Author Archives: Monica Lichti

Announcements for November 6-13, 2022

November 6, 2022

Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County is 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’s worship service: https://youtu.be/jvi2G_K4DeE

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 6, 2022
Stewardship Sunday

Prelude—O God, Thou Faithful God (Peeters) and Trumpet in Dialogue (Clerambault)—
Verlene Garber, organ

Christ Candle Lighting—Heather Zerger

Welcome and Prayer
Land Acknowledgement

*Hymn—Let Us Build a House–VT 36

Children’s Conversation—Kathy Stucky

Kin-dom Report—LaVern Stucky

Choral Music—We Walk by Faith— (M arty Haugen)—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Verlene Garber, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Mark 12:41-44; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; 1Peter 4:7-11—Doug Penner

Sermon—“Faithful Giving”—Todd Schlosser

*Hymn—God, Whose Giving—VT 745

Prayers of God’s People—Heather Zerger

*Hymn—Here I Am, Lord—VT 545

Benediction—Todd Schlosser

Choral Benediction—God be in My Head (John Rutter)—Chancel Choir

Postlude—Hornpipe (Handel)—Verlene Garber

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together

Audio visual—Ken Lamp
Pastors— Nathan Koontz, Todd Schlosser

This Week at BCMC: November 6—November 13, 2022
Sunday, November 6—Stewardship Sunday
9:30 am         Worship Service with sermon by Todd Schlosser; music by      Chancel Choir; Kin-dom report by Lavern Stucky, Finance Committee chair
10:30-11:30 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)

Sunday, November 6 “Can We Sing the Darkness to Light?”: Bethel Sings, a concert featuring all Bethel College vocal groups, Henry Waters, director, 3 p.m., at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Free and open to the public.

Monday, November 7
9 am         Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meets in Fellowship Hall
7 pm         Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, November 8
9 to 11 am   Community Playschool
12 pm           Mid-Kansas Investment Club meets in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, November 9
9 to 11 am    Community Playschool
6 pm    Wednesday Supper serving line starts at 6-6:15 pm and a    welcome and blessing will be at 6:20 pm.
7:00 pm          Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm          Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thursday, November 10
9 to 11 am     Community Playschool
6:30 pm         Chancel Bells rehearsal in room B7
Friday, November 11
9 to 11 am     Community Playschool
Sunday, November 13
9:30 am          Worship with sermon by Dr. Katie Graber
As part of the Joining Voices Together Worship and Arts Symposium on Nov. 12 at Bethel College, BCMC will be hosting on of the lecturers, Dr. Katie Graber for our Sunday morning worship. She will be leading a tour of Voices Together through hymn sing and reflections. Please plan to attend this music-filled worship service as we raise our voices together!
10:30 am             Faith Formation

The Women’s Fellowship Executive Board will meet Monday morning November 7 at 9:00 am in Fellowship Hall.

Thank you to those who have already contributed to the Meat Canning 2022 fund. The meat canning is ongoing and you are still welcome to contribute to this important MCC project. Write a check to BCMC with “Meat Canning” in the memo line. You may use the envelope placed in your mailbox if you wish to. Thank you.
– Hugo Boschmann

We offer sympathy to Boots and Merrill Raber on the death of Boots’ sister, Lelia Schlabaugh, October 26, at the age of 96 years, in Phoenix, Arizona.

BCMC Offerings: October 16 General Fund $10,248.67; Wed. Supper $751; MCC Meat Canning $610; Library Reserve Fund $5; Living Stones $38.33 Kitchen Fund $12; Screen Project $50
October 23 General Fund $6,342; Wed. Supper $293; MCC Meat Canning $1,025; Library Reserve Fund $10; Living Stones $55; Kitchen Fund $15
October 30 General Fund $5,676.01; Community Play School $1,000; Wed. Supper $413.50; MCC Meat Canning $1,765; Caring Fund $200; Library Reserve Fund $10; Living Stones $55; Kitchen Fund $12.80; Women’s Fellowship $253; Keith Sprunger Memorial $1,000; James Yoder Memorial $175.

Nov. 10 Life Enrichment: Place and time: Krehbiel Auditorium, 9:30 am.
9:30 a.m. “He saw… She saw… – Travel photography from two different perspectives, Mars vs. Venus,” Paul and Gail Bowen
10:15 a.m. Coffee break
10:35 a.m. “Wildlife and Wild Weather in Kansas,” Eldon Clark, photographer
11:30 a.m. “How Has Music Enriched Our Lives?,” the Brain Flowers (Kenna Graber, flute, Rebecca Schloneger, violin, and Seth Girton, cello)

Bethel College Announcements

Tues., Nov. 8 – Bethel College Organ Recital Series presents Tyler Boehmer, Bethany College, performing works by J.S. Bach, Max Reger, Petr Eben and Johann Kaspar Kerll, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel

Sat., Nov. 12 – The public is invited to a Community Evensong service, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall on the Bethel College campus, the conclusion of the Worship and the Arts Symposium. The service will consist entirely of congregational singing from the Voices Together hymnal, arranged around the 12 artworks found in the hymnal. Please bring your copy of Voices Together if you have one; there will be copies to borrow or to buy at the service. (For more information on the symposium, see https://www.bethelks.edu/academics/convocation-lectures/worship-arts-symposium)

Sun., Nov. 13 – KIPCOR Film Series presents John Lewis – Get in the Way, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. This film by Kathleen Dowdey tells the story of the late congressman and civil rights icon. Free and open to the public, with a freewill offering taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.

Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Hidden Conversations through Portraiture,” paintings by Julia Olson, through Fri., Nov. 18. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.

Voices of Conscience: Peace Witness in the Great War, a traveling exhibit developed and toured by Kauffman Museum at Bethel College, is on display at the McPherson Museum and Arts Foundation, 1111 E. Kansas Ave. in McPherson, through Nov. 19. This exhibit lifts up the prophetic insights and the personal courage of peace protesters during World War I and suggests parallels to the culture of war and violence in our world today. Museum hours are Mon.- Sat., 1-5 p.m., and admission is free. For more information, visit VoicesOfConscienceExhibit.org

Have you registered for “Joining Voices Together”? Bethel College’s Worship and the Arts Symposium, Sat., Nov. 12, on campus, features resource people Bradley Kauffman, Rachel Epp Buller, Katie Graber, SaeJin Lee, Cynthia Neufeld Smith, Adam Tice and Isaac Villegas. Register at www.bethelks.edu/worship-arts-registration-2022; discount for 3 or more people from the same congregation. Inform the church office if you would like to attend this symposium.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

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 either.

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.

Share your thoughts on this change here. We’d like to hear from you.

Other events and happenings:
Camp Mennoscah is recruiting for summer staff at Mennonite colleges in November! We’ll have a booth at Goshen on Nov. 4, and Hesston, Tabor, and Bethel on November 7, 8, and 9, respectively. Stop by in the morning and say howdy. Booths are located in the Connector (Goshen), the Larks Nest (Hesston) and by the cafeteria (Tabor and Bethel). Summer staff applications will be available when recruiting starts. Check out the attached poster. See you there!

On Saturday, November 12, we will be playing in the dirt at Camp Mennoscah! It’s the last step (we think) in finishing up the newly renovated amphitheater. Dirt needs to be moved by hand between the rows of limestone seating. We’ll start at 9am and work until the last tablespoon of dirt is in place. Stay for as long as you are able. Bring your water bottle, weather appropriate gear and we’ll provide a lunch. (Call us at 620-297-3290 and let us know of any dietary considerations.)
What additional programming (events, camps, retreats, etc.) would you like to see at camp?We want to know what you’d like find on Camp Mennoscah’s schedule. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290 to let us know what variation of a camp, retreat or stunning event would be exciting to discover at camp.
There are a great many things for volunteers to do–come be one! Any of the following are great options for groups of one or more: cleaning after groups, cutting firewood, weekend hosting, being a committee member, mowing or other maintenance/grounds tasks, making a meal for a volunteer group, or recruiting people to volunteer at camp. These are just some of the possibilities! Call us at 620-297-3290 for more information.
Don’t miss out on festive celebrations at Camp Mennoscah! Holidays are “blacked out” two weeks before the holiday, if no one has made a reservation. Contact us to inquire about available holiday dates!

Mennonite Central Committee Announcements
MCC Material Resources Center in North Newton critically low on inventory: An MCC kit cannot be shipped until every single item for the kit is assembled, but some supplies are so low that kits cannot be processed for shipping. You can help by helping to fill the following needs: New infant onesies and sleepers (3-12 month sizes); shampoo (20 oz or more), thin sanitary pads (28 count minimum) and dark colored bath and hand towels. Buy online and ship it to MCC or bring item to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30^th 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 can be found at mcc.org/kits.

Free resource: Learning about generosity with MCC! Make talking about generosity with your children easy by using this free resource. The printable worksheets help kids explore the basics of generosity at an elementary school level. The resource contains downloadable worksheets, activity ideas, a story about how generosity makes a difference, make-your-own bookmark craft and alternative Christmas gift ideas. Click here to sign up: MCC generosity resource.

MCC is seeking a Constituency Engagement Manager: This new role is designed to help the MCC’s in the U.S. plan and implement a cohesive engagement strategy for specific priority audiences including alumni, churches, congregations of color, plain communities and young adults. With a focus on convening and strategizing, this person will be part of the Communications and Donor Relations network and will work in close collaboration with other departments and regional MCC’s. This full-time position will preferably be located in Akron, Pa., but location is flexible within any MCC office in the U.S. Apply online for this opening by November 18 at mcc.org/constituency-engagement-manager. For more information contact Amber Falcón at 574-534-4133 or AmberFalcon@mcc.org.

Everence and MCC to host hygiene kit-making event on Nov. 29
You can help make the world a better place by joining Everence^® and MCC to assemble hygiene kits on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The kits will be distributed through worldwide relief organizations to places like crowded refugee camps where unclean conditions can lead to the spread of serious diseases. The event will take place at Hesston Mennonite Church Community Center.
You can also help by donating supplies to MCC or your Everence office in North Newton or by making a financial contribution to MCC. For more details, contact MCC at 316-283-2720 or Everence at 316-283-3800.

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 Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Mennonite Disaster Service Volunteer Updates

Greetings Bethel College Mennonite Church,

There are still ways to make a difference in the lives of disaster survivors before the end of the year! MDS has several volunteer opportunities at this time including early response work in Southwest FL and Nova Scotia, repairs in Eastern KY, and long-term rebuilding and repairs in locations such as Paradise, CA and McAllen, TX.

MDS Canada is currently organizing a response in Nova Scotia following Hurricane Fiona. For more information on volunteer opportunities please contact the MDS Canada Office at 204-261-1274 or by emailing cflores@mds.org.

Hurricane Fiona Response

For the months of October – December 2022, MDS is offering financial travel assistance for anyone who serves for a week or more in McAllen, TX. Contact dfrey@mds.org (US) or cflores@mds.org (CA) for more information.

Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

McAllen, TX – 2018 Storms
Nov 6-12; up to 8 people
Nov 13-19; up to 8 people
Nov 20-26; up to 12 people

Southwest FL ERT – 2022 Hurricane Ian
Nov 6-12; up to 8 people

Eastern KY – 2022 Flooding
Nov 27-Dec 3; up to 5 people
Dec 4-10; up to 10 people
Dec 11-17; up to 10 people

Paradise, CA – 2018 Camp Fire
Nov 20-26; up to 12 people
Nov 27-Dec 3; up to 3 people
Feb 5-11; up to 4 people
Mar 19-25; up to 12 people
Mar 26-Apr 1; up to 12 people

Bastrop, TX – 2022 Tornadoes
Jan 22-28; up to 1 person
Jan 29-Feb 4; up to 3 people
Feb 5-11; up to 3 people
Feb 19-25; up to 2 people
Mar 12-18; up to 2 people

Crisfield, MD – 2021 Flooding
Jan 15-21; up to 3 people
Feb 5-11; up to 3 people
Feb 12-18; up to 3 people
Feb 26-Mar 4; up to 5 people
Mar 19-25; up to 15 people
Mar 26-Apr 1; up to 15 people

Dawson Springs, KY – 2021 Tornado
Jan 8-14; up to 4 people

Jennings, LA – 2020 Hurricanes
Feb 12-18; up to 3 people
Mar 19-25; up to 6 people

For more information or to serve, please contact:
Canadian projects: Clara Flores at 866-261-1274 or email cflores@mds.org.

U.S. projects: Deanna Frey at 800-241-8111 or email dfrey@mds.org View Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

Leadership Volunteer Opportunities

Eastern KY – 2022 Flooding
Two Crew Leaders, Nov 5-19
Crew Leader, Nov 26-Dec 17
Two Crew Leaders, Jan 4-Mar 4
Crew Leader, Mar 4-Apr 1
Office Manager, Mar 1-Apr 1

Crisfield, MD – 2021 Flooding
Project Director, Nov 5-Dec 17
Three Crew Leaders, Jan 4-Feb 4
Office Manager, Feb 4-Mar 4
Three Crew Leaders, Mar 4-Apr 1

Jennings, LA – 2020 Hurricanes
Two Crew Leaders, Nov 5-Dec 3
Crew Leader, Dec 3-17
Crew Leader, Feb 4-Mar 4
Assistant Cook, Feb 4-Mar 4
Crew Leader, Feb 4-Apr 1
Assistant Cook, Feb 4-Apr 1

Paradise, CA – 2018 Camp Fire
Crew Leader, Nov 5-Dec 17
Construction Supervisor, Nov 23-Dec 17
Two Crew Leaders, Jan 4-Apr 1
Construction Supervisor, Jan 4-Apr 1

McAllen, TX – 2018 Storms
Crew Leader, Nov 26-Dec 3

Dawson Springs, KY – 2021 Tornado
Crew Leader, Jan 4-21
Crew Leader, Feb 4-Mar 4

Bastrop, TX – 2022 Tornadoes
Office Manager, Mar 1-Apr 1

For more information or to serve, please contact:
Canadian residents: Kelsey Friesen at 866-261-1274 or email kfriesen@mds.org

U.S. residents: Josh Carson at 800-241-8111 or email jcarson@mds.org View Leadership Volunteer Opportunities

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

Glen Guyton, executive director of Mennonite Church USA, is one of 33 leaders of churches and faith-based organizations who signed a letter to President Joe Biden, in support of his recent efforts to pursue negotiations on nuclear arms control. Read the full letter here: mennoniteusa.org/news/nuclear-arms-control

The denominational Advent at Home worship guide will soon be available. The guide is designed for families and people of all ages, offering weekly Scriptures, background information, prayers, activities and rituals around this year’s theme from Leader magazine, “Restoration is Near.” Look for it here: mennoniteusa.org/adventathome

Mennonite Church USA’s Women in Leadership Steering Committee wrote a statement in response to the recent Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. Read their statement here: mennoniteusa.org/wil-statement-roe-wade

Learn, Pray, Join: Mass Incarceration
As one of the original writers of the “For Justice in the U.S. Criminal Justice Legal System” resolution, Eli Reimer discusses a class that they participated in Goshen College, called “Inside-Out.” Reimer’s blog is part of Mennonite Church USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: Mass Incarceration” initiative: mennoniteusa.org/friends-on-inside

Menno Snapshots
Beryl Jantzi, Everence director of stewardship education, discusses his take on financial policies and practices through the example of the late theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. For Bonhoeffer, dying to self and the idols of culture was a daily practice of discipleship. Read more about his teachings here: mennoniteusa.org/bonhoeffer-discipleship-money

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Josia Kaemper, Anna Millsap and unit leader Rachel Musselman make up Mennonite Mission Network’s Service Adventure unit in Jackson, Mississippi. Pray for them as they participate in the ministries of Open Door Mennonite Church, by working with people experiencing homelessness and an after-school program.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregations and members participating in the Worship and the Arts Symposium at Bethel College next weekend, as they share in singing and worship together using resources in the MC USA Hymnal, Voices Together.

Worship Service for October 30, 2022

Press here for the Oct. 30 service

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 30, 2022

Prelude— Partita on Puer Nobis Nascitur (Raymond H. Haan)—Karen Schlabaugh, organ

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Bill Swartley

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

Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz

*Hymn—O Worship Our God—VT 129

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 1:10-18; Luke 19:1-10—Mary Ann Boschmann

Sermon—Salvation has come to this house—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Beloved, God’s Chosen—VT 164

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—I Come with Joy—VT 478

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

*Birthday Blessing & Benediction—Nathan Koontz

Postlude—Praise the Almighty, My Soul, Adore Him (Jan Bender)—Karen Schlabaugh

* You are invited to stand

VT = Voices Together

Audio visual—John Thiesen

Pastors—Nathan Koontz, Todd Schlosser

Announcements for October 30 to November 6, 2022

Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County is in 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
October 30, 2022

Prelude— Partita on Puer Nobis Nascitur (Raymond H. Haan)—Karen Schlabaugh, organ

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Bill Swartley

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

Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz

*Hymn—O Worship Our God—VT 129

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 1:10-18; Luke 19:1-10—Mary Ann Boschmann

Sermon—Salvation has come to this house—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Beloved, God’s Chosen—VT 164

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—I Come with Joy—VT 478
People with October birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal

*Birthday Blessing & Benediction—Nathan Koontz

Postlude—Praise the Almighty, My Soul, Adore Him (Jan Bender)—Karen Schlabaugh

* You are invited to stand

VT = Voices Together

Audio visual—John Thiesen
Pastors—Nathan Koontz, Todd Schlosser

This Week at BCMC: October 30—November 6, 2022

Sunday, October 30
9:30 am         Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz
10:15 am       Fellowship Time in the Gathering Place
10:30-11:30 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)
YouTube link for today’s worship service:  https://youtu.be/_JwdlgUK9w8

5:30 pm         Meal and discussion hosted by BCMC Task Group
                        for Decolonization

Come to eat, share and learn! Many BCMC members attended the Loss of Turtle Island exercise this past Sunday in Memorial Hall. However, even if you didn’t attend, please come to today’s event. Sunday at 5:30 in Fellowship Hall, a BCMC task group is hosting a sampling of foods similar to ones eaten by many Indigenous peoples. We will continue the discussion from last Sunday’s event and ask ourselves what we learned and how our church can move forward. No reservation is needed. BCMC Task Group for Decolonization

Monday, October 31
10 am              Library Committee meets in library
Wednesday, November 2
6 pm               Wednesday Supper serving line starts at 6-6:15 pm and a                welcome and blessing will be at 6:20 pm.
6:30—7:30 pm   Wednesday Night Club
7:00 pm          Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm          Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thursday, November 3
9 to 11 am     Community Playschool
6:30 pm         Chancel Bells rehearsal in room B7
7 pm               Church Board meets in Room 14
Friday, November 4
9 to 11 am     Community Playschool
5 pm               Dinner event in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, November 6—Stewardship Sunday
9:30 am         Worship Service with sermon by Todd Schlosser; music by Chancel Choir; Kin-dom report by Lavern Stucky, Finance Committee chair

Staff Absences: Todd Schlosser is on vacation on October 29-30.
Mike Crawford will be on vacation November 2-6.

Wednesday Evening Meal at BCMC! Nov. 2, 6 pm, in Fellowship Hall. Serving line starts at 6-6:15 pm and a welcome and blessing will be at 6:20 pm. For reservations for supper, complete this form and place in the offering or email the office. Cost is $6/person or $18/family per meal. Please bring your own table service. Menu for Nov. 2 is Jambalaya, Tropical fruit, Pudding dessert bar. RSVP here: office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org

November 13: As part of the Joining Voices Together Worship and Arts Symposium on Nov. 12 at Bethel College, BCMC will be hosting on of the lecturers, Dr. Katie Graber for our Sunday morning worship. She will be leading a tour of Voices Together through hymn sing and reflections. Please plan to attend this music-filled worship service as we raise our voices together!

Much Gratitude!
Thank you so much to Bill Swartley and members of the Public Address System Committee (Ken Lamp, Ben Lichti, John Thiesen, and Francis Toews) for their many hours of competent work in overseeing the installation of our new screen and for much problem-solving and practice with our system for communicating with the Credence and Company team of consultants on October 16. You are appreciated!

We offer sympathy to Marci Andres and her mother Reitha Klaassen and their family on the death of Marci’s husband, Steven Andres October 24, 2022. Please keep Reitha, Marci, and all the family in your prayers as they grieve their loss.

Congratulations to Kate Seymour and Todd Lawrence, Nashville, TN, on the birth of Jack Warren Seymour, October 8 2022. Also congratulations to Jack’s sister Ruth and Grandmother Valetta Semour!

Have you registered for “Joining Voices Together”? Bethel College’s Worship and the Arts Symposium, Sat., Nov. 12, on campus, features resource people Bradley Kauffman, Rachel Epp Buller, Katie Graber, SaeJin Lee, Cynthia Neufeld Smith, Adam Tice and Isaac Villegas. Register at www.bethelks.edu/worship-arts-registration-2022; discount for 3 or more people from the same congregation. Inform the church office if you would like to attend this symposium.

The Library Theme for October/November is Selected Biographies. The Library Committee chose biographies that we thought you would find interesting in both the adult and children/youth sections. As always, the adult highlighted books are shelved in back of the library desk while the Everybody/Youth books are shelved on the south wall of the children/youth room. Please come in and check these out or to see what new to you puzzles are available for a donation on the west wall of the check out room or on the cart outside of the library. Happy Reading!

Do Justice, Love Mercy: Fundraising Opportunity for Peace Connections and Circle of Hope
BCMC supports the local agency Peace Connections and Circle of Hope, their relationship-based initiative that seeks to improve the financial health of community members with fewer resources. You can support this program financially by attending the annual “Celebrity Server” meal at Waters Edge in Hesston on Saturday, November 5, between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. The three-course meal is $25, but all tips will go to the Circle of Hope program. Although not a “celebrity”, Ada Schmidt-Tieszen from our congregation has agreed to be a Celebrity Server for the evening. See menu and details and make reservations by October 31 by calling 316 284-0000, emailing info@peaceconnections.org or going to the following link: https://www.peaceconnections.org/events

Fundraiser for New Hope Shelter

The Kiko’s Mexican Restaurant 1728 North Main Newton, KS is holding a Fundraiser for the New Hope Shelter of Newton, KS. The Fundraiser will take place on Saturday and Sunday October 29 and 30 from 11AM to 7PM. Kiko’s is giving 100% of its sales from those two days to the Shelter. In addition if you bring an item off the Shelter’s Needs list on their Facebook page, you will receive a 10% discount on your total order.

Kiko’s has a full menu of authentic Mexican Food. You can eat in, drive through, or pick-up. Please call 316-847-1957.

Ted and Co. Appearances

Drama starring Ted Swartz and Michelle Milne, We Own This Now

Showing 4 times

Sat., Oct. 29, 7:00, at Theatre Lawence, Lawence, Ks.

Wed., Nov. 2, 7:00, at Tabor College, Hillsboro, Ks.

Thurs., Nov. 3, 7:00, at McPherson Church of the Brethren, McPherson, Ks.

Sat., Nov. 5, 3:00, at Hope Mennonite Church, Wichita, Ks..

“Chris has farmed the land his grandmother found as a home in Kansas after fleeing Russia almost 100 years ago; his daughter Riley is learning more about who was on that land before her Oma arrived, and the jarring connections she has to the fate of those people. Diving into historical documents, absurd situations, and extended metaphors, the audience discovers alongside Riley and Chris how the Doctrine of Discovery (the legal framework that justifies theft of land and oppression of Indigenous Peoples) is still being used and causing harm.”

Proceeds above cost will go to the Kanza Heritage Society in SOME of the venues.

Nov. 3 Life Enrichment: Place and time: Krehbiel Auditorium, 9:30 am.
9:30 am “Brief Overview of Disease in Harvey Co.”, Skip Cowan
10:15 am Coffee Break 10:35 am “Pioneer Bluffs: Center for Flint Hills Ranching Heritage,” Lynn Smith 11:30 am “Scenic Harvey County,” Bruce Regier

Bethel College Announcements
Mon., Oct. 31 – Bethel College Chamber Orchestra concert, featuring works by Grieg, Handel, Musial and more, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center

Fri.-Sat., Nov. 4-5 – “Old Books Made New – The Surprising Wisdom of Erasmus for Today,” an intercollegiate symposium honoring the Mennonite Library & Archives at Bethel College and libraries everywhere. Keynote address by Greta Kroeker, Ph.D., Friday, Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Saturday events in Krehbiel Auditorium and via technology at Conrad Grebel University College, Eastern Mennonite University and Goshen College. See marpeck-fund.bethelks.edu/events/old-books-made-new/

Sat., Nov. 5 – Kauffman Museum bird walk, 8 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets (2801 N. Main St., North Newton 67117). Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).

Sun., Nov. 6 – “Can We Sing the Darkness to Light?”: Bethel Sings, a concert featuring all Bethel College vocal groups, Henry Waters, director, 3 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church (2600 College Ave., North Newton 67117)

Tues., Nov. 8 – Bethel College Organ Recital Series presents Tyler Boehmer, Bethany College, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel

Have you registered for “Joining Voices Together”? Bethel College’s Worship and the Arts Symposium, Sat., Nov. 12, on campus, features resource people Bradley Kauffman, Rachel Epp Buller, Katie Graber, SaeJin Lee, Cynthia Neufeld Smith, Adam Tice and Isaac Villegas. Register at www.bethelks.edu/worship-arts-registration-2022; discount for 3 or more people from the same congregation.

Sat., Nov. 12 – The public is invited to a Community Evensong service, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall on the Bethel College campus, the conclusion of the Worship and the Arts Symposium. The service will consist entirely of congregational singing from the Voices Together hymnal, arranged around the 12 artworks found in the hymnal.

Sun., Nov. 13 – KIPCOR Film Series presents John Lewis – Get in the Way, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. This film by Kathleen Dowdey tells the story of the late congressman and civil rights icon. Free and open to the public, with a freewill offering taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.

Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Hidden Conversations through Portraiture,” paintings by Julia Olson, through Fri., Nov. 18 (artist reception Nov. 17). Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.

The Kansas MDS (Mennonite Disaster Service) Unit is sponsoring a Learning and Service trip to Jennings Louisianna, January 28-February 4, 2023. Participants will leave on Saturday traveling to New Orleans, staying over night, learning about long term recovery from disasters and visitng Laura Plantation on Sunday. Your cost will be one night lodging, two tours we will take and meals on the days we travel. MDS is covering the transportation, meals and lodging while on the MDS project in Jennings. We will be rebuilding homes with MDS from Monday through Friday. To make your reservations or for more information contact Cleo Koop at cleohkoop@gmail.com or call 316-282-0797.

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

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

What additional programming (events, camps, retreats, etc.) would you like to see at camp?We want to know what you’d like find on Camp Mennoscah’s schedule. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290 to let us know what variation of a camp, retreat or stunning event would be exciting to discover at camp.

Other events and happenings:

Camp Mennoscah will be recruiting at Mennonite colleges in November! We’ll have a booth at Goshen on Nov. 4, and Hesston, Tabor, and Bethel on November 7, 8, and 9, respectively. Stop by in the morning and say howdy. Booths are located in the Connector (Goshen), the Larks Nest (Hesston) and by the cafeteria (Tabor and Bethel). Summer staff applications will be available when recruiting starts. Check out the attached poster. See you there!
On Saturday, November 12, we will be playing in the dirt at Camp Mennoscah! It’s the last step (we think) in finishing up the newly renovated amphitheater. Dirt needs to be moved by hand between the rows of limestone seating. We’ll start at 9am and work until the last tablespoon of dirt is in place. Stay for as long as you are able. Bring your water bottle, weather appropriate gear and we’ll provide a lunch. (Call us at 620-297-3290 and let us know of any dietary considerations.)
There are a great many things for volunteers to do–come be one! Any of the following are great options for groups of one or more: cleaning after groups, cutting firewood, weekend hosting, being a committee member, mowing or other maintenance/grounds tasks, making a meal for a volunteer group, or recruiting people to volunteer at camp. These are just some of the possibilities! Call us at 620-297-3290 for more information.
Holidays are “blacked out” two weeks before the holiday, if no one has made a reservation. Contact us to inquire about available holiday dates! We don’t want you to miss out on festive times at camp.

For Mennonite World Conference Courier press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
For Mennonite Creation Care Network press here
For Mennonite World Conference press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News Around the World press here
For Mennonite Mission Network press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Join host Bonita Croyle in the newest episode of the “Holding it(,) Together” podcast, “Bodies and Anger.” Listen on your favorite podcast streaming service or at mennoniteusa.org/hit

Menno Snapshots
According to Addie Banks, the CEO of the Groundswell Group, peace and prayer are interdependent and must be practiced together. In her blog “Peace joined with prayer,” she shares several examples of how this practice is played out. Read it here: mennoniteusa.org/peace-joined-with-prayer

#BeTransformed
Amy Gingerich, publisher and executive director of Herald Press, is an avid reader, but the events of 2020 made it difficult for her to pursue this passion. Read her blog, “The transformative power of books,” to hear how she got back into the habit of reading and see a list of 12 Herald Press books that she recommends. mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/read-a-book

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Akiko Aratani and Ray Epp are stepping back from the day-to-day responsibilities of managing the Menno Village farm in Japan and focusing on preparing the next generation of leaders and lay people in the church to practice a biblically-based theology of land stewardship. Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for them as they write and present in workshops and conferences.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for everyone reading this to have eyes to see where God is working in the hearts of our friends and neighbors, the wisdom to ask, “In what hospitable way can I help them connect with God?” and the heart to reach out with opportunities to connect on matters of faith. – Pastor Karen Mascho

October 23, 2022 Worship Service

Press here to view the Oct. 23 Worship Service

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 23, 2022 9:30 am

Prelude–Will Wiebe-Friesen–Two settings of I Sing the Mighty Power of God arr. by Innes and by La Plante

Christ Candle Lighting–Lois Preheim

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn–Sing the Mighty Power of God–VT 182

Kin-dom Report–BCMC Task Group for Decolonization–Valetta Seymour

Children’s Conversation–Carol Flickinger

Scripture Reading–Joel 2:23-32; Luke 18:9-14–Roger Juhnke

Sermon–Open Minds and Humble Hearts–Todd Schlosser

*Hymn–God of the Bible–VT 420

Prayers of God’s People–Lois Preheim

*Hymn–Move in our Midst–VT 827

Benediction–Todd Schlosser

Postlude–Psalm XIX by. B. Marcello–Will Wiebe-Friesen

VT = Voices Together

* You are invited to stand

Audio visual—Ben Lichti

Pastors— Nathan Koontz, Todd Schlosser

Announcements for October 16-23, 2022

LOOK UP EVERYONE!
Our new screen is in place. The projector, monitors, software and switching devices are all in place and working. Only one small problem…we were sent the wrong screen. The screen we ordered will descend much lower than the present one and will be installed when it arrives (in several months). Thanks to everyone for your support and patience.

This Week at BCMC: October 16—October 23, 2022
Sunday, October 16
9:30 am          Worship Service with Credence Consultation Report
Monday, October 17
7 pm                Task Group for Decolonization meeting in Room 14
Tuesday, October 18
9 to 11 am      Community Playschool
7 pm                Women’s Fellowship Meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, October 19—Wednesday Night Suppers
5:30-7 pm   Faith Formation is hosting a community building event at P and M Pumpkin Ranch Come for a hot dog meal by at the Willow campfire site located at P and M. Food and drink will be provided!

There will be Wednesday night supper at the church this week
6 pm    Wednesday Supper serving line starts at 6-6:15 pm and a welcome and blessing will be at 6:20 pm—Menu for tonight is Chicken Cordon Bleu, broccoli; mashed potatoes; and M&M chocolate brownies

7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area

Thursday, October 20
9 to 11 am Community Playschool
4 pm       Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
6:30 pm Chancel Bells rehearsal in room B7
6:30 pm Abuse Prevention and Response Committee meeting in Room 14
7 pm       Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, October 23
9:30 am         Worship with sermon by Todd Schlosser
10:15 am       Fellowship Time in the Gathering Place
10:30 am       Faith Formation

BCMC Women’s Fellowship meets Tuesday, October 18 at 7:00 pm. Weldon and Florence Schloneger will present a program of poetry accompanied by photos of nature. The South east door will be open.

Staff Absence: Monica Lichti will be on vacation from Oct. 17-21, 2022.

It’s Supper Time at BCMC! Oct. 19, 6 pm, in Fellowship Hall. Serving line starts at 6-6:15 pm and a welcome and blessing will be at 6:20 pm. To make reservations for supper, email office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org by, Oct. 17. Cost is $6/person or $18/family per meal. Please bring your own table service. Menu for Oct. 19 is Chicken Cordon Bleu, broccoli, mashed potatoes, M&M chocolate brownies

Update from the Church Board:
Worship Commission Task Group:
At the end of the last program year (May 2022), the Church Board agreed to put the Worship Commission on hiatus for one year to offer a time for discussion and reflection concerning its purpose and process. The board has appointed a task group to explore possibilities for the future. They are currently gathering information from pastors, former Worship Commission members, and others. If you’d like to offer input, you may contact Dorothy Nickel Friesen, Patty Shelly, Dale Schrag, or Adam Robb.

Interim Pastor Possibility:
Western District Conference has contacted the church board with news that there is someone who is interested in exploring an interim pastor position with our church. Within the next few weeks the church board plans to interview this person and then share more information with the congregation.

Kathy Stucky is offering 20 free tickets to the special exhibit at Botanica in Wichita, “Washed Ashore—Art to Save the Sea.” The exhibit which features “14 oversized amazing sculptures made completely by ocean debris” will be at Botanica until Oct. 23, 2022. The tickets are in Kathy Stucky’s mailbox here at the church. Feel free to help yourself. It’s an exhibit well worth seeing!

Heartfelt thanks go to all who remembered my mother, Anna Grace (Wiens) Flickinger, both for her 100th birthday celebration, and at the time of her death. It was certainly a rich, full month for our family, and the support and encouragement we received is gratefully acknowledged. A special thank you to the Prayer Network for the prayers on our behalf. Carol Flickinger and Roger Juhnke

BCMC Oct. 9 Offering: General Fund $9,714.85; Caring Fund $150; Library Reserve Fund $5; Living Stones $940; Screen Project $1,000

October 23 and October 30: What is Loss of Turtle Island? (Don’t miss it! It hasn’t been offered for three years!). Many Native People called the North American continent “Turtle Island.” In this interactive simulation event created by MCC to be held in Mem Hall at 4 p.m. on Sunday October 23 (no registration! Just show up before 4 p.m.!), you will experience a re-creation of how Native People lost their land. You will feel what it is like to be evicted from your homeland. You will learn about the Doctrine of Discovery, American and Mennonite history. You will be changed by what you learn. . . . And a week later, participants from BCMC have a unique opportunity to share together about what the experience was like on Sunday, October 30 at 5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at a Sampler of Native foods–wild rice, the Three Sisters (corn, beans, squash) as we talk about what we learned and what we can do today in acts of restorative justice and repair. BCMC Task Group for Decolonization

Quilter’s Corner is gladly accepting donations for the Mennonite Central Committee sale which is April 14 and 15, 2023. Bring your fabric, notions, quilts and quilting supplies to the MCC Center in North Newton clearly labeled for Quilter’s Corner. If questions, contact Ann Yoder Smith at 919-604-3282.

After two years of not meeting, we are excited to announce plans for the Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association Fall banquet. It will be held at the Eden Mennonite Church near Moundridge on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Brian Stucky, a 1971 graduate of Moundridge High School and currently living in Goessel.. As a descendant of the family who operated the Alta Mill near Moundridge, he will give a program about “Mennonite Mills in Central Kansas”. Knackie’s will cater the meal. The cost to attend is $25 per person payable at the door. RSVP by texting or calling Nancy Stucky, 620-532-5693 by October 24.

The Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra presents “The Magic Flute in Concert” with Opera Kansas, today, Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. in the Newton High School Auditorium. Chris David Westover-Muñoz leads orchestra and vocal soloists on a concert adaptation of Mozart’s classic opera. Tickets are Adults $18 at the door/$15 advance; Students $7; twelve and under are free with an adult. Purchase at Faith & Life Bookstore, or online at www.nmkso.org.

The Intergenerational Sunday School class which meets in the Fellowship Hall, is in need of old or unused crayons. If you have crayons to donate, please put them in the box by the mailboxes. We will be collecting crayons until October 23.

Abuse Prevention and Response Committee (APRC) is looking for persons to volunteer as a Care Team member. If you would like more information or feel a call to serve in this roll, email Jill Robb at adamandjillrobb@gmail.com

Mennonite Central Committee Buckets of Thanks: This Thanksgiving season, show your gratitude and provide hope to those in need by collecting relief supplies for MCC. The supplies you donate will fill a Bucket of Thanks (aka an MCC relief kit) for people affected by conflict or disaster around the world. For more information, including supply lists and a ready-to-use curriculum for children, visit: mccbuckets.org.

Bethel College Announcements
TODAY (Sun., Oct. 16) & Mon., Oct. 17 – Annual Menno Simons Lectures with Brad Gregory, Reformation scholar from the University of Notre Dame, 7 p.m. both evenings, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College; overall topic is “The Radical Reformation and Religious Freedom: A Historical Retrospective.”

Thurs., Oct. 20 – The inaugural Senses & Aging Symposium, 6-8:30 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, with Karen Kendrick speaking on “Hearing Loss and Fall Prevention” and Angela Loucks Alexander presenting from Australia on “Auditory Processing Disorder in Adults.” The symposium is free but registration is requested at www.bethelks.edu/academics/convocation-lectures/senses-aging-symposium

Last week to see “Environmental Exposure,” sculpture by Glen Ediger, in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, through Fri., Oct. 21. The gallery is closed Oct. 16-18 for Bethel’s fall break, and open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Sun., Oct. 23 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program with oral historian Ina Navazelskis from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, 4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College (note change from usual time and location). Followed by the museum’s annual Living Endowment Dinner, featuring Justina Neufeld and Janine Wedel, for which reservations are required by Oct. 18; e-mail kauffman@bethelks.eduor call 316-283-1612.

Fri.-Sat., Nov. 4-5 – “Old Books Made New – The Surprising Wisdom of Erasmus for Today,” an intercollegiate symposium honoring the Mennonite Library & Archives at Bethel College and libraries everywhere. Keynote address by Greta Kroeker, Ph.D., Friday, Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Saturday events in Krehbiel Auditorium and via technology at Conrad Grebel University College, Eastern Mennonite University and Goshen College. See marpeck-fund.bethelks.edu/events/old-books-made-new/

Everence^® to hold Social Security and retirement income workshop in October

Everence will hold the popular Social Security and retirement income workshop at its office in North Newton on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

The workshop will cover, Social Security strategies including when to begin taking benefits, strategies to help your retirement income last, and risks that can impact your retirement savings.

The in-person workshop will be held at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton. Those interested in attending should contact the Everence office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.

Securities offered through Concourse Financial Group Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Investments and other products are not NCUA or otherwise federally insured, may involve loss of principal and have no credit union guarantee.
Products and services offered through Everence Trust Company and other Everence entities are independent of and are not guaranteed or endorsed by Concourse Financial Group Securities, or its affiliates.

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

Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, 43 13^th Avenue, Inman, will hold its annual Sausage Mission Supper on Saturday, October 22, 5:00 – 6:30. This will be a curbside pick up meal featuring our traditional menu of German sausage, mashed potatoes with gravy, creamed peas, zwiebach, applesauce and pie. Cost will be a free will offering with all proceeds going to support The Mary Magdalene House, Hutchinson. This is a ministry to taste the goodness of God and specializes in pastoral counseling with families dealing with mental illness, working through addiction, adoption issues, marital problems, etc. Check out their website at www.marymagdalenehouse.com Call or text Barb (620-543-6863) or Teresa (620-242-2357) NOW to order meals.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
There are two opportunities to get your Camp Mennoscah fix this weekend! Come out on Saturday, spend some time volunteering and then take one last kayak ride this year. Sunday is river-focused. Watch or help take out the dam. The weather looks great! See below for details.

Other events and happenings:

Work and Play Day on October 15! Share a few hours of your time for the satisfaction of improving camp grounds and enjoy some free time wandering the trails, fishing, or whatever your favorite camp activity is. The day starts at 8:30am at the maintenance shed. If you are coming from a distance, ask about an overnight stay. Let us know you’re coming, so we can plan for you and your friends. Bring a lunch and water bottle. Call 620-297-3290 or email olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org!
We’re taking out the dam on October 16 at approx. 2:30pm! Everyone is welcome to join in or to watch. Gather at the shelter. (The actual removal of the boards is not for young ages.) The event will go forward, whatever the weather, unless deemed unsafe. Call Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290, if uncertain.
There are a great many things for volunteers to do–come be one! Any of the following are great options for groups of one or more: cutting firewood, cleaning after groups, weekend hosting, being a committee member, mowing or other maintenance/grounds tasks, making a meal for a volunteer group, or recruiting people to volunteer at camp. These are just some of the possibilities! Call us at 620-297-3290 for more information.
Camp Mennoscah will be recruiting at Mennonite colleges in November! We’ll have a booth at Goshen on Nov. 4, and Hesston, Tabor, and Bethel on November 7, 8, and 9 respectively. Stop by in the morning and say howdy. Booths are located in the Connector (Goshen), the Larks Nest (Hesston) and by the cafeteria (Tabor and Bethel). Summer staff applications will be available when recruiting starts. See you there!
Camp Mennoscah is considering moving camps to a Sunday to Friday schedule. We’d be interested in hearing your thoughts–parents, campers, weekend groups, everyone! Please reply to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp News
See The RMMC News & Stories From September

Take a look at the latest/greatest happenings here at RMMC. This month marks the official transition from our traditional monthly newsletter to individual posts over the course of the month which are shared on the following platforms:

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

For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Dear Bethel College Mennonite,

If you’re connected to the world of welcoming refugees, asylum seekers or other newcomers, you have probably heard the word “empowerment” tossed around. But what does empowerment look like in practice?

Join us for this month’s virtual Newcomer Hospitality Network meeting where we will discuss how to welcome in a way that promotes growth, confidence and self-agency. This will be an interactive time for us to learn about some practical adult learning principles, share experiences and brainstorm about tricky situations that may come up as we welcome!

What is the Newcomer Hospitality Network?
The Newcomer Hospitality Network is a virtual meetup for those welcoming newcomers to connect with one another in a small group setting where they can share their experiences and discuss topics relevant to welcoming refugees and asylum seekers in their communities.

When?
To accommodate welcomers with different work schedules, we offer the same meeting twice – once in the morning and once in the evening:

If you’d like to join us, register for the day and time that works best for you!

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

Mennonite Mission Network Announcements
MennoMedia is working on creating the first Anabaptist Bible in time for the 500^th anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025. The project’s advisory group gathered for a retreat in August to kick off the project. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/anabaptism-at-500-project

#BeTransformed
While gearing up for the creation of the Anabaptist Bible, John D. Roth, the project director for MennoMedia’s “Anabaptist at 500” initiative, wrote the blog, “The transformative Anabaptist hermeneutic.” In this blog, he reflects on how he became acquainted with the difficulty of biblical interpretation and how it affected the trajectory of his faith. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/anabaptist-hermeneutic

Menno Snapshots
Seattle (Washington) Mennonite Church had a dream of creating sustainable and affordable housing for their community, and that dream is finally coming to fruition. Read Pastor Amy Epp’s blog, “Seattle Mennonite Church partners to create affordable housing,” to learn more. mennoniteusa.org/snapshots/affordable-housing

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Deb Byler has concluded her Mennonite Mission Network ministry with the Kekchi Mennonite Church in Guatemala, where she worked since 2018. (Previously, she served with Eastern Mennonite Missions from 1984-1996.) Praise God for Deb’s ministry of walking alongside the women leaders of the church. Ask God to strengthen the Kekchi women, and pray for Deb as she retires at Greencroft Communities, a retirement community in Goshen, Indiana.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for the WDC Resource Library, and pray for congregations, members and leaders to experience growth in faith and ministry through use of library materials.

View the worship service for October 9, 2022

Press here for October 9 service

Fall Festival Worship Service
“You Are The Light of the World”

Prelude          Pièce d’Orgue in G Major, BWV 572     Johann Sebastian Bach

Lighting the Christ Candle

Welcome and Prayer Michael Unruh, Bethel College Campus Pastor

*Gathering Hymns              Here In This Place        Voices Together 10
You Are Salt For The Earth   VT 297

Scripture                           Matthew 5:14-16                   Gabby Fields
  Student Chaplain

Reflections              Julianna Schrag, Bethel College senior

Choral Response               O Lux Beatissima               Howard Helvey
                    Bethel College Chamber Choir; Henry S. Water, director

Reflection Tanner Wallace, Bethel College Senior

Choral Response          You Do Not Walk Alone             Dominick DiOrio
   Bethel College Concert Choir

Prayers of God’s People  Todd Schlosser
        Bethel College Mennonite Church Pastor

*Hymn           Be Thou My Vision VT 549

*Spoken Benediction Michael Unruh

*Choral Benediction    The Lord Bless You and Keep You   Peter C. Lutkin
   Concert Choir

Postlude             Nun danket alle Gott               arr. Egil Hovland
*All who are able are invited to stand

Accompanists: organ – Christopher Shaw, Class of 2005
guitar – Eli Regier, Current Bethel College junior

Choral Texts

You Do Not Walk Alone (Dominick DiOrio)

May you see the light on the path ahead
When the road you walk is dark.
May you always hear,
E’en in your hour of sorrow,
The gentle singing of the lark.

When times are hard may hardness
Never turn your heart to stone,
May you always remember
when the shadows fall –
You do not walk alone.

(Traditional Irish Blessing)

O Lux Beatissima (Howard Helvey
Translation:

O lux beatissima, O Light most blessed,
Reple cordis intima Fill the inmost heart
Tuorum fidelium. Of all thy faithful.

Sine tuo numine, Without your grace,
Nihil est in homine, There is nothing in us,
Nihil est innoxium. Nothing that is not harmful.

(From the Whitsundtide sequence Veni Sancte Spiritus
attr. Stephan Langton (d. 1228), Archbishop of Canterbury)

Bethel College Concert Choir: Director – Henry Waters, D.M.A.
Members – Elizabeth Alderfer, Phillip Balzer, Emily Brandt, Peter Buller,
Sophia Chindamo, Shayla Dao⁺, Isabela Diaz⁺, Angelika Donaldson,
Tristan England, Schyler Entz, Josie Epp⁺, Eddie Gaeddert, Caleb Garber,
Rachel Geyer, Sophie Girtz, Andrew Graber⁺, Aubry Grame⁺, Angel Hernandez, Kendall Hiebert, Hayden Honomichl⁺, Claira Janssen, Daniel Kaufman,
John Mark Koontz⁺, Halle Krehbiel, Stephany Meyer⁺, Edel Miller⁺,
Miguel Molina Chavez, April Powls, Bethany Regehr, Eli Regier⁺, Ben Rudeen, Seth Rudeen, Lizzie Schmucker, Jacob Schrag, Julianna Schrag⁺, Timothy Schrag, Kaitlyn Shima, Christopher Strecker⁺, Isaac Tice, Corbin Unruh⁺, Gabe Villegas⁺, Zach Watson, Allison Weaver⁺, Bryce Wilson⁺, Dylan Yoder
+ Indicates Bethel College Chamber Choir member

Announcements for October 9-16, 2022

October 9, 2022 – Fall Fest Sunday

Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County is 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’s worship service: https://youtu.be/yOSpkGydC04

Fall Festival Worship Service
“You Are The Light of the World”

Prelude          Pièce d’Orgue in G Major, BWV 572     Johann Sebastian Bach

Lighting the Christ Candle

Welcome and Prayer Michael Unruh,
Bethel College Campus Pastor

*Gathering Hymns              Here In This Place        Voices Together 10
You Are Salt For The Earth   VT 297

Scripture                           Matthew 5:14-16                   Gabby Fields
Student Chaplain

Reflections              Julianna Schrag, Bethel College senior

Choral Response               O Lux Beatissima               Howard Helvey
                    Bethel College Chamber Choir; Henry S. Water, director

Reflection Tanner Wallace, Bethel College Senior

Choral Response          You Do Not Walk Alone             Dominick DiOrio
   Bethel College Concert Choir

Prayers of God’s People  Todd Schlosser
        Bethel College Mennonite Church Pastor

*Hymn           Be Thou My Vision VT 549

*Spoken Benediction Michael Unruh

*Choral Benediction    The Lord Bless You and Keep You   Peter C. Lutkin
   Concert Choir

Postlude             Nun danket alle Gott               arr. Egil Hovland

*All who are able are invited to stand

This Week at BCMC: October 9—October 16, 2022

Sunday, October 9—Fall Fest Sunday
10 am Worship Service planned by Bethel College and the Bethel College Campus Ministries. There is no Sunday school today.

Monday, October 10—Projector and screen will be installed in the sanctuary
9 am   Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, October 11—Projector and screen work in sanctuary
9 to 11 am      Community Playschool
12 pm              Mid Kansas Investment Club meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, October 12—Wednesday Night Suppers Start!
6 pm    Wednesday Supper serving line starts at 6-6:15 pm and a welcome and blessing will be at 6:20 pm.
6:30—7:30 pm   Wednesday Night Club
7:00 pm          Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm          Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thursday, October 13
9 to 11 am     Community Playschool
4 pm               Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
6:30 pm         Chancel Bells rehearsal in room B7
Friday, October 14
9-11 am          Schowalter Villa Gathering in Day Spring Room, Water’s Edge
Sunday, October 16
9:30 am          Worship Service with Credence Consultation Report

Wednesday night suppers start! October 12. Serving line starts at 6-6:15 pm and a welcome and blessing will be at 6:20 pm. The suppers will be October 12 to November 16. Cost: $6 per person or $18 per family. Bring your own table service.
It is time to please RSVP to the church office so that we can get a count to know how much food to make. Email: office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org or call 316-283-3667. We hope to see you on October 12 at the first Wednesday night supper!

Menu for the first supper, October 12 is:
Taco bar with all the fixings…
Cake

We’re still on a roll! For 3 months we have had positive income balances. Wow! and a great big thank you for all your effort!! The harsh realities are that while we raised $7,000 more than our expenses last month we are still $22,000 short for the year plus being several months behind in paying our benevolent accounts. While we are so grateful for your efforts and we hate to keep asking for more, we must. Facts are that we have lived 75% of the year but only raised 65% of the budget. That means we are still in a hole but the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter. Keep up the good work! – Finance Committee

The BCMC Task Group for Indigenous Justice encourages members of the congregation to take advantage of the chance to participate in the Loss of Turtle Island experience on Sunday, October 23, 4 p.m. in Memorial Hall, Bethel College, a unique learning experience demonstrating how Native people lost the land. The Task Group will be hosting a follow-up discussion on October 30 at 5:30 p.m. to sample Native foods, talk about what we learned, and think about how we go forward. You are welcome to come whether you were able to attend Loss of Turtle Island or not.

Credence Consultation Process Update…The time of interviews and information gathering has largely come to an end for our consultants and it is time for us to see some of the results and provide some final feedback. Over these last many months, Credence has reviewed the congregational surveys we sent in, completed one-on-one interviews with 35 of our church members, spent time talking with staff and various external individuals, and examined pages and pages of congregational documents. The goal has been to gain a better understanding of who we are as BCMC, what we wish to work on together as a congregation, and the type of pastoral leadership model that fits us best. Credence has shared they have a “meaty” report awaiting us. This upcoming week the BCMC Reference Group, Church Board, and some of the leadership from various commissions and committees will hear an overview of what Credence has found. On October 16th Credence will share with the congregation and ask for our feedback. Following the October 16th time together, Credence will prepare a final report to be delivered to BCMC in November. We ask you to keep BCMC in your prayers as we engage this period of time together and explore God’s direction and purpose for us as a congregation.

Faith Formation is hosting a community building event at P and M Pumpkin Ranch, October 19 from 5:30-7 pm. Come for a hot dog meal by at the Willow campfire site located at P and M. Food and drink will be provided! Please RSVP by October 18 to Jill Robb (jill@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org)

The Intergenerational Sunday School class (meets in the Fellowship Hall ) is in need of old or unused crayons. If you have crayons to donate, please put them in the box by the mailboxes. We will be collecting crayons until October 23.

The Library Theme for October/November is Selected Biographies. The Library Committee chose biographies that we thought you would find interesting in both the adult and children/youth sections. As always, the adult highlighted books are shelved in back of the library desk while the Everybody/Youth books are shelved on the south wall of the children/youth room. Please come in and check these out or to see what new to you puzzles are available for a donation on the west wall of the check out room or on the cart outside of the library. Happy Reading!

Quilter’s Corner is gladly accepting donations for the Mennonite Central Committee sale which is April 14 and 15, 2023. Bring your fabric, notions, quilts and quilting supplies to the MCC Center in North Newton clearly labeled for Quilter’s Corner. If questions, contact Ann Yoder Smith at 919-604-3282.

After two years of not meeting, we are excited to announce plans for the Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association Fall banquet. It will be held at the Eden Mennonite Church near Moundridge on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Brian Stucky, a 1971 graduate of Moundridge High School and currently living in Goessel.. As a descendant of the family who operated the Alta Mill near Moundridge, he will give a program about “Mennonite Mills in Central Kansas”. Knackie’s will cater the meal. The cost to attend is $25 per person payable at the door. RSVP by texting or calling Nancy Stucky, 620-532-5693 by October 24.

The Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra presents “The Magic Flute in Concert” with Opera Kansas, on Sunday, Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. in the Newton High School Auditorium. Chris David Westover-Muñoz leads orchestra and vocal soloists on a concert adaptation of Mozart’s classic opera. Tickets are Adults $18 at the door/$15 advance; Students $7; twelve and under are free with an adult. Purchase at Faith & Life Bookstore, or online at www.nmkso.org.

Bethel College Announcements
Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Environmental Exposure,” sculpture by Glen Ediger, through Fri., Oct. 21. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 16 & Mon., Oct. 17 – Annual Menno Simons Lectures with Brad Gregory, Reformation scholar from the University of Notre Dame, 7 p.m. both evenings, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College; overall topic is “The Radical Reformation and Religious Freedom: A Historical Retrospective.”

Thurs., Oct. 20 – The inaugural Senses & Aging Symposium, 6-8:30 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, with Karen Kendrick speaking on “Hearing Loss and Fall Prevention” and Angela Loucks Alexander presenting from Australia on “Auditory Processing Disorder in Adults.” The symposium is free but registration is requested at www.bethelks.edu/academics/convocation-lectures/senses-aging-symposium

Sun., Oct. 23 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program with oral historian Ina Navazelskis from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, 4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College (note change from usual time and location). Followed by the museum’s annual Living Endowment Dinner, featuring Justina Neufeld and Janine Wedel, for which reservations are required; e-mail kauffman@bethelks.eduor call 316-283-1612.

Registration is now open for “Joining Voices Together,” Bethel College’s Worship and the Arts Symposium, Sat., Nov. 12, on campus, featuring resource people Bradley Kauffman, Rachel Epp Buller, Katie Graber, SaeJin Lee, Cynthia Neufeld Smith, Adam Tice and Isaac Villegas. Register at www.bethelks.edu/worship-arts-registration-2022; discount for 3 or more people from the same congregation. In addition, the public is invited to a Community Evensong service, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall, which will consist entirely of congregational singing from the Voices Together hymnal, arranged around the 12 artworks found in the hymnal.

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

After two years of not meeting, we are excited to announce plans for the Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association Fall banquet. It will be held at the Eden Mennonite Church near Moundridge on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Brian Stucky, a 1971 graduate of Moundridge High School and currently living in Goessel.. As a descendant of the family who operated the Alta Mill near Moundridge, he will give a program about “Mennonite Mills in Central Kansas”. Knackie’s will cater the meal. The cost to attend is $25 per person payable at the door. RSVP by texting or calling Nancy Stucky, 620-532-5693 by October 24.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Work and Play Day on October 15! Share a few hours of your time for the satisfaction of improving camp grounds and some free time wandering the trails, fishing, or whatever your favorite camp activity is. The day starts at 8:30am at the maintenance shed. If you are coming from a distance, ask about an overnight stay. Let us know you’re coming, so we can plan for you and your friends. Call 620-297-3290 or email olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org!
We’re taking out the dam on October 16 at approx. 2:30pm! Everyone is welcome to join in or to watch. Gather at the shelter. (The actual removal of the boards is not for young ages.) The event will go forward, whatever the weather, unless deemed unsafe. Call Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290, if uncertain.
There are a great many things for volunteers to do–come be one! Any of the following are great options for groups of one or more: cutting firewood, cleaning after groups, weekend hosting, being a committee member, mowing or other maintenance/grounds tasks, making a meal for a volunteer group, or recruiting people to volunteer at camp. These are just some of the possibilities! Call us at 620-297-3290 for more information.
Let us know if your camper/you have not received the summer youth camp photos and address sheets for your camp week. The summer is a busy time and sometimes things are missed.
Camp Mennoscah is considering moving camps to a Sunday to Friday schedule. We’d be interested in hearing your thoughts–parents, campers, weekend groups, everyone! Please reply to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.

For Mennonite World Conference click here
For Mennonite Central Committe “In Touch” click here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” click here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network Connections Fall 2022 click here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board has changed how it will divide donations directed to “Mennonite Church USA” among its agencies and affiliated Racial/Ethnic Council groups. The changes to the denominational unified giving formula were implemented to address evolving ministry needs. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/giving-formula

Learn, Pray, Join: Mass Incarceration
In her blog, “Mass incarceration and restorative justice,” Loraine Stutzman Amstutz, Mennonite Church USA denominational minister of Peace and Justice, writes, ”Restorative justice principles hold transformation as a value — transformation of people, systems and structures that oppress.” Read the rest of her blog here: mennoniteusa.org/snapshots/restorative-justice

Menno Snapshots
When our beliefs feel like they are unraveling, it may feel like we are losing our faith in God altogether. Sherill Hostetter, a spiritual director with the Mennonite Spiritual Directors Network, shares how her crisis of faith led her to explore her spiritual journey through writing. Read her blog, “Knowing and unknowing,” here: mennoniteusa.org/snapshots/knowing-unknowing

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Tomorrow is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Mennonite congregations around the world are growing in their awareness of the need for healing, both in white settler communities and in Indigenous communities. Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer that this awareness will lead to action that addresses the wounds of all who live with injustice.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for boards, councils, elders and other church leadership teams in WDC congregations, and pray for God’s guidance as they care for their communities of faith.

Don’t forget to sign up for the Wednesday night meal at BCMC! Click on this email link:

office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org

View the worship service for October 2, 2022

Press here for Oct. 2 Service

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 2, 2022
Worldwide Communion Sunday

Prelude—Holy Manna (arr. Stearns/Cherwien/Held)—Verlene Garber

Christ Candle Lighting/Land Acknowledgement—Elizabeth Schmidt

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn— Here in this Place—VT #10

Children’s Conversation— Carolyn Penner and Wes Schmidt-Tieszen

Kin-dom Report—Credence Consultation Reference Group—Megan Kohlman

Chancel Choir—Do Not Be Afraid (Philip Stopford)—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Verlene Garber, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Luke 17:1-10—Readers’ Theatre

Sermon—Faith and the Mustard Seed—Todd Schlosser

*Hymn—I’m Gonna Eat at the Welcome Table—VT #801

Service of Communion—Nathan Koontz and Elizabeth Schmidt

*Hymn—The Love of God—VT 162

Prayers of God’s People—Elizabeth Schmidt

Choral Benediction—Amen –(John Rutter)—Chancel Choir

Benediction— Todd Schlosser

Postlude—Sent Forth by God’s Blessing (Wold)—Verlene Garber

* You are invited to stand

VT = Voices Together

Audio visual—Ben Lichti

Pastors— Nathan Koontz, Todd Schlosser

Announcements for October 2-9, 2022

October 2, 2022

Worldwide Communion Sunday
October 2, 2022
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH

Prelude—Holy Manna (arr. Stearns/Cherwien/Held)—Verlene Garber

Christ Candle Lighting/Land Acknowledgement—Elizabeth Schmidt

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn— Here in this Place—VT #10

Children’s Conversation— Carolyn Penner and Wes Schmidt-Tieszen

Kin-dom Report—Credence Consultation Reference Group—Megan Kohlman

Chancel Choir—Do Not Be Afraid (Philip Stopford)—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Verlene Garber, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Luke 17:1-10—Readers’ Theatre

Sermon—Faith and the Mustard Seed—Todd Schlosser

*Hymn—I’m Gonna Eat at the Welcome Table—VT #801

Service of Communion—Nathan Koontz and Elizabeth Schmidt

*Hymn—The Love of God—VT 162

Prayers of God’s People—Elizabeth Schmidt

Choral Benediction—Amen –(John Rutter)—Chancel Choir

Benediction— Todd Schlosser

Postlude—Sent Forth by God’s Blessing (Wold)—Verlene Garber

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Audio visual—Ben Lichti
Pastors— Nathan Koontz, Todd Schlosser

Land Acknowledgement compiled by Florence Schloneger from words by Mark Charles and VT #878
As we do on the first Sunday of each month,
we acknowledge that we worship on the land of the Kanza, Osage, and Wichita.
We thank them for their care and respect for this land and acknowledge the injustice of their forced removal.
We ask the Spirit to heal our histories and find new paths of right relationships with them and all of creation.

Do Not be Afraid lyrics by Philip Stopford
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name; you are mine.
When you walk through the waters, I’ll be with you;
you will never sink beneath the waves.
When the fire is burning all around you,
you will never be consumed by the flames.
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name; you are mine.
When the fear of loneliness is looming, then remember I am at your side.
When you dwell in the exile of a stranger,
remember you are precious in my eyes.
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name; you are mine.
You are mine, O my child, I am your Father,
and I love you with a perfect love.
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name; you are mine.

This Week at BCMC: October 2—October 9, 2022

Sunday, October 2—World Communion Sunday
9:30 am          Worship Service with sermon by Todd Schlosser; music by Chancel Choir; communion will be served; The church nursery is staffed during worship
10:30 am      Faith Formation—Children’s Sunday school classes meet in
Fellowship Hall
Adult Classes: Agape Class (Church 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)
Monday, October 3
12 to 1 pm      Bethel College Concert Choir rehearsal in sanctuary
7 pm                Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, October 4—On Oct. 4 and 5, Marlene Faul is hosting an event for a group of which she is a member—they will be meeting at times in Fellowship Hall and the Sanctuary
9 to 11 am      Community Playschool
Wednesday, October 5
12 to 1 pm      Bethel College Concert Choir rehearsal in sanctuary
6:30—7:30 pm   Wednesday Night Club
7:00 pm          Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm          Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thursday, October 6
9 to 11 am     Community Playschool
12 to 1 pm     Bethel College Concert Choir rehearsal in sanctuary
6:30 pm         Chancel Bells rehearsal in room B7
7 pm               Church Board meeting in Room 14
Friday, October 7
12 to 1 pm      Bethel College Concert Choir rehearsal in sanctuary
Saturday, October 8—Fall Fest at Bethel College
Sunday, October 9—Fall Fest Sunday
10 am              Worship Service planned by Bethel College and the Bethel College Campus Ministries. Everyone is invited! Please note that the worship service begins at 10 am.

We offer sympathy to the family of James D. Yoder who died September 22 at Kidron Bethel Village. The memorial service for James will be Friday, October 7, 11 a.m. at BCMC and will be live streamed.

We offer sympathy to Vernabelle Stayrook (Kermit Gingerich) and Mary Ann (Hugo) Boschmann on the death of Vernabelle’s sister and Mary Ann’s sister-in-law, Marilyn Faye (Siemens) Krehbiel on Sept. 23. The funeral service was Sept. 27 at Journey @South Hutchinson.

We offer sympathy to Carol Flickinger and Roger Juhnke and family on the death of Carol’s mother, Anna Grace (Wiens) Flickinger, Sept. 28, at 100 years old, Pleasant View Homes, Inman. The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 1, 2022 at Bethel Mennonite Church, Inman. Services can be livestreamed at www.bethelinman.org. Private graveside services will be held at Inman North Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 30, at the church, with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Memorial gifts may be given to MCC or Pleasant View Home in care of Buhler Mortuary, PO Box 589, Buhler, KS 67522. For the obituary click here

Fall Fest Sunday is October 9 at BCMC. The worship service will begin at 10 am and is being planned by Bethel College and the Bethel College Campus Ministries. Everyone is invited!

Al, Nadine, Nathan and Esther are excited to host many of you for a BCMC fall party Sunday, October 2, at 5:30. We will provide some seating, but if you’d like, bring a lawn chair. Also consider carpooling or walking to make parking easier.

Caring Fund Contribution Opportunity Sunday October 2. The Caring Fund is an above budget benevolent fund administered by the Deacon Commission for the purpose of assisting our congregation’s members and community persons in need. The fund is generated by above budget offerings made payable to Bethel College Mennonite Church and designated “caring fund.” Everence also provides some matching funds each year. Besides the financial help that can be provided to our own members, in the past year contributions from the Caring Fund have been made to our local Salvation Army, New Hope Shelter, Safe Hope, Harvest of Love, the Community Playschool, and several individuals to help with housing rent and utilities. Please consider making a donation to the Caring Fund Sunday morning October 2.

BCMC Sept. 25 Offering: General Fund $5,485; Caring Fund $500; Library Reserve Fund $5; Living Stones $55; Kitchen Fund $26; Women’s Fellowship $377; Orletta Wiebe Memorial $50.

The Senior High Youth Group sends a “thank you” to Susie and Bill Swartley for hosting a pool party at their home last Sunday afternoon. We learned a lesson on hospitality as we experienced community with one another and the Swartleys. Thank you for an awesome time!

The Intergenerational Sunday School class (the class meets in Fellowship Hall) is in need of old or unused crayons. If you have crayons to donate, please put them in the box by the mailboxes. We will be collecting crayons until October 23.

Wednesday night suppers are coming back to BCMC! Mark your calendars for the first Wednesday night supper on October 12. Serving line starts at 6-6:15 pm and a welcome and blessing will be at 6:20 pm. The suppers will be October 12 to November 16. Cost: $6 per person or $18 per family. Bring your own table service.
Closer to the start of the suppers you will be asked to RSVP to the church office so that we can get a count to know how much food to make. We hope to see you on October 12 at the first Wednesday night supper!

Menus

October 12
Taco bar with all the fixings…
Cake

October 19
Chicken Divan with Broccoli
Mashed potatoes
M&M chocolate brownies

October 26
BBQ meatballs
Macaroni and Cheese
Carrots
Applesauce
Rice Krispies

November 2
Jambalaya
Tropical fruit
Pudding dessert bar

November 8
Lasagna
Salad
Garlic bread
Apple crisp

November 15
Turkey pot pie
Peaches
Pumpkin cheesecake bars

Bethel College Women’s Association will appreciate donations of homemade baked goods for Market-in-the-Round and Pie-By-the-Slice at Fall Festival. Zwieback, cinnamon rolls, fruit pies and poppyseed rolls are especially needed. Please bring to Room 141 in Luyken Fine Arts Center 2-5 pm on Friday Oct 7, or 7-9 am on Saturday Oct 8. Pies may be delivered to Seminar A in Schultz Student Center. Email bcwa@bethelks.edu with questions.

Bethel College Announcements
No Life Enrichment on October 6 due to BC Fall Fest week

Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Oct. 6-9, with most activities taking place Saturday, Oct. 8, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football, Children’s Park, the play Quiet in the Land by Anne Chislett and the STEM Symposium honoring Professor Emeritus of Psychology Paul Lewis. See www.bethelks.edu/alumni/events/fall-festival for the complete schedule.

Call for Fall Fest Volunteers – The Bethel College Alumni Association is looking for volunteers to help with Taste of Newton and Fall Fest. Shifts are 1.5-2 hours long and need to be filled on Thursday, Oct. 6, 5-9 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact Brad Schmidt at 316-285-5252 or bschmidt@bethelks.edu for more information.

Fri., Oct. 7 – Artist reception for “Environmental Exposure,” sculpture by Glen Ediger, 6-8 p.m., Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. The exhibit is open through Fri., Oct. 21. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m. (extended hours Sat., Oct. 8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.).

Sat., Oct. 8 – Kauffman Museum bird walk, 8 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets (2801 N. Main St., North Newton 67117). Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).

Sat., Oct. 8 – As part of Fall Festival, Larry Dunn and Christine Crouse-Dick will present “Grieving, Celebrating and Loving Seth: Exploring Unexpected Paths and Connections on the Mysterious Journey of Remembering,” poetry reading and reflections, 10:30 a.m., on the lawn south of Luyken Fine Arts Center. Seth Dunn died in an accident in 2011 right before starting his senior year at Bethel College.

Sun., Oct. 16 & Mon., Oct. 17 – Annual Menno Simons Lectures with Brad Gregory, Reformation scholar from the University of Notre Dame, 7 p.m. both evenings, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College; overall topic is “The Radical Reformation and Religious Freedom: A Historical Retrospective.”

Thurs., Oct. 20 – The inaugural Senses & Aging Symposium, 6-8:30 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, with Karen Kendrick speaking on “Hearing Loss and Fall Prevention” and Angela Loucks Alexander presenting from Australia on “Auditory Processing Disorder in Adults.” The symposium is free but registration is requested at www.bethelks.edu/academics/convocation-lectures/senses-aging-symposium

Sun., Oct. 23 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program with oral historian Ina Navazelskis from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, 4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College (note change from usual time and location). Followed by the museum’s annual Living Endowment Dinner, featuring Justina Neufeld and Janine Wedel, for which reservations are required; e-mail kauffman@bethelks.eduor call 316-283-1612.

Registration is now open for “Joining Voices Together,” Bethel College’s Worship and the Arts Symposium, Sat., Nov. 12, on campus, featuring resource people Bradley Kauffman, Rachel Epp Buller, Katie Graber, SaeJin Lee, Cynthia Neufeld Smith, Adam Tice and Isaac Villegas. Register at www.bethelks.edu/worship-arts-registration-2022; discount for 3 or more people from the same congregation. In addition, the public is invited to a Community Evensong service, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall, which will consist entirely of congregational singing from the Voices Together hymnal, arranged around the 12 artworks found in the hymnal.

Voices of Conscience: Peace Witness in the Great War, a traveling exhibit developed and toured by Kauffman Museum at Bethel College, is on display at the McPherson Museum and Arts Foundation, 1111 E. Kansas Ave. in McPherson, through Nov. 19. This exhibit lifts up the prophetic insights and the personal courage of peace protesters during World War I and suggests parallels to the culture of war and violence in our world today. Museum hours are Mon.- Sat., 1-5 p.m., and admission is free. For more information, visit VoicesOfConscienceExhibit.org

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

“We Own This Now” is coming to Kansas for several showings! This Ted & Company play will be performed at several dates and locations. Created in partnership with the Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition, “We Own This Now” is a benefit for the Kanza Heritage Society. This play looks at love of land and loss of land. What does it mean to “own” something? What is the relationship between “owning” and “taking” — and what is the relationship between “ownership” and (taking) responsibility? Click here for more information about the showings.

“Chief Lucy,” a one-woman show by Pauline Sharp about her grandmother, “Chief Lucy” Tayiah Eads, the first female Kaw tribal chief, is also being presented at 3pm on Sunday, Oct 2, at Unity of Lawrence, 900 Madeline Ln #2630, Lawrence, KS 66049. Freewill offering received for Kanza Heritage Society. Please note that the Oct 6 showing at Hope Mennonite Church in Wichita has been cancelled.

Among other congregations, several WDC churches in Kansas are sponsoring these events, including Hope Mennonite Church, Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church, Mennonite Church of the Servant, and Peace Mennonite Church. The WDC Resource Commission also encourages you to attend and join the conversation about justice for Native Americans.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Visit the Camp Mennoscah Fall Fest booth on October 8! Stop by, say hi, and enter a drawing for a tee shirt. We’re ready for some good visits and fun times!
Let us know if your camper/you have not received the summer youth camp photos and address sheets for your camp week. The summer is a busy time and sometimes things are missed.
There are a great many things for volunteers to do–come be one! Any of the following are great options for groups of one or more: cleaning after groups, weekend hosting, being a committee member, mowing or other maintenance/grounds tasks, making a meal for a volunteer group, or recruiting people to volunteer at camp. These are just some of the possibilities! Call us at 620-297-3290 for more information.
Work and Play Day on October 15! Share a few hours of your time for the satisfaction of improving camp grounds and some free time wandering the trails, fishing, or whatever your favorite camp activity is. The day starts at 8:30am at the maintenance shed. If you are coming from a distance, ask about an overnight stay. Let us know you’re coming, so we can plan for you and your friends. Call 620-297-3290 or email olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org!
We’re taking out the dam on October 16 at approx. 2:30pm! Everyone is welcome to join in or to watch. Gather at the shelter. (The actual removal of the boards is not for young ages.) The event will go forward, whatever the weather, unless deemed unsafe. Call Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290, if uncertain.
Camp Mennoscah is considering moving camps to a Sunday to Friday schedule. We’d be interested in hearing your thoughts–parents, campers, weekend groups, everyone! Please reply to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.

For Mennonite Mission Network Zoom Bible Study “Meeting Jesus in Sacred Spaces” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Learn, Pray, Join: Mass Incarceration
Mennonite Church USA launched the “Learn, Pray, Join: Mass Incarceration” initiative in September. This initiative, in conjunction with the “For Justice in the U.S. Criminal Legal System” resolution, seeks to raise awareness of injustices in the U.S. criminal legal system, especially those that disproportionately affect people of color and people without financial security. The initiative will continue through the end of October. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/lpj-mi

Menno Snapshots
Several years ago, when the congregants of College Mennonite Church in Goshen, Indiana, agreed to follow strategic priorities that included embracing diversity and practicing active inclusion, they knew they were taking a big step, but they didn’t know how deeply it would affect their church. Read Marty Lehman’s blog, “The dangers of strategic planning,” to learn more about how these priorities led to a robust immigrant resettlement ministry in their community. mennoniteusa.org/dangers-strategic-planning

#BeTransformed
Like most other Americans alive on Sept. 11, 2001, Drew Strait has strong memories attached to the tragedies that occurred that day. This day set him down a path toward Anabaptism, nonviolence and a professional focus on combatting Christian nationalism. Read his story here: mennoniteusa.org/neverforget

#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/mennocon-schedule

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Today, the women’s leadership conference led by African American women and co-sponsored by Mennonite Women USA and Mennonite Mission Network, concludes with worship in Elkhart, IN. Pray that all participants will receive new tools to work for diversity, equity and inclusion in the church.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for God’s wisdom and strength for WDC staff members as they work to sustain ministry leaders, resource congregations and nurture church-planting partnerships.

View the worship service for September 25, 2022

Press here for Sept. 25 Service

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 25, 2022

Prelude—Great Is Thy Faithfulness (arr. Moklebust)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Bill Swartley

*Hymn— What Is This Place—VT 22

Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz

Scripture Reading—Luke 16:19-31—Michael Claassen

Sermon—Moses and the Prophets—Nathan Koontz

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

Prayers of God’s People

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

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

*Birthday Blessing & Benediction—Nathan Koontz

Postlude—Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (arr. Wagner)—Chancel Bells

* You are invited to stand

VT = Voices Together

Keyboard—Verlene Garber

Audio visual—John Thiesen, Francis Toews

Pastors—Nathan Koontz, Todd Schlosser