using the following link.

RSVP Here or 574.296.6210

Are you looking for a resolution for the new year? Why not add “Volunteer with Mennonite Central Committee’s SWAP” to your list?
Volunteering with SWAP gives you the opportunity to share the love of Christ in tangible ways as you work with homeowners to make their homes safe, warm and dry. Located in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky and West Virginia, SWAP volunteers grow and learn as they serve and experience Appalachian culture. For more information and to register, visit mcc.org/swap

For Mennonite Central Committee In Touch press here
For Mennonite World Conference press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp News

See The RMMC News & Stories From December

Take a look at the latest/greatest happenings here at RMMC. This information can be viewed on:

RMMC Web Page – News & Stories (under “About Us”)
RMMC Facebook Page
RMMC Instagram Page

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA will host its annual Hope for the Future conference Feb. 3-5 in Atlanta. The conference welcomes MC USA-affiliated BIPOC leaders and young adults for a time of networking and mutual edification. Register by Jan. 18. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/hope-for-the-future

Area conference ministers from Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada gathered in San Francisco in early December for renewal, training and collaborative work around a new misconduct accountability and prevention guide. mennoniteusa.org/proposed-misconduct-policies

Menno Snapshots
The topic of money is sensitive and complex. For this reason, church leaders often struggle with how to approach the topic within the church. Michael Danner, the associate executive director for Church Vitality in Mennonite Church USA, offers some insights into how to embrace regularly incorporating financial messages in the church, in his recent article in Leader magazine,” Christians and our money.” mennoniteusa.org/christians-and-our-money

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network praises God for the 40 SOOP participants who are serving this month in places like Kykotsmovi, Phoenix, and Tucson, Arizona; Gotha, Florida; Americus, Georgia; Meridian, Mississippi; Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania; and San Antonio, Texas. Pray that they will be instruments of God’s justice, peace and love.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for generous contributions to WDC as the fiscal year ends in January, to support conference ministries of equipping ministers, resourcing congregations, and networking church planting partnerships.

December 25, 2022 — January 1, 2023

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County is back to yellow status indicating medium risk for COVID. You are invited to choose whether you wear a mask or social distance. Both are optional.

December 24, 2022 – Christmas Eve Services

The early Christmas Eve service will begin at 4:30 pm in the Sanctuary.
Live Stream Link is: https://youtu.be/rotDF2spCKA

The Lessons and Carols Candlelighting service will begin at 11 pm in the Sanctuary. Live Stream Link is: https://youtu.be/tiya-KNIS7M

December 25, 2022 – Worship Service for Christmas morning will beging at 10 am. You are invited to bring snacks or Christmas goodies to share in a fellowship time after the service. Coffee/water/tea will also be available.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
Christmas Day December 25, 2022
Sing for joy: Your God reigns

Prelude— Mark Kreider

Advent Candle Lighting—Rebecca, Aaron, and Theo Tschetter

*Hymn—Hark! the Herald Angels Sing—VT 247

Welcome—Matt Schloneger

Call to Worship

Leader: Sing and shout; how great is our God! The heavens praise your name; the earth proclaims your glory!

People: How beautiful are the feet on the mountain of those who bring good news.

Leader: Great is your peace, and great are your promises.

People: Your good news brings comfort to my soul. In my heart a new song cries out.

Leader: Sing hallelujah!

All: Our God reigns!

*Hymn—Oh, How Joyfully—VT 254

Hymn—Infant Holy, Infant Lowly—VT 243

Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz

*Hymn— O Come, All Ye Faithful—VT 241

Piano Solo—Mark Kreider

Scripture Readings—Isaiah 52:7-10; John 1:1-14—Adah Hodge, Barb Koontz

Meditation—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—In the Beginning—VT 270

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Angels We Have Heard on High—VT 249

*Benediction—Nathan Koontz

Postlude—Verlene Garber

* You are invited to stand

VT = Voices Together
Audio visual—Ben Lichti
Pastor—Nathan Koontz

The worship services on Jan. 1, 2023 will begin at 10 a.m. There will be no Sunday school. The congregation is encouraged to bring snacks/Christmas goodies to share and enjoy after the service.
—Hospitality Commission

The Church office will be closed between Christmas and New Year’s day this year. The Church office and building will be closed on January 2, 2023.
New’s Year Reflection in Worship
We welcome Doug Penner to share his reflections on Micah 6:8 next Sunday on New Year’s day! As we prepare for a new year, let us be thinking about ways that we seek to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

As we are in the holiday season that brings joy with the promise of new life and love birthed into our world, there is also grief as we miss those who have passed from this world in 2022. In order to recognize and mourn the loss of our loved ones from 2022, Bethel College Mennonite Church is hosting a Service of Remembrance on January 8, 2023 at 4 pm, in the BCMC sanctuary.

Thank you to all who purchased poinsettias and made our church more festive for the Christmas season. Thanks also to the many people who have contributed to the Advent and Christmas visuals at BCMC this year! A special thanks goes to Susie and Bill Swartley for the sanctuary and entryway decorations; to Carol Peters for the outside Advent banners; to Kathy Stucky for the sanctuary poinsettias; to Matt Koontz and Josh Brubacher for hanging the Sanctuary banners each week; to Brenda Turner for the Gathering Space window decorations; and Glen Ediger for the Gathering Space nativity scene. The nativity set in this scene was donated by Rex and Connie Esau. Thank you so much for your contributions to enrich our holiday season!

Thank you to Verlene Garber who is retiring as accompanist to the Chancel Choir, a position she has filled admirably since 2014!

Welcome to Will Wiebe-Friesen who begins in January as accompanist to the Chancel Choir.

Menno Ringers—All students 4th grade through 8th grade interested in ringing handbells are welcome! Rehearsals begin Jan. 11, 2023, 6:30 pm in Room B7.

The Finance Committee thanks you for your contributions to BCMC and its ministries throughout 2022. Contributions received in today’s offering and before December 31 will also be counted for 2022 giving.

Announcements From the Board:

Welcome to Elizabeth Schmidt, Congregational Care Coordinator!
The BCMC Board is excited to welcome Elizabeth Schmidt as our Congregational Care Coordinator! In addition to being our recent past church moderator, Elizabeth is a Bethel College graduate, has taken coursework for an MA in Theology at Illiff School of Theology, and has completed one unit of Extended Clinical Pastoral Education at Wesley Medical Center. She was also Executive Director of Harvey-Marion County Community Developmental Organization from 2007 to 2019. In this new half-time position, Elizabeth will develop ways we can support each other, coordinate visitation for those in need of care, and work at welcoming and integrating those new to our congregation and at all stages of life. Elizabeth will begin work on January 1.

Preparations Underway for Roger Neufeld Smith, our Interim Pastor
January 1 will mark the beginning of work for Roger Neufeld Smith, our new half-time Interim Pastor. He comes with 30 years of experience as pastor at Southern Hills Mennonite Church in Topeka and has recently been an interim pastor in Beatrice, Nebraska. We will welcome him officially during the worship service on January 8 with his first sermon planned for January 15. In addition to preaching about once per month, he will also work with committees and commissions and be involved with visitation in collaboration with Pastor Nathan and the Congregational Care Coordinator. We are so pleased to begin our work with him!

Credence Report Task Group
The BCMC Board is constituting a small task group to oversee decisions and implementation of recommendations from the Credence and Company consultants. Their work will begin after the first of the year. If you would like to be involved with this group or a specific part of the recommendations, please feel free to contact Ada Schmidt-Tieszen, Moderator, or Brad Kohlman, Moderator-Elect. Your input is always welcome.

The Library Theme for the month of December is Advent and or Christmas.
Adult books are displayed behind the Library desk and Everybody/Junior books are displayed on the cart in the Children’s Library. Speaking of the cart, all the puzzles are currently located on the west wall of the library. So, come on in and check them out. And, we’ve received a large donation of books recently. Look for new books added to our collection in the next couple of weeks and displayed on the west wall. Happy Holiday Reading!

I’ve been asked by The Etcetera Shop to ask for some extra volunteers for the next few weeks. Several volunteers have not returned to the shop, one staff member has left and two are on emergency leave. If you could help out even for a few hours in the next few weeks, it would be very much appreciated. If you have not volunteered before, we could arrange orientation. If you have questions, call Elaine Schurr, 402-980-1809

Raylene Hinz-Penner’s book East of Liberal released December 1.
“Through elements of memoir, history, and philosophy of land use, a lover of her Mennonite farm childhood looks critically at farming’s impact on the land, comparing settler values of land ownership to those of first people who see themselves as owned by the sacred homeland.” East of Liberal is published by Cascadia Publishing House. It is available through Amazon and in the Kauffman
Museum store.

College scholarships available: Everence offers college scholarships for Everence members and their children. Eligible students receive scholarships up to $3,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year. Applications are accepted Jan. 1 through Feb. 28.Visit everence.com/scholarships for eligibility guidelines and application. Information is also available by contacting Jim Robb.

Everence Opportunities: In this season of joy, find ways to give back and support your favorite charity. Everence makes it easy. My Neighbor Card: Everence donates 1.50% of every purchase you make to the charity of your choice. Donor Advised Funds allows you to grow funds intended for charitable giving at any time. Please consider a charitable gift this holiday season.

Roots of Justice Anti-Racism training is being held January 13-15, 2023 at the Newton Rec Center. If you would like to help support this event by bringing snacks, or helping with snack setup and cleanup, please sign up at the following link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EYyJPrblgCitrIp7Rg_8Zwsb0162YPU1NyDrePqdbug/edit?usp=sharing
If you want to help but don’t want to use the link, call Margaret Toews at 316-258-8900, or email at mctoews1@gmail.com

The Bethel College campus is closed from Dec. 22-Jan. 2 (reopening with regular business hours Tuesday, Jan. 3). Reverie Coffee Shop will be open during most of that time — see “Reverie Roasters at Mojo’s” Facebook page for hours and any updates. Advancement Office staff welcome visitors on Friday, Dec. 30, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Leisy House (corner of 23rd St. and Goerz Ave. in North Newton).

Now at Kauffman Museum on the Bethel College campus: “Reeds and Wool: Patterned Screens of Central Asia,” revived from 20 years ago in memory of the late John Sommer, who collected the screens, made by nomadic Kyrgyz women, and organized the original exhibit. Regular KauffmanMuseum hours are Tues.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 1:30-4:30 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays and major holidays, so it will be closed today (Christmas Day) as well as New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. There is a small admission charge for non-members. The museum store is open during exhibit hours with no charge to visit. See kauffmanmuseum.org or the Kauffman Museum Facebook page.

Mennonite Central Committee Announcements

Project Coordinator-Burkina Faso / Voir la version française ci-dessous MCC is seeking a Project Coordinator responsible for mentoring and building capacity of local partners towards greater independence and sustainability and, alongside the MCC Burkina Faso Country Representatives, will assist in all planning, monitoring, and evaluating activities for various projects related to conservation agriculture, peace building, education, health, and emergency assistance. If you or someone you know might be interested, read more and apply by December 31, 2022 at mcc.org/burkina.

Seed Guatemala-El Salvador Coordinator (Español abajo) MCC is seeking a Seed Coordinator who will coordinate the second SEED Cohort for Guatemala and El Salvador. This position involves the planning, organization and implementation of a service, reflection and peacebuilding program with an intercultural team of young adults in the complex and enriching context of Guatemala and El Salvador. This position will be based in Guatemala and will be supervised by the MCC Representatives for Guatemala and El Salvador. If you or someone you know might be interested, read more and apply by December 31, 2022 mcc.org/guatemala.

Greetings!

I’m writing with the news that the winter issue of Intersections: MCC Theory and Practice Quarterly is available now on-line here and here. Compiled by Wade Snowdon, the issue features articles about how MCC develops young adult leaders.

As always, we welcome any feedback you have about this or other issues of Intersections! Send any thoughts, affirmations, critiques, and counsel you might have to intersections@mcc.org. Thanks for being a loyal reader!

Warm regards,
Alain Epp Weaver

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) has named John Stoner and Clara Weybright as this year’s #BringThePeace awardees. Stoner received the Legacy Peacemaker award, and Weybright received the Young Peacemaker award. The awards are sponsored by MC USA’s Church Peace Tax Fund. Read more about the awardees here: mennoniteusa.org/news/2022-bringthepeace-award

Save the date! Hope for the Future, an annual gathering of Black, Indigenous and people of color leaders from across Mennonite Church USA, will be held February 3-5, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/hopeforthefuture

#BeTransformed

Being transformed by moving across state lines while trusting in God’s plan for your life can cause one to realize that they are in fact not fully in control. Read more about Rachel Ringenberg Miller’s journey to serving as denominational minister for ministerial leadership for Mennonite Church USA: mennoniteusa.org/relinquishing-control

Stay in the know about what’s happening in Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) by subscribing to PeaceMail, MC USA’s official news source. Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here: mennoniteusa.org/peacemail

For Mennonite Creation Care Network press here

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level press here

For Mennonite Mission Network News from Around the World press here

Merry Christmas from Mennonite Church USA press here

Merry Christmas from Mennonite Mission Network press here

Merry Christmas from Mennonite Central Committee Central States press here

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!

For Mennonite World Conference press here

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network offers a blessing for each member of your congregation on this Christmas Day. May we encourage one another to follow Jesus’ example and become incarnations of God’s love and peace in our communities, today and in the coming year.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: On this Christmas Day, give thanks for the gift of Christ’s presence made tangible through the life and witness of WDC congregations.

View the worship service for December 18, 2022

The video will start with static, but will eventually be clear.

Press here for Dec. 18 video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH

Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2022

Seek God’s peace

Prelude—Addison Zerger, Brett Gaeddert, Collin Gaeddert, Lucy Burch, Lily Schloneger

Advent Candle Lighting—Coralee Shenk

Hymn—O Come, O Come, Immanuel—VT 210—Congregation sings verses 1 & 4 during processional and lighting

Candle lighting liturgy

Leader: We cry out for restoration; we call upon God to give us life.

People: Do not be afraid, says the Lord. I have promised to be with you.

Leader: As we hold fast to God’s promise, we light these candles as signs of hope, love, joy, and peace.

All: Bring your restoration to your people, we pray.

Welcome—Dianne Epp

Call to Worship

Leader: Behold! Do not be afraid; God is with us. God is our strength and our salvation!

People: Lord, we stand in your presence in faith, not fear.

Leader: God will send angels to keep watch over you, to comfort you, to keep you.

People: Lord, our strong hope is built on your unfailing love. Our hearts yield to you and trust in your transforming power.

All: Praise ye the Lord

*Hymn— Joy to the World—VT 240

Children’s Conversation—Jim Robb

Anthem—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Verlene Garber, accompanist

Scripture Readings—Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Matthew 1:18-25—

Cynthia & Dave Linscheid

Sermon—Longing and Fulfillment—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming—VT 216

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—My Soul Proclaims with Wonder—VT 222

People with December birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal

*Birthday Blessing & Benediction—Nathan Koontz

Postlude—Verlene Garber

* You are invited to stand

VT = Voices Together

Keyboard—Verlene Garber

Audio visual—Ken Lamp

Pastor—Nathan Koontz

December 18-25, 2022

December 18,2022 – Fourth Sunday of Advent

Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County is back to green status indicating low risk for COVID. You are invited to choose whether you wear a mask or social distance. Both are optional.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2022
Seek God’s peace

Prelude—Addison Zerger, Brett Gaeddert, Collin Gaeddert, Lucy Burch, Lily Schloneger

Advent Candle Lighting—Coralee Shenk

Hymn—O Come, O Come, Immanuel—VT 210—Congregation sings verses 1 & 4 during processional and lighting

Candle lighting liturgy
Leader: We cry out for restoration; we call upon God to give us life.
People: Do not be afraid, says the Lord. I have promised to be with you.
Leader: As we hold fast to God’s promise, we light these candles as signs of hope, love, joy, and peace.
All: Bring your restoration to your people, we pray.

Welcome—Dianne Epp

Call to Worship
Leader: Behold! Do not be afraid; God is with us. God is our strength and our salvation!
People: Lord, we stand in your presence in faith, not fear.
Leader: God will send angels to keep watch over you, to comfort you, to keep you.
People: Lord, our strong hope is built on your unfailing love. Our hearts yield to you and trust in your transforming power.
All: Praise ye the Lord

*Hymn— Joy to the World—VT 240

Children’s Conversation—Jim Robb

Anthem—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Verlene Garber, accompanist

Scripture Readings—Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Matthew 1:18-25—
Cynthia & Dave Linscheid

Sermon—Longing and Fulfillment—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming—VT 216

Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—My Soul Proclaims with Wonder—VT 222
People with December birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal

*Birthday Blessing & Benediction—Nathan Koontz

Postlude—Verlene Garber

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Keyboard—Verlene Garber
Audio visual—Ken Lamp
Pastor—Nathan Koontz

This Week at BCMC: December 18—December 25, 2022
Sun., Dec. 18—Fourth Sunday of Advent
9:15 am   Prelude by Addison Zerger, Brett Gaeddert, Collin Gaeddert,
Lucy Burch, Lily Schloneger
9:30 am   Sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by the Chancel Choir
10:15 am Coffee/Tea/Water/Fellowship in the Gathering Place
10:30 am     Faith Formation—Intergenerational class of pre-school through high school meets in Fellowship Hall — Adult Classes: Agape Class (Nursery); Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Mosaic (Rm 20); Open Circle (Room 21); Seekers (Rm 28); Sojourners (Chapel)

Tues., Dec. 20
11 am        Memorial for Paul H. Harder in the sanctuary
6:30 pm    Suzuki Performance in the sanctuary
7 pm          Women’s Fellowship meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., Dec. 21
7:30 pm   Chancel Choir practice in the sanctuary
Fri., Dec. 23—Christmas Eve Program Practice
5 pm         Soup in Fellowship Hall for those practicing for the Children’s
Christmas Eve Program followed by practice
5:45 pm (approximately)   Practice for the Christmas Eve Program
Sat., Dec. 24—Christmas Eve
4:30 pm    Children’s Christmas Eve Program in the Sanctuary
11 pm       Lessons and Carols and Candle-Lighting Service in the Sanctuary
Sun., Dec. 25—Merry Christmas!
10 am        Worship Service in the sanctuary—No Sunday school

BCMC Women’s Fellowship meets December 20 at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The South East door will be open. The meditation, ‘You are not alone’ will be followed with a decorating demonstration by Brenda. Hands on participation will follow. All BCMC women are invited to attend and if you can’t attend please
consider supporting the agreed upon ministries. Contributions may be left in
Lois Goertzen’s mailbox.

For your calendar:
There will be two services on Christmas Eve, December 24.
· 4:30 pm The Children’s Christmas Eve Service in the Sanctuary
· 11 pm Lessons and Carols and Candle-Lighting Service in the Sanctuary
· There will be a Service of Remembrance at 4 pm on January 8, 2023 to remember BCMC members and friends who died during 2022.
· The Church office will be closed between Christmas and New Year’s day this year. The Church office and building will be closed on January 2, 2023.

The Witness Commission has selected The Salvation Army as our Advent
project. We are collecting non perishable food items for the pantry and monetary donations. A table will be set up in The Gathering Place for food donations. A recent article in Newton Now showed the shelves empty in the food pantry.

The worship services on Dec. 25, 2022 and Jan. 1, 2023 will begin at 10 a.m. There will be no Sunday school on these two Sundays. The congregation is encouraged to bring snacks/Christmas goodies on both Sundays to share and enjoy after the services. —Hospitality Commission

BCMC Offering for December 11: General $12,552.66; Gen Fund 2023 $350;
Caring Fund $500; Living Stones $5; Flower Fund $50; Kitchen Fund $13.

The memorial service for Paul Harder will be Tuesday, December 20, 11 a.m. in the BCMC Sanctuary. Burial and meal will follow. It will also be live-streamed. The YouTube Live-Stream Link is: https://youtu.be/mVE9Ony5qSo

Announcements From the Board:

Welcome to Elizabeth Schmidt, Congregational Care Coordinator!
The BCMC Board is excited to welcome Elizabeth Schmidt as our Congregational Care Coordinator! In addition to being our recent past church moderator, Elizabeth is a Bethel College graduate, has taken coursework for an MA in Theology at Illiff School of Theology, and has completed one unit of Extended Clinical Pastoral Education at Wesley Medical Center. She was also Executive Director of Harvey-Marion County Community Developmental Organization from 2007 to 2019. In this new half-time position, Elizabeth will develop ways we can support each other, coordinate visitation for those in need of care, and work at welcoming and integrating those new to our congregation and at all stages of life. Elizabeth will begin work on January 1.

Preparations Underway for Roger Neufeld Smith, our Interim Pastor
January 1 will mark the beginning of work for Roger Neufeld Smith, our new half-time Interim Pastor. He comes with 30 years of experience as pastor at Southern Hills Mennonite Church in Topeka and has recently been an interim pastor in Beatrice, Nebraska. We will welcome him officially during the worship service on January 8 with his first sermon planned for January 15. In addition to preaching about once per month, he will also work with committees and commissions and be involved with visitation in collaboration with Pastor Nathan and the Congregational Care Coordinator. We are so pleased to begin our work with him!

Custodial Position: Thanks to Mike Crawford
We are very grateful to Mike Crawford for his approximate ten years of work as our custodian and his care for our facility as well as help with set-up for numerous events in our church. His behind-the-scenes work has been so valuable in keeping our building clean and ready for worship and many other activities. Mike has resigned with his last day of work on December 16. The Facilities Committee has plans for temporary replacement while a more permanent replacement is sought.

Credence Report Task Group
The BCMC Board is constituting a small task group to oversee decisions and implementation of recommendations from the Credence and Company consultants. Their work will begin after the first of the year. If you would like to be involved with this group or a specific part of the recommendations, please feel free to contact Ada Schmidt-Tieszen, Moderator, or Brad Kohlman, Moderator-Elect. Your input is always welcome.

I’ve been asked by The Etcetera Shop to ask for some extra volunteers for the next few weeks. Several volunteers have not returned to the shop and they have had one staff member leave and two are on emergency leave. If you could help out even for a few hours in the next few weeks, it would be very much appreciated. If you have not volunteered before, we could arrange orientation. If you have any questions, please call Elaine Schurr, 402-980-1809

Roots of Justice Anti-Racism training is being held January 13-15, 2023 at the Newton Rec Center. If you would like to help support this event by bringing snacks, or helping with snack setup and cleanup, please sign up at the following link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EYyJPrblgCitrIp7Rg_8Zwsb0162YPU1NyDrePqdbug/edit?usp=sharing
If you want to help but don’t want to use the link, call Margaret Toews at 316-258-8900, or email at mctoews1@gmail.com

Bethel College Announcements
· Now at Kauffman Museum: “Reeds and Wool: Patterned Screens of Central Asia,” revived from 20 years ago in memory of the late John Sommer, who collected the screens, made by nomadic Kyrgyz women, and organized the original exhibit. Regular Kauffman Museum hours are Tues.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 1:30-4:30 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays and major holidays, so it will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. There is a small admission charge for non-members. The Museum Store is open during exhibit hours and is Harvey County’s only source for Ten Thousand Villages fair-trade gifts, as well as a selection of books, puzzles, cards and many local gift and craft items. See kauffmanmuseum.org or the Kauffman Museum Facebook page.

Mennonite Central Committee Christmas Giving! Give gifts of comfort and joy and help meet the basic needs of our global neighbors this Christmas. Choose from unique gifts such as goats, bees, backpacks and more. Give at mcc.org/delight, call 888.563.4676 or visit the MCC Central States office in North Newton, KS at 121 E. 30th Street. With each gift you can get a card and insert explaining the project. These gifts (from $10-$4,000) make wonderful hostess/teacher gifts, stocking stuffers and are ideal for those on your Christmas list that are hard to shop for!

College scholarships available: Everence offers college scholarships for Everence members and their children. Eligible students receive scholarships up to $3,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year. Applications are accepted Jan. 1 through Feb. 28.Visit everence.com/scholarships for eligibility guidelines and application. Information is also available by contacting Jim Robb.

Everence Opportunities: In this season of joy, find ways to give back and support your favorite charity. Everence makes it easy. My Neighbor Card: Everence donates 1.50% of every purchase you make to the charity of your choice. Donor Advised Funds allows you to grow funds intended for charitable giving at any time. Please consider a charitable gift this holiday season.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!

Dear Bethel College Mennonite,

Since February, over 14 million Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes and seek safety in areas within and outside Ukraine. At the same time, an ongoing humanitarian crisis has resulted in millions of Venezuelans leaving their home in pursuit of a safer future. For the first time in decades, the United States government has opened an avenue to allow private citizens and residents of the U.S. to respond to these crises by offering refuge to Venezuelans and Ukrainians through sponsorship.

Register for the webinar on welcoming Ukrainians and Venezuelans.

On Tuesday, December 20 at 2:00 PM EST, join MCC and Church World Service to learn more from Dr. Katie Randall about these sponsorship programs, how they work, and how you can receive support as you welcome. Dr. Randall oversees the Church World Service Sponsor Group program for Venezuelans and Ukrainians. She provides training and technical assistance to sponsorship groups across the country as they welcome Ukrainian and Venezuelan newcomers.

If you would like to learn more about these programs or are already welcoming Ukrainians and Venezuelans and have questions, we encourage you to join us!

Register for the webinar on welcoming Ukrainians and Venezuelans.

Peace,

Charity Stowell
Newcomer Connections Coordinator
MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Let your face shine on us, Immanuel, and restore us. Camp Mennoscah sends everyone Christmas greetings on this last week of Advent (Dec. 18). We have been blessed by your generosity of prayers, visits, volunteering and donations this year. Thank you for being part of the Camp Mennoscah community.

Other events and happenings:

Help us Plan for the Future! A seven-question survey will help us know how camp is used and what you would like to see in the future. Click here to tell us what you think!
Year-end donations must be received or postmarked by December 31st to count as 2022 donations. Online donations make it easier for those last minute gifts. Each gift helps Camp Mennoscah encourage campers and guests to follow Jesus Christ and seek God’s peace.
Interviews for Summer Staff Starting Soon!We are seeking stunning summer staff to fill the following leadership positions for the 2023 summer: crafts, lifeguard, music, nature, office, and grounds. These positions are typically filled by college-age students, are summer-long and receive a stipend. Let us know who you think would make a great summer staffer at Camp Mennoscah. It’s a summer of fun, service and faith formation!
Do you have a hankering for a giant bonfire? Camp Mennoscah has several burn piles and tall grass areas that need to be burned.This takes several people, a full day and cooperating weather. Burning hasn’t been done for a few years and we’d like to have the piles and tall grass done for safety reasons. Call 620-297-3290 or email office@campmennoscah.org to volunteer.
Camps that run from Sunday to Saturday will now end on Friday. This is only a change for Junior and Junior High Camps. It will not affect First Camp, PreJunior, or Senior High Camps. Weekend groups will not be affected. For several weeks, the Programming Committee requested thoughts and comments on ending a full-week camp on Friday instead of Saturday. While responses were both for and against a switch to a Friday checkout, responses weighed more heavily to the positive. There are benefits to both campers and staff when staff is better rested. Groups and families will also have additional opportunities to spend time at camp with the change. The checkout time on the last day of Junior/Junior High camps will move to 10:30-11:30am (previously 9-10am) to allow for a more relaxed checkout.

For Mennonite World Conference press here

For Mennonite Mission Network press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

Merry Christmas from MC USA press here

The Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) Executive Board has nominated Marty Lehman of Goshen, Indiana, as moderator-elect for the Delegate Assembly cycle beginning July 2023. Lehman is a former associate executive director for Churchwide Operations for MC USA and has a deep affiliation with and affection for the denomination. Read more about her here: mennoniteusa.org/marty-lehman-moderator-elect

Representatives of Mennonite Church USA’s Constituency Leaders Council spoke about the joys they are experiencing, the challenges they are facing and their hopes for the future at their recent meeting on Oct. 21-22, 2022, via Zoom. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/clc-meets-22

#MennoCon23
MennoCon23, Mennonite Church USA’s largest faith formation gathering, will be held July 3-8, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. There will be programming for all ages, including a one-day Climate Summit for youth and young adults. See the tentative block schedule here: mennoniteusa.org/meenocon23-schedule

Menno Snapshots

The new documentary “A Creative God: The Visual Arts in Worship” was of great interest to Katie Graber, chair of the Intercultural Worship committee for the Voices Together project. She had an opportunity to interview Jerry Holsopple, professor of visual and communication arts at Eastern Mennonite University, about his involvement with the documentary project. Read the interview here: mennoniteusa.org/interview-jerry-holsopple

Learn, Pray, Join: Mass Incarceration

Prison and theater do not seem like two words that should go well together, but John McCabe-Juhnke, professor emeritus of communication arts at Bethel College, North Newton, Kansas, found a creative way to connect the two ideas. His venture, through Bethel College and Lansing (Kansas) Correctional Facility, provided him with the opportunity to develop a prison theater program. Read more about his experience here: mennoniteusa.org/inside-stories

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Matthew and Toni Krabill, who are serving with Mennonite Mission Network, engage in ministries of relationship building and teaching in French-speaking countries around the world, through in-person and online classes, conferences, and seminars, from their base at the Paris (France) Mennonite Center. Pray for them as they encourage communication and understanding between Christians and Muslims.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: In this Advent season, give thanks for God’s gifts of creativity and joy celebrated in the diverse cultural and ethnic traditions of congregations across WDC.