Author Archives: Monica Lichti

View the worship service for September 24, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 24, 2023
Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost

Prelude— Sarabande from French Suite No 5 (J. S. Bach)
Adagio from Sonata no. 60, Hob XVI/50 (Franz Joseph Haydn)—Meghann Rogers

Christ Candle Lighting

Call to Worship and Prayer—Jim Robb

*Hymn—Holy Spirit, Come With Power—VT 57

Children’s Conversation—Esther Kreider Each

Scripture Reading—Jonah 3:10-4:1—Elaine Schurr

*Hymn—God, Give Me Time—VT 144

Scripture Reading—Matthew 20:1-16

Sermon—The First Shall Be Last—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Rain Down— VT 703

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn— Sing Praise to God Who Reigns— VT 101
People with September birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal

*Benediction

Postlude—Christ, Be All Around Me (Voices Together No. 848)—Meghann Rogers

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Keyboard- Meghann Rogers
Audio visual— John Thiesen

Announcements for October 1-8, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR OCTOBER 1, 2023

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/lS9Ba5cekas?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 1, 2023
World Communion Sunday

Prelude—Sonata No. 6 “Vater unser” (F. Mendelssohn)–II. Fugue; III. Finale: Andante—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Call to Worship and Prayer—Elizabeth Schmidt

Land Acknowledgement—Dale Schrag

*Hymn—We Dream of a Turning—VT 209

Children’s Conversation—Judy Harder

Anthem—At the Supper of the Lamb (Lee Dengler)—Chancel Choir

Scripture Reading—John 6:30-35—Brad Born

Sermon—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—I Come with Joy—VT 478

Communion (“The Bread of Life; The Cup of Blessing”)
Hymn— Eat This Bread— VT 476

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn— Sent Forth by God’s Blessing— VT 812

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

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

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual— Ken Lamp

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.

The memorial service for Patty Shelly will be Saturday, September 30 at 11 a.m. at BCMC. The service will be live-streamed. The link is:
https://youtube.com/live/IX0_1OnzWQs?feature=share

Thanks and Blessings to Valetta
We want to thank Valetta Seymour for her many years of volunteering at BCMC. She has served on numerous commissions and committees. She was the volunteer coordinator for our church at New Hope Shelter for about 10 years. She accompanied the Cherub Choir, was a youth mentor and helped in the nursery. Her passion for helping out wherever needed will be missed. She is moving to Nashville, TN to be with her daughter and her family. Her address will be 139 37th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209. We pray that she will continue to be a blessing in her new community.

The BCMC Congregation is invited to a Baby Sprinkle for Adam and Jill Robb, October 1, 2-4 p.m., BCMC Fellowship Hall. Registry is: www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/surpriserobb — Kathy Stucky (316-772-2479) & Elaine Prouty (316-772-2572)

LEADERSHIP RETREAT
Expanding the Call! – BCMC Board, Commission and Standing Committee members are meeting this Saturday, October 1, at the Dyck Arboretum Visitors Center, 9:00 – 11:30 am for their annual Leaders’ Retreat. We know that there are many folks who give leadership to all sorts of other BCMC committees, classes, and task groups. So, we are expanding our usual invitation list to include ALL BCMC LEADERS of any BCMC group to attend this year’s Leader’s Retreat. We will talk about what is going well at BCMC and how we might simplify our work so we might find more joy and creativity in our ministries. Email Monica at office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and she will reserve a place for you. (We’ll also have great snacks!)

The Central Kansas Master Chorale will present “Through the Ages Hymn Festival” Sunday, October 1, 3 p.m., at Hesston Mennonite Church. Concert admission is free.

Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger is in Newton the remainder of this week. He will be driving back to Topeka on Monday (10/2) but will return to Newton Thursday morning (10/5), staying until Sunday afternoon (10/8). Whether he’s in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone call (785-220-1968).

This Week at BCMC: October 1—8, 2023
Sun., October 1, 2023—World Communion Sunday
9:30 a.m.    Worship
YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/lS9Ba5cekas?feature=share

The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   High School – Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)

Mon., October 2, 2023
10 a.m.    Staff Meeting in Room 14
Tues., October 3, 2023
5-9 p.m. Outside event meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., October 4, 2023
7 p.m.      Youth Group meeting
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., October 5, 2023
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
4 p.m.        Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
7 p.m.        Church Board meeting in Room 14
Sat., October 7, 2023
9-11:30 a.m. Leadership Retreat at Dyck Arboretum
Sun., October 8, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; Child dedication of Eliza Tschetter (Rebecca and Aaron Tschetter’s daughter and Theodore’s sister);
Music by the Chancel Bells

For Your Calendars: Wednesday night suppers begin October 11.

BCMC Offering for September 24, 2023: General Fund $4,197; Plant Fund $50; Caring Fund $250; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $100; Bequest $15,565.44; Kitchen Fund $16; Women’s Fellowship $396.

You did it again, congratulations! August giving resulted in a surplus of income over expenses. Four out of five months ‘ain’t bad’! Thank you so much for your efforts to keep the church financially solvent.
—Finance Committee

Creation Care Challenge
Most of us are aware of the dangers that plastic bags are doing to our environment. So, let’s take a challenge to address that issue. We are encouraging everyone to participate in collecting clean plastic bags for recycling. These bags can be delivered to BCMC and placed in a receptacle in the south entrance. Our goal is to collect 1,000 pounds in one year with a reward of a composite bench made from plastic. Please combine smaller bags into a larger bag rather than dropping in separate bags.

Caring Fund Contribution Opportunity Sunday October 1. 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 and has been 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, Peace Connections Circle of Hope, Newton Community Foundation, USD 373 student meals for low income, and several individuals to help with housing rent and utilities. Thank you for your continued support and contributions.

Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale QUILTER’S CORNER FALL SALE – Oct. 13-14, Fri. 9-5 and Sat. 9-3, at Mennonite Central Committee, 121 E. 30th St., North Newton. There will be lots of great quilt-related items available for purchase with all the proceeds going to the work of Mennonite Central Committee. Questions? Contact Rose at 316-288-0079 or Ann at 919-604-3282

Life Enrichment, Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, October 4:
9:30 a.m. “Camp David International: Serving Children of Prisoners,” Ben Smith, director, Hesston
10:50 a.m. “Code Delta—This is not a drill!,” Carol and Donley Duerksen, Hillsboro

Sat., Oct. 7 – “Wild Words: Poetry & Prairie,” with Aubrey Streit Krug, 9:30 a.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium at Bethel College. Streit Krug lives in Lindsborg and works at The Land Institute in Salina. Wild Words is a chapbook published by Humanities Kansas, and free copies will be available at the reading.

Sun., Oct. 8, and Mon., Oct. 9 – Staley Lectures at Bethel College: Fernando Pérez and Rebeca González, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel, and 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center (English translation by Linda Shelly). Pérez and González are transition pastors of Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania in Newton, and executive coordinators of the Comunidad de Instituciones Teológicas Anabautistas. The focus of the lectures is “The Responsibility of the Church Facing the Local Context: From a Pastoral Experience,” drawing on pastoral experience in multiple local contexts, including working with asylum seekers and families of disappeared persons. Livestreaming will be available.

Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Oct. 12-15, with most activities taking place Saturday, Oct. 14, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football, the musical The Addams Family and two different organ performances. See https://www.bethelks.edu/alumni/events/fall-festival for the complete schedule.

Fri., Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Oct. 14, 3:30 p.m., Sun., Oct. 15, 2 p.m. – Bethel College music and theater present the musical The Addams Family during Fall Festival, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Ticket purchase required, in Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., online (https://bethelks.hometownticketing.com/embed/all?depts=3) or at the door.

The Kauffman Museum October bird walk will be on the second Saturday to coincide with Fall Festival (Sat., Oct. 14, 8 a.m. start time).

Sat., Oct. 14 – Kauffman Museum programs at Fall Festival, all in the museum auditorium: 10:30 a.m., “The Organ at Home,” Rosi Penner Kaufman and Donna Hetrick will play the Teschemacher cabinet organ; 2 p.m., “Land Trusts Leave a Conservation Legacy,” Jerry Jost, Kansas Land Trust; 4 p.m., “Hidden Connections: The Bethel Bell and Brown vs. Board of Education in the Supreme Court,” Levi Goossen, Newton attorney.

Sat., Oct. 14 – Bethel College Organ Recital Series presents a concert featuring 8 organ alumni and Shirley Sprunger King, 2:30 p.m., Administration Building chapel (part of Fall Festival).
Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Bold Color,” acrylic paintings by Virgil Penner, through Fri., Oct. 20. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.

Call for volunteers – The Bethel College Alumni Association is looking for volunteers to help with Taste of Newton and Fall Festival. Shifts are 1.5-2 hours long and need to be filled on Thursday, Oct. 12, 5-9 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact Brad Schmidt at 316-285-5252 or bschmidt@bethelks.edu, or use the following online forms: verenike booth, Taste of Newton: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-verenike3; burger booth, Fall Fest: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-burger1; verenike booth, Fall Fest: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-verenike2

SAVE THE DATE: Oct. 29-30, Dr. Aileen Friesen from the University of Winnipeg will give the annual Menno Simons Lectures at Bethel College.

Bethel College Women’s Association welcomes donations of baked goods for Market-in-the-Round and pies for Pie-by-the-Slice at Fall Festival. Bring homemade fruit pies, poppyseed roll, zwieback, cinnamon rolls, or other treats to room 140 in Luyken Fine Arts Center from 2-5 p.m. Fri., Oct. 13 or 7-9 a.m. Sat., Oct. 14. Questions? Email bcwa@belthelks.edu. All proceeds will benefit Bethel College.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
M&M Project Update: The monies that have been brought in for the Mission and Ministry Project (M&M) now total more than $80,000! Gifts, small and large, continue to be given to the fund drive, and we are getting closer weekly to our goal of matching the generous gift of $100,000 that started this matching drive. Thank you all so much! One such gift was given to Camp last Sunday during the 75th Anniversary Kick-Off. Members of the Primetime Sunday School Class, a class for ages 70-90, at Whitestone Mennonite Church, Hesston, presented Camp with a check for $1000, making them the latest of a long list of Fire Keepers. There are several events coming up, the income from which will go to support M&M. Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, Inman, is holding its annual Mission Supper Oct. 21 with proceeds to go to the M&M Project, and First Mennonite Church in Beatrice, NE, is planning to host a breakfast event to raise funds on Oct. 29. Now is the time to make your donation and become part of the M&M Project and the promise it represents. . Checks can be made to Camp with “M&M” in the memo line, or you can give your gifts online. Tammy Duvanel Unruh, Development Director, Camp Mennoscah; tammy.d.unruh@campmennoscah.org
316-207-3472 or Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS 67111,
620-297-3290.

The Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats will be moving to the Retreat Center. All activities and lodging will be in the Retreat Center. HVAC renovations have not taken place, yet, so space heaters will still be used. The Retreat Center is better insulated and will offer a more comfortable temperature than the dining hall. Cropping and crafting will be downstairs and meals will be upstairs, so attendees need to be prepared to go up and down stairs. If you have already registered and this does not work for you, contact us at 620-297-3290. Register now and bring your friends!

Other events and happenings:

Moving even closer! One more architectural plan is needed before a more formal timeline can be made for the Retreat Center HVAC renovations. Once we have a timeline, we’ll need people to be Camp Mennoscah’s hands and feet for this project (i.e., volunteers). Watch Facebook for details.
The dam will be taken out on Sunday, October 8, at 2:30pm, whatever the weather may be, unless deemed dangerous. Meet down by the shelter. Helpers and spectators are welcome. Helping is not for the youngest ages due to the heavy planks and rushing water, but all are welcome to watch the activities. Planks will need to be scraped and pressure-washed once removed. Many hands are welcome!
Camp Mennoscah will be at Bethel College’s Fall Fest on October 14! Put it on your calendar and come say hi!

Mennonite Central Committee is hiring a Peace Education Coordinator. The Peace Education Coordinator leads MCC’s church education efforts nationwide in the U.S. related to peace and nonviolence. This includes peace theology, conflict transformation, and response to violence (including gun violence prevention, anti-militarism, and mass incarceration). Education efforts involve engaging MCC’s constituency on these peace-related topics by working with MCC regional staff and with denominational and other partners. Apply at mcc.org/peace-education-coordinator by October 16.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcementsFor Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press hereMennonite Church USA Announcements
invitation for Mennonites working in public education
Let’s have real discussions of what it means to live out our faith (or not) in the public schools. What do you do about the pledge of allegiance? What other issues stand in the way of peaceful witness in our schools? Mennonite Public Educators is a group that brings together Mennonite teachers and other education professionals who work in a public school setting in the US or Canada for mutual encouragement, support, and learning. For more information or to receive the RSVP link, contact info@MennoniteEducation.org.

Learn more and register by October 15, 2023, for the Mennonite Church USA Generation Z Energy and Spirit Challenge. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/energy-spirit View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/slide-energy-youth

Menno Snapshots

Ingrid Friesen Moser, wellbeing coordinator for Mennonite Church USA’s The Corinthian Plan, shares how spending time outdoors can help heal us and, when we come together for climate justice, can also help our planet. Read her story here: mennoniteusa.org/heal-ourselves

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Pray for Joseph and Rachel Givens, who work with volunteers at the Maria Skobtsova House in Calais, France, to offer food and shelter to migrants, as they seek refuge en route to the United Kingdom. Pray for deep spiritual grounding for the Givens family and the volunteers, as they accompany people suffering from deep trauma. Pray also for more volunteers

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for pastors beginning ministry assignments in WDC congregations, as they offer leadership and get to know new faith communities.

Announcements for September 24–October 1, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 24, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 24, 2023
Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost

Prelude— Sarabande from French Suite No 5 (J. S. Bach)
Adagio from Sonata no. 60, Hob XVI/50 (Franz Joseph Haydn)—Meghann Rogers

Christ Candle Lighting

Call to Worship and Prayer—Jim Robb

*Hymn—Holy Spirit, Come With Power—VT 57

Children’s Conversation—Esther Kreider Each

Scripture Reading—Jonah 3:10-4:1—Elaine Schurr

*Hymn—God, Give Me Time—VT 144

Scripture Reading—Matthew 20:1-16

Sermon—The First Shall Be Last—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Rain Down— VT 703

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn— Sing Praise to God Who Reigns— VT 101
People with September birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal

*Benediction

Postlude—Christ, Be All Around Me (Voices Together No. 848)—Meghann Rogers

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Keyboard- Meghann Rogers
Audio visual— John Thiesen

The YouTube Link for Last Sunday’s (September 17, 2023) worship service is: https://youtu.be/Pg-gmOKThmM

This Week at BCMC: September 24—October 1, 2023
Sun., September 24, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship    10:45 a.m. Solar Panel Project Task Group—Sunday school elective—Fellowship Hall
YouTube Link for this Sunday:  https://youtube.com/live/rg7psBQgKPQ?feature=share

The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   High School – Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)

Mon., September 25, 2023
10 a.m.    Library Committee meeting in the Library and Room 14
Tues., September 26, 2023
11 .m.      Staff meeting
6:30 p.m. Pastor Search Committee meeting in Room 14
Wed., September 27, 2023
7 p.m.      Youth Group meeting
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., September 28, 2023
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.        Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
7:30 p.m. Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
Fri., September 29, 2023
10 a.m.-noon and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Shirley King practices organ in the Sanctuary
Sat., September 30, 2023
11 a.m.       Memorial Service for Patricia Shelly in the Sanctuary
Sun., October 1, 2023—World Communion Sunday
9:30 a.m.    Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; communion will be
served; music by the Chancel Choir

The Solar Panel Project task group invites input from the congregation about this possible initiative for BCMC.   Sept. 24, in Fellowship Hall, during the Sunday School hour will be an opportunity to visit together. Task Group members: Dwight Krehbiel, Lorna Harder, Hugo Boschmann, Margaret Toews

For Your Calendars:
· The memorial service for Patty Shelly will be Saturday, September 30 at 11 a.m. at BCMC. The service will be live-streamed. The link is:  https://youtube.com/live/IX0_1OnzWQs?feature=share
· The BCMC Congregation is invited to a Baby Sprinkle for Adam and Jill Robb, October 1, 2-4 p.m., BCMC Fellowship Hall. Registry is:  www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/surpriserobb — Kathy Stucky (316-772-2479) & Elaine Prouty (316-772-2572)

We offer sympathy to the family of E. LaVerne Epp of Lawrence, KS.
LaVerne died Sept. 18. The memorial service is Sept. 23 at the Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence. LaVerne was a wider fellowship member of BCMC. His wife, Marilyn (Crabb), is also a wider fellowship member. Please remember Marilyn and family and LaVerne’s sister, Verlene
Garber and Ron Garber and family in your prayers. For a link to E. LaVerne Epp’s obituary press here

Roger’s Whereabouts :  Roger will be back in Newton on Wednesday,
September 27.   Roger will be checking his email and phone almost every day. So feel free to email, text or call 785-220-1968.

BCMC Offering for September 17, 2023: General Fund $7,190.33; Plant Fund $228.33; Sr Hi Youth $220; Library Reserve Fund $10; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $100; Kitchen Fund $10.

You did it again, congratulations! August giving resulted in a surplus of income over expenses. Four out of five months ‘ain’t bad’! Thank you so much for your efforts to keep the church financially solvent.
—Finance Committee

The September Library theme is called “What’s For Dinner?”  Come check out one of the library’s books on food: either to find a new dish to prepare or sit back and enjoy a new read in the comfort of your own home. We’d love to help you find your next read.

Creation Care Challenge
Most of us are aware of the dangers that plastic bags are doing to our environment. So, let’s take a challenge to address that issue. Beginning Oct. 1 we are encouraging everyone to participate in collecting clean plastic bags for recycling. These bags can be delivered to BCMC and placed in a receptacle in the south entrance. Our goal is to collect 1,000 pounds in one year with a reward of a composite bench made from plastic.

Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale QUILTER’S CORNER FALL SALE – October 13-14, 2023, Friday 9-5 and Saturday 9-3, at MCC, 121 E. 30th Street, North Newton. There will be lots of great quilt-related items available for purchase with all the proceeds going to the work of Mennonite Central Committee. Questions? Contact Rose at 316-288-0079 or Ann at 919-604-3282

BETHEL COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tues., Sept. 26 – “Sing My Soul” high school choral festival at Bethel College, Dr. Henry Waters, director, with a short public concert at 1:30 p.m., Memorial Hall

Thurs., Sept. 28 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center, featuring work by Gustav Holst, Percy Grainger, Jaime Texidor, Grace Baugher (who will be present at the concert) and Leonard Bernstein.

Fri., Sept. 29 – “Bold Color,” acrylic paintings by Virgil Penner, opens in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College (reception Oct. 13). Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 7 – “Wild Words: Poetry & Prairie,” with Aubrey Streit Krug, 9:30 a.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium at Bethel College. Streit Krug lives in Lindsborg and works at The Land Institute in Salina. Wild Words is a chapbook published by Humanities Kansas, and free copies will be available at the reading.

Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Oct. 12-15, with most activities taking place Saturday, Oct. 14, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football, the musical The Addams Family and two different organ performances. See https://www.bethelks.edu/alumni/events/fall-festival for the complete schedule.

Fri., Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Oct. 14, 3:30 p.m., Sun., Oct. 15, 2 p.m. – Bethel College music and theater present the musical The Addams Family during Fall Festival, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Ticket purchase required, in Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., online (https://bethelks.hometownticketing.com/embed/all?depts=3) or at the door.

Sat., Oct. 14, 2:30 p.m. – Bethel College’s Organ Recital Series presents an Alumni Recital, Ad Building chapel, featuring works by J.S. Bach, Brahms, Burkhardt, Buxtehude, Cherwien, Clerambault and Howells. Former Bethel organ instructor Shirley Sprunger King will play a duet with Donna Hetrick. Many of the organists play regularly in local congregations and venues, including Greta Hiebert (Shalom Mennonite Church), Karen Unruh (varied), Chris Shaw (Plymouth Congregational Church, Wichita), Rosi Penner Kaufman (Rainbow Mennonite Church, Kansas City) and Chelsea Vaught (Bethesda Mennonite Church, Henderson, Neb.).

Call for volunteers – The Bethel College Alumni Association is looking for volunteers to help with Taste of Newton and Fall Festival. Shifts are 1.5-2 hours long and need to be filled on Thursday, Oct. 12, 5-9 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact Brad Schmidt at 316-285-5252 or bschmidt@bethelks.edu, or use the following online forms: verenike booth, Taste of Newton: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-verenike3; burger booth, Fall Fest: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-burger1; verenike booth, Fall Fest: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-verenike2

Life Enrichment, Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, September 27:
9:30 a.m. “Drawing Poetry and Writing Pictures: An Artistic Collaboration.” Duane Johnson, Topeka, and Lila Bartel, Topeka
10:50 a.m. “Expanding Social-Emotional Competence and Compassion through Social Work,” Jennifer Chappell Deckert, Ph.D., chair, Bethel College Department of Social Work, and associate professor of social work

Open to new participants: Healing & Hope, a confidential group of women supporting each other after experiencing betrayal trauma (a spouse or partner’s use of pornography, affair, or sexual addiction). Bimonthly meetings are held via Zoom and will begin again in mid-October. This group is hosted by First Mennonite Church of Newton and facilitated by Audrey Ratzlaff, M.Div. Contact Audrey at aaratzlaff@yahoo.com or 316-619-4580 for more information.

CAMP MENNOSCAH ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Camp Mennoscah 75th Anniversary Kick-Off event will be held on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at Camp Mennoscah! Come join us for a day of celebration and activities as we initiate our extended season of remembering Camp’s past and anticipating Camp’s future. The day’s schedule is below. Go to www.campmennoscah.org for more information and to register. You are invited!

1:00-5:00 PM Opening Event & Fun Family Activities

4:00 PM Music

5:00 PM Dinner – Burgers, Brats, Hot Dogs on the grill

6:00 PM Annual Meeting

7:00 PM Talent/No Talent Show

Other events and happenings:

Preparations for the HVAC project at the Retreat Center are slowly moving along. We’re waiting on the architectural plans to move to the next step and create a more formal timeline. When we have a timeline, we’ll need people to be Camp Mennoscah’s hands and feet for this project. Watch Facebook for details.
The dam will be taken out on Sunday, October 8, at 2:30pm, whatever the weather may be, unless deemed dangerous. Meet down by the shelter. Helpers and spectators are welcome. Helping is not for the youngest ages due to the heavy planks and rushing water, but all are welcome to watch the activities. Planks will need to be scraped and pressure-washed once removed. Many hands are welcome!
Camp Mennoscah will be at Bethel College’s Fall Fest on October 14! Put it on your calendar and come say hi!
Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. You are welcome to bring a camper/RV and use a gas generator (no hookups available). The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations. Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!

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

Footsteps of Paul in Greece + 3-Night Cruise May 27 – June 6, 2024. Led by Pastor Weldon Martens, Grace Hill Mennonite Church; Whitewater, KS. This is a 11-Day Tour & Cruise to Athens, Thessalonica, Philippi, Corinth, Crete, Patmos, Ephesus, Mykonos & Santorini. Cost: $3,219 + flights. Registration: Due by January 18, 2024. Contact Pastor Weldon Martens at:
weldon.martens@gmail.com / 402-202-9276. Complete tour information & registration at www.tourwithweldon.com

Everence® will hold an informative Social Security and retirement income
workshop Thurs., Sept. 28, 6:30 p.m. Topics will include, Social Security strategies, including when to begin taking benefits, risks that can impact your retirement savings plus strategies to help your income last throughout retirement. The in-person workshop will be at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton. Information will be presented by staff from the Everence offices in Central Kansas. To register contact Everence at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.

For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” click here
For Mennonite Creation Care Network press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News From Around the World” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite World Conference Info press here

MENNONITE CHURCH USA ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mennonite Church USA installed a sculpture at its Elkhart, Indiana, offices that was designed and built by Emma Zuercher, a 2023 graduate of Goshen College from Apple Creek, Ohio. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/unveil-sculpture/

Engage with the MC USA Archives and meet the new archives coordinator, Olivia Krall. View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/slide-archives-engage

Menno Snapshots

In the wake of the U.S. sending cluster bombs to Ukraine, Titus Peachey, who currently serves on the steering committee for the Cluster Munition Coalition, reflects on his experiences dealing with cluster bombs in Laos and calls Mennonites to witness against war makings. Read more of his experiences here: mennoniteusa.org/cluster-bombs-witness

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for a couple who has spent decades ministering in the Middle East, where they are part of a media team that works at “transforming lives with unstoppable hope.” Pray for them and the 16 full-time animators; multiple trainers, who help people share the good news with their neighbors; and a social media team of three Arabic women, who address issues like human trafficking and child brides.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: We are called as Jesus’s followers to share our experience as God’s people and the transformative work of the gospel of Jesus in our lives. We pray for church plants and congregations exploring partnerships to do missions together in Wester District Conference.
—WDC Church Planting Commission

View the worship service for September 17, 2023

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH

September 17, 2023

Peace Sunday: Climate Action for Peace

Prelude—There is no Shadow (Brenda Portman)–Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Call to Worship and Prayer—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—All Thing Bright and Beautiful—VT 177

Kin-dom Report—Vernon Goering

Children’s Conversation—High School Youth Group

Scripture Reading—Psalm 36:5-9; Psalm 65:5-8—Roger Juhnke

A Joyful Vision—Darlene Dick

*Hymn—Touch the Earth Lightly— VT 145

Anthem—Love the Lord Your God (Patty Shelly)—Chancel Choir, Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Matthew 6:25-34; Isaiah 24:4-7—Zona Galle

Lamenting and Reflecting—Keith Harder

*Hymn—The Garden Needs Our Tending Now—VT 788

Prayers of God’s People

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

*Benediction

Postlude—Trumpet Tune (David German)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand

VT—Voices Together

Audio visual— Ken Lamp

We give thanks and credit to the Mennonite Central Committee’s worship resources for this peace Sunday service. Many of the readings, images, and ideas for this service were provided by the 2023 MCC Peace Sunday Packet: Climate Action for Peace.

Announcements for September 17-24, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 17, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 17, 2023
Peace Sunday: Climate Action for Peace

Prelude—There is no Shadow (Brenda Portman)–Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Call to Worship and Prayer—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—All Thing Bright and Beautiful—VT 177

Kin-dom Report—Vernon Goering

Children’s Conversation—High School Youth Group

Scripture Reading—Psalm 36:5-9; Psalm 65:5-8—Roger Juhnke

A Joyful Vision—Darlene Dick

*Hymn—Touch the Earth Lightly— VT 145

Anthem—Love the Lord Your God (Patty Shelly)—Chancel Choir, Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Matthew 6:25-34; Isaiah 24:4-7—Zona Galle

Lamenting and Reflecting—Keith Harder

*Hymn—The Garden Needs Our Tending Now—VT 788

Prayers of God’s People

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

*Benediction

Postlude—Trumpet Tune (David German)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual— Ken Lamp

We give thanks and credit to the Mennonite Central Committee’s worship resources for this peace Sunday service. Many of the readings, images, and ideas for this service were provided by the 2023 MCC Peace Sunday Packet: Climate Action for Peace.

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/phRZa-EQgZ0?feature=share

This Week at BCMC: September 17—24, 2023
Sun., September 17, 2023—Peace Sunday
9:30 a.m.   Service planned by the Witness Commission
YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/phRZa-EQgZ0?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 am  Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   High School – Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)

2-4 p.m.      Mentor/mentee event in Fellowship Hall with pizza and games
6:30 p.m.     BCMC/Bethel College Ice Cream Social September 17, 6:30 p.m. on the BCMC front lawn. Come to enjoy ice cream with Bethel students and faculty. The Bethel College Relations Team (Darlene Dick, Ron Flickinger, Tim Hodge, Matt Koontz) ask that you bring a dessert or toppings to go with the ice cream.

Mon., September 18, 2023
3:45 p.m.      Worship Commission
Tues., September 19, 2023
7 p.m.       Women’s Fellowship Meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., September 20, 2023
7 p.m.      Youth Group meeting
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., September 21, 2023
4 p.m.        Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.        Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sun., September 24, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz
10:45 a.m. Solar Panel Project Task Group—Sun. school elective–Fellowship Hall

For Your Calendars:
· BCMC Women’s Fellowship meets Tues., Sept. 19, 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.  We will affirm leadership for 2024 and reflect on the impact and gifts of one’s family of origin. Bring an artifact that represents what has shaped you such as a book, story, tradition etc. Use the south-east door.
· The BCMC Congregation is invited to a Baby Sprinkle for Adam and Jill Robb, October 1, 2-4 p.m., BCMC Fellowship Hall. Registry is: www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/surpriserobb
    Kathy Stucky (316-772-2479) & Elaine Prouty (316-772-2572)
· The memorial service for Patty Shelly will be Saturday, September 30 at 11 a.m. at BCMC. The service will be live-streamed. The link is:  https://youtube.com/live/IX0_1OnzWQs?feature=share

Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger will be back in Newton on Wednesday, September 27. Roger will be checking his email and phone almost every day. So feel free to email, text or call 785-220-1968.

BCMC Offering for September 10, 2023: General Fund $6,117; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $500; Kitchen Fund $7; Women’s Fellowship $50; Sr Hi Youth $3,322.

You did it again, congratulations! August giving resulted in a surplus of income over expenses. Four out of five months ‘ain’t bad’! Thank you so much for your efforts to keep the church financially solvent. – Finance Committee

Please accept my deepest appreciation for the joyous celebration of my licensing for specific ministry at Bethel College Mennonite Church! The “American Avocets” print by Bob Regier evokes the Creator’s care for birds of the air, and the ever-present refuge in the shadow of God’s wings. The flaming celosia and nandina shrub provide vivid reminders that the burning bush still burns! Thank you all!
Elizabeth Schmidt, Congregational Care Coordinator

The Senior High Youth Group thanks you for your generous support last Sunday. The meal raised $2,952! Furthermore, the interactions, conversations, and connections made via the Youth Group Fun Facts activity were priceless. Thank you for both your financial support and your interest in learning to know our youth.
P.S.: Save the date, January 28, 2024 Soup Luncheon prior to the congregational meeting and the next fun-filled congregation and youth activity!

Tributes to Patty Shelly

Below is a link to a tribute written last Friday to Patty Shelly from Jessica Griggs who is on the MC USA Communications team. https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/former-mc-usa-moderator-patricia-shelly-dies-at-71/

Pastors at BCMC were asked to contribute memories for this article, but Jessica was not able to incorporate them. So here are the words that Pastor Elizabeth Schmidt wrote in more recent memory of Patty.

“A punster without peer, Patty shared wisdom with her unique humor and delight. In 2019, Bethel College Mennonite Church staff asked her to share a sermon on a portion of the congregation’s common purpose statement, from Micah 6:1-8. With a deep dive from Mitzvot to Micah to the Greatest Commandment, Patty took a “Micah-scopic look” at the congregational purpose statement and “Micah-managed” the meaning of doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.
When Patty sat in the back of the sanctuary during worship, her buoyant soprano voice lifted the rafters in praise.

Patty capably served as Congregational Moderator and on Church Board, Safe Sanctuaries Task Group, Worship Commission, and Prayer Network.

During the covid pandemic in spring of 2020, Pastor Renee Reimer engaged the congregation in an on-line “March Madness” activity to select the congregation’s favorite hymn. The final bracket winner was Patty’s benediction song, “The Lord Lift You Up,” which now appears in Voices Together, #832.
Its lyrics are a fitting tribute to Patty’s life, from first to final breath.”

Solar Panel Project Task Group
The Solar Panel Project task group would like to thank you for listening to our presentation at last Sunday’s congregational meeting. We look forward to input from the congregation about this possible initiative for BCMC. Sunday, September 24, in Fellowship Hall, during the Sunday School hour will be the next opportunity to visit together but if you have questions or comments before then please ask any committee member. – Dwight Krehbiel, Lorna Harder, Hugo Boschmann, Margaret Toews

Creation Care Challenge
Most of us are aware of the dangers that plastic bags are doing to our environment. So, let’s take a challenge to address that issue. Beginning October 1 we are encouraging everyone to participate in collecting clean plastic bags for recycling. These bags can be delivered to BCMC during the hours the church is open. Our goal is to collect 1,000 pounds in one year with a reward of a composite bench made from plastic. This is a project of the Senior High Youth Group.

BCMC Women’s Fellowship
BCMC Women’s Fellowship meets Tues., Sept. 19, 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. We will affirm leadership for 2024 and reflect on the impact and gifts of one’s family of origin. Bring an artifact that represents what has shaped you such as a book, story, tradition etc. Use the south-east door.

We offer sympathy to Ann Preheim Regier, on the death of her husband, Ivan G. Regier, Aug. 31, 2023, Grant Nebraska. Ivan was a wider fellowship member of BCMC and Ann will remain as a wider fellowship member. For a link to the obituary for Ivan Regier press here.

We offer sympathy to George and Jeanette Leary, Megan Leary, and Kevin and Naomi Leary and their children Magdalena and Silas Leary on the death of George’s father, George Isaac Leary, Sr. George Isaac Leary, Sr., 86, of Barberville, Florida, passed away peacefully Sept 12.

Bethel College Women’s Association welcomes donations of baked goods for Market-in-the-Round and pies for Pie-by-the-Slice at Fall Festival. Bring homemade fruit pies, poppyseed roll, zwieback, cinnamon rolls, or other treats to room 140 in Luyken Fine Arts Center from 2-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13 or 7-9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. Questions? Email bcwa@belthelks.edu. All proceeds will benefit Bethel College.

Bethel College Announcements
Mon., Sept. 18 – Visiting Writer Series at Bethel College: Jesse Nathan will read from his debut poetry collection, Eggtooth, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Nathan is a Bethel graduate who grew up in rural McPherson County and now lives and teaches in the Bay Area in California.

Thurs., Sept. 21 – Artist reception for Tom and Pam Voth and “Drinking from a New Well,” 6-8 p.m., Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Exhibit closes the same evening. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.

Thurs., Sept. 21 – Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall

Thurs., Sept. 28 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center

Call for volunteers – The Bethel College Alumni Association is looking for volunteers to help with Taste of Newton and Fall Festival. Shifts are 1.5-2 hours long and need to be filled on Thursday, Oct. 12, 5-9 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact Brad Schmidt at 316-285-5252 or bschmidt@bethelks.edu, or use the following online forms: verenike booth, Taste of Newton: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-verenike3; burger booth, Fall Fest: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-burger1; verenike booth, Fall Fest: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-verenike2

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

1:00-5:00 PM Opening Event & Fun Family Activities

4:00 PM Music

5:00 PM Dinner – Burgers, Brats, Hot Dogs on the grill

6:00 PM Annual Meeting

7:00 PM Talent/No Talent Show

Other events and happenings:

Have you seen our white Mr. Coffee coffeepot? The one in the Retreat Center is missing. There is a white Mr. Coffee, but it is of a different style and size than the one belonging to Camp Mennoscah. Let’s switch! Contact us at 620-297-3290 or office@campmennoscah.org
The dam will be taken out on Sunday, October 8, at 2:30pm whatever the weather may be, unless deemed dangerous. Meet down by the shelter. Helpers and spectators are welcome. Helping is not for younger ages due to the heavy planks and rushing water, but are welcome to watch the activities. Planks will need to be scraped and pressure-washed once removed. Many hands are welcome!
Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. You are welcome to bring a camper/RV and use a gas generator (no hookups available). The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations. Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!

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

Open to new participants: Healing & Hope, a confidential group of women supporting each other after experiencing betrayal trauma (a spouse or partner’s use of pornography, affair, or sexual addiction). Bimonthly meetings are held via Zoom and will begin again in mid-October. This group is hosted by First Mennonite Church of Newton and facilitated by Audrey Ratzlaff, M.Div. Contact Audrey at aaratzlaff@yahoo.com or 316-619-4580 for more information.

Wheat planting means fall is here
The second happening of the 150^th celebration of the Swiss Volhynian Mennonites coming to the U.S. in 1874 is a Planting Turkey Red Wheat with Horses event just west of the Moundridge Museum on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Three teams of horses will show up to work the planting project starting at 8:30 a.m. and an old tractor will deliver the wheat to the drills. Drinks will be available. The Moundridge Museum will be open to visitors, and the Farmers Market will have plenty of produce to sell.

Thank you to Darrel Schrag, Glen Goering, Keith Goering, Russ Stucky, and Nathan Stucky for making all the arrangements. We all don’t have a team of horses in our backyard, so seeing those big work horses is astonishing; the kids especially find them awesome.
Come and see.

For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Share the Good News” press here

Footsteps of Paul in Greece + 3-Night Cruise May 27 – June 6, 2024. Led by Pastor Weldon Martens, Grace Hill Mennonite Church; Whitewater, KS. This is a 11-Day Tour & Cruise to Athens, Thessalonica, Philippi, Corinth, Crete, Patmos, Ephesus, Mykonos & Santorini. Cost: $3,219 + flights. Registration: Due by January 18, 2024. Contact Pastor Weldon Martens at: weldon.martens@gmail.com / 402-202-9276. Complete tour information & registration at www.tourwithweldon.com

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Menno Snapshots

In a time of transition, ordained and board-certified chaplain, Ruth Johnston, found herself seeking God’s guidance for a new calling. Through the recommendations of her spiritual director, Ruth learned to lean on her passions to discover where God was leading her next. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/gods-guidance-spiritual-direction

Kevin Chupp, pastor at Mennonite Church of Normal (Illinois) in Central District Conference and a graduate of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, uses his experience with clerical garb to explain why the church’s openness in theology and dress drew him to the Mennonite tradition. Read his experience here: mennoniteusa.org/openness-pulpit

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Praise God for Kate Widmer, who is serving with Mennonite Mission Network, and La Prairie (The Prairie) Mennonite congregation in France, as they build relationships with immigrants in their neighborhood. Kate’s sewing classes have become popular. Pray that Kate will be able to share God’s love as she helps women make clothes for their families.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the WDC Listening Process, as congregations host listening teams from WDC to reflect on congregational ministry and hopes for the future, and ways that WDC resources can support their mission.

View the worship service for September 10, 2023

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 10, 2023

Prelude—In Summer (Charles Albert Stebbins)—Karen Schlabaugh; My Lord What a Morning (Eithun)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Brad Kohlman

*Hymn—What Is This Place?—VT 22

Children’s Conversation—“Backpack Blessing”—Jill Robb

Worship Music—Steal Away & Swing Low (Moklebust)—Chancel Bells

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 61:1-4; Acts 6:1-7—Sheryl and Kevin Goering

Sermon—Church Politics—Roger Neufeld Smith

*Hymn—The Church of Christ Cannot be Bound—VT #392

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Heart With Loving Heart United—VT 813

Benediction—The Lord Lift You Up—VT 832

Postlude—Karen Schlabaugh

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

Announcements for September 10-17, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 10, 2023

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

This Week at BCMC: September 10—17, 2023
Sun., September 10, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; Back Pack Blessing
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
12 p.m.      Fundraiser Lunch served by the Youth Group PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TABLE SERVICE TO FACILITATE THE CLEANUP!
12:45 p.m. Congregational meeting in the Fellowship Hall
YouTube Link for worship service:
https://youtube.com/live/Vob2q_oml9g?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   High School – Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)

Mon., September 11, 2023
7 p.m.      Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tues., September 12, 2023—Community Playschool Starts Today
12 p.m.    Mid-Kansas Investment Club in Fellowship Hall
1 p.m.      Firetronics will do the yearly fire alarm inspection at the church
1:45 p.m. Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
5 p.m.       Faith Formation meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., September 13, 2023
7 p.m.      Youth Group meeting
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., September 14, 2023
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m. Finance Committee meeting
Sun., September 17, 2023—Peace Sunday
9:30 a.m.   Service planned by the Witness Commission
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
2-4 p.m.      Mentor/mentee event in Fellowship Hall with pizza and games

6:30 p.m.     BCMC/Bethel College Ice Cream Social September 17, 6:30 p.m. on the BCMC front lawn. Come to enjoy ice cream with Bethel students and faculty. The Bethel College Relations Team (Darlene Dick, Ron Flickinger, Tim Hodge, Matt Koontz) ask that you bring a dessert or toppings to go with the ice cream

The next congregational meeting will be Sun., Sept. 10, at 12:45 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The senior high youth will serve a noon meal with the meeting to follow after a quick cleanup from lunch. To facilitate the cleanup please bring your own table service. The agenda will include a round-table discussion led by the Indigenous Justice Task Group, and reports from the Credence Report Task Group on intergenerational activities, Creation Care Solar Panel sub-committee, Education and Service Scholarship Committee, and the Pastor Search Committee. If time allows, there may be a brief time for sharing “what is going well in our congregation?”

For the agenda for the congregational meeting press here

For the minutes from the congregational meeting on May 7, 2023 press here

Memorial Service for Frances Siemens
The memorial service for Frances is this Saturday, September 9, 11 a.m. at BCMC. For a link to the obituary press here.

The service will be livestreamed. The live stream link is: https://youtube.com/live/qZ-PSk-UFTY?feature=share

Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger will be driving back to Topeka tomorrow (Monday) afternoon. He will be back in Newton on Wednesday, September 27. But Roger will be checking his email and phone almost every day. So feel free to email, text or call 785-220-1968.

BCMC Offering for September 3, 2023: General Fund $10,767.33; Library Reserve Fund $5; Living Stones $200; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $200; Kitchen Fund $9.

The Education and Service Scholarship Committee asks for donations to the Bethel College Scholarship Fund. This above-budget fund gives BCMC youth who are attending Bethel College a $1000 per year scholarship in addition to the $1000/year scholarship given to those attending Anabaptist colleges. This year we have four students who are attending Bethel. Please support our Bethel students by contributing. Checks can be made to BCMC with BC Scholarship Fund in the memo line. Thank you. – Margaret Toews for ESSC.

For Your Calendars:
· The BCMC Congregation is invited to a Baby Sprinkle for Adam and Jill Robb, October 1, 2-4 p.m., BCMC Fellowship Hall. Registry is: www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/surpriserobb
Kathy Stucky (316-772-2479) & Elaine Prouty (316-772-2572)

CREATION CARE COMMITTE AND SOLAR ENERGY

A subcommittee within the Creation Care Committee of BCMC has been working diligently for the last several months to develop a project to bring solar energy to our church and to the community. Many options have been explored – various possible sites for solar panels, collaborations with Bethel College and Kaufman Museum, bids from several installers, and several different funding approaches. Numerous individuals and groups within BCMC are participating in these discussions – members of the BCMC Board (especially Margaret Toews, Brad Kohlman, and Ada Schmidt-Tieszen), the Facilities Committee, the Finance Committee, and others on the Creation Care Committee.

These efforts have resulted in a proposal to place solar panels on portions of the south and east roofs of our building. More details about this project will be shared at the congregational meeting on September 10. On September 24 during the Sunday School hour there will be a follow-up meeting to provide additional information and opportunities for discussion and questions. The subcommittee members include Hugo Boschmann, Lorna Harder, and Dwight Krehbiel.

With all the discussions going on in our church about energy use, there might be interest in calculating carbon footprints. — Dwight Krehbiel
Click on this link: https://interfaithpowerandlight.org/coolcongregations/
Click on the “Calculators” menu at the upper right. There is one for households and one for congregations.

RAYLENE HINZ-PENNER BOOK SIGNING AT DYCK ARBORETUM
In addition to the usual selling of plants, this fall’s Flora Kansas Fall Native Plant Days at Dyck Arboretum will include a reading and book signing with author Raylene Hinz-Penner, featuring her memoir, “East of Liberal: Notes on the Land”, a “deeply researched story of a place” and a “personal land acknowledgement by one who loves the land and celebrates all those for whom it has been homeland.” The book signing will be Sat., Sept. 9, 11 a.m. in the Arboretum Visitor Center. Raylene was born and raised in southwest Kansas near Liberal, with extended family and emotional roots in central Oklahoma. Before retirement she taught English at Bethel College, her alma mater, and Washburn University, (along with Kansas University in Lawrence and Wichita State University).

Memorial Service for Patty Shelly
Patty Shelly passed away peacefully September 4 at her home. Please hold Patty’s mother June, Patty’s sister Doris and family, and her brother Andy & family, in your hearts in prayer for God’s comforting and abiding presence.

The memorial service for Patty Shelly will be Saturday, September 30 at 11 a.m. at BCMC. The service will be live-streamed. The link is: https://youtube.com/live/IX0_1OnzWQs?feature=share

Patty Shelly’s obituary link has been posted on Petersen’s Family Funeral Services page.

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

We will be welcoming new members to Bethel College Mennonite Church this fall. If you are interested in becoming a member, or transferring membership, or learning more about membership at BCMC, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Congregational Care Coordinator. She will be happy to visit with you!

The August/September Library theme is called “What’s For Dinner?” In the doldrums of this extreme heat, come check out one of the library’s books on food: either to find a new dish to prepare or sit back and enjoy a new read in the cool comfort of your own home. We’d love to help you find your next read.

Bethel College Announcements
· Life Enrichment, Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, September 13:
    9:30 a.m. “Nursing Shortage: Why? How Can That be Change?,” Val Gleason, President and CEO, NMC Health
    10:50 a.m. “The remarkable Life and Writings of Mennonite Activist        J.G. Ewert,” Christopher M. Dick, Ph.D., professor of English, Tabor
   College
· Sun., Sept. 10 – Eat, Protest, Lift, a film by Caleb Stephens, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium, Bethel College; Mon., Sept. 11, Dr. Stephens speaks in convocation, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium; sponsored by Bethel College Social Work, the KIPCOR Film Series and the Bethel College Women’s Association’s Carolyn Schultz Lectureship.
· Thurs., Sept. 21 – Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall
· Now in the Regier Gallery, Bethel College – “Drinking from a New Well,” ceramics by Tom and Pam Voth, through Thurs., Sept. 21. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
Bethel College’s annual online journal, Mennonite Life, can be accessed at ml.bethelks.edu – and there is a new item, “Elias Crosses the Molotschna,” a short story by Darrell Wiens. Also articles and reviews by Brad Born, Abigail Carl-Klassen, Daniel Shenk Cruz, Cheryl Denise, Josué Coy Dick, Nathan Garber, Rachel Waltner Goossen, Brad Gregory, Willmar Harder, Sheri Hostetler, Melanie Springer Mock, Hannah Neufeld, Kimberly Schmidt, Joe Smucker, Johnny Wideman and Ben Woodward-Breckbill.

FALL FAMILY FUN RETREAT AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN MENNONITE CAMP Young families and children (activities orientated for 2-8 year olds) are invited to RMMC this fall offering the perfect opportunity for your family to enjoy quality time, together, in the mountains. This is the age group that are too young to attend summer camps at RMMC, but ready to be introduced to the RMMC experience. The weekend is inviting all young families that have connections with the Mennonite Community and beyond. The weekend is coming Sept. 29-31, 2023 so visit the camp web page (rmmc.org) for additional information and to register online.

Register now for the fall 2023 Bluestem U semester courses. Bluestem U is lifelong learning partnership program between Bluestem Communities, Bethel College and Hesston College for those age 55 and better. Courses are taught by former or current Bethel College or Hesston College instructors or local experts. The fall 2023 courses are:
· “Music through the ages” taught by Ken Rodgers, Tuesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m., September 12 through October 17 at the Schowalter Villa Chapel.
· “Oops. We got here again! Communication and conflict” taught by Kevin Wilder, Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m., September 14 through October 12 at Schowalter Villa’s Mullet Place Theater.
Each course is $50. Register at bluestemu.org.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
· Camp Mennoscah 75th Anniversary Kick-Off Event
The Camp Mennoscah 75th Anniversary Kick-Off event will be held on September 24 at Camp! The day will be filled with Fun Family Activities;
Camp Corporation Annual Meeting; Spike Ball Tournament; Storytelling;
Music and, for the first time ever – The Camp Mennoscah Talent/No Talent Show! An evening of live entertainment on the banks of the Ninnescah! Enter your talent or your “talent,” wow the audience, and win prizes. All ages welcome! Or….Bring your cash or checkbook to “vote” for your favorite acts. The act that generates the most money wins! All money collected will be considered a donation to Camp Mennoscah’s M&M Project!
Be sure to let us know if you plan to attend and if you have an act to enter – remember, all ages and talent levels welcome! Check Camp Mennoscah’s website at www.campmennoscah.org or Camp’s Facebook page for more information. Sun., Sept. 24 at Camp Mennoscah, 1-5 p.m.
4 p.m. Music and 5 p.m. Dinner – Burgers, Brats, Hot Dogs on the grill
6 p.m. is the Annual Meeting and 7 p.m. Talent/No Talent Show

· Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. You are welcome to bring a camper/RV and use a gas generator (no hookups available). The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations. Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

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

For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA Executive Board has named two peacemakers, Jonathan Kuttab and Sydney Leah Bontrager, as the 2023 Bring The Peace award winners. The denomination gives the award to a Legacy Peacemaker and a Young Peacemaker each year. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/23-btp-winners

Menno Snapshots

Yujin Kim, a communications associate for Mennonite Central Committee East Coast, reflects on the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement and how separation and longing are part of her family narrative, shaping her identity and motivating her to work for peace. Read her story here: mennoniteusa.org/belonging-in-peace

Doh Nay Kaw attended Mennonite Church USA’s convention in early July with her youth group of Whitehall (Pennsylvania) Mennonite Church. She wrote a poem as an expression of her experience of self-searching at MennoCon23. Read the poem here: mennoniteusa.org/who-am-i

Violence pervades some children’s Bibles, but The Peace Table, Shine’s new storybook Bible, provides a peace witness, while providing thoughtful prompts concerning more violent passages. Read more about Chrissie Muecke’s experience as part of The Peace Table’s Team here: mennoniteusa.org/peace-witness-paths

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the members of the Movement of Anabaptist Women Doing Theology from Latin America (MTAL), as they compile their devotional book for 2024–2025. Pray that God’s spirit will guide the team of volunteer editors and designers as they work with submissions from more than 300 women.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for God’s guidance for elected leaders of WDC (Executive Board, Gifts Discernment Committee, Church Planting Commission, Ministerial Leadership Commission, Resource Commission, Stewardship Commission) and other WDC committees and task forces, as they begin a new program year following Annual Assembly.

View the worship service for September 3, 2023

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH

September 3, 2023

Celebration of Ministry License for Elizabeth Schmidt

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

Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Call to Worship—Dorothy Nickel Friesen

Land Acknowledgement—Judy Friesen

Invocation

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

Children’s Conversation—Kathy Stucky

*Hymn—There Are Many Gifts—VT 374

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

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

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

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

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

Prayers of God’s People

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

*Benediction

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

*You are invited to stand

VT—Voices Together

Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Audio visual—Ben Lichti

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

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

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

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

Elizabeth: I believe I am so called.

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

Elizabeth: With God’s help, I will.

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

Elizabeth: With God’s help, I will.

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

Elizabeth: With God’s help, I will.

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

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

Congregation: We will, by God’s grace.

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

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

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

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

Announcements for September 3-10, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE FOR
SEPTEMBER 3, 2023

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

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

Christ Candle Lighting

Call to Worship—Dorothy Nickel Friesen

Land Acknowledgement—Judy Friesen

Invocation

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

Children’s Conversation—Kathy Stucky

*Hymn—There Are Many Gifts—VT 374

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

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

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

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

Prayers of God’s People

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

*Benediction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congregation: We will, by God’s grace.

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

This Week at BCMC: September 3—September 10, 2023
Sun., September 3, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship
10:45 a.m. Official start of Sunday school
YouTube Link for worship service:
https://youtube.com/live/-qBAhuUqH9w?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   High School – Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28

Mon., September 4, 2023—Labor Day—Church building and office will be closed for the holiday
Wed., September 6, 2023
6:30 p.m. Gifts Discernment Committee meeting in Room 14
7 p.m.      Youth Group meeting
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., September 7, 2023
11 a.m.     Staff meeting in Room 14
5:30 p.m. Community Playschool Open House in the Playschool rooms
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.        Church Board meeting in Room 14
Sat., September 9, 2023
11 a.m.     Memorial service for Frances Siemens in the Sanctuary
Sun., September 10, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; Back Pack Blessing
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
12 p.m.      Fundraiser Lunch served by the Youth Group
1 p.m.        Congregational meeting in the Fellowship Hall

For Your Calendars:
· BCMC/Bethel College Ice Cream Social September 17, 6:30 p.m. on the BCMC front lawn. Come to enjoy ice cream with Bethel students and faculty. The Bethel College Relations Team (Darlene Dick, Ron Flickinger, Tim Hodge, Matt Koontz) ask that you bring a dessert or toppings to go with the ice cream.
· September 17: A mentor/mentee event in Fellowship Hall with pizza and games from 2 to 4 p.m.
· The BCMC Congregation is invited to a Baby Sprinkle for Adam and Jill Robb on October 1, 2023, 2:00-4:00pm at BCMC Fellowship Hall. Registry is: www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/surpriserobb
Kathy Stucky (316-772-2479) & Elaine Prouty (316-772-2572)

The next congregational meeting will be Sun., Sept. 10, at 12:45 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.  The senior high youth will serve a noon meal with the meeting to follow after a quick cleanup from lunch. To facilitate the cleanup please bring your own table service. The agenda will include a round-table discussion led by the Indigenous Justice Task Group, and reports from the Credence Report Task Group on intergenerational activities, Creation Care Solar Panel sub-committee, and the Education and Service Scholarship Committee. If time allows, there may be a brief time for sharing “what is going well in our congregation?”

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

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

The Education and Service Scholarship Committee asks for donations to the Bethel College Scholarship Fund. This above-budget fund gives BCMC youth who are attending Bethel College a $1000 per year scholarship in addition to the $1000/year scholarship given to those attending Anabaptist colleges. This year we have four students who are attending Bethel. Please support our Bethel students by contributing. Checks can be made to BCMC with BC Scholarship Fund in the memo line. Thank you. – Margaret Toews for ESSC.

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

CREATION CARE COMMITTE AND SOLAR ENERGY

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

We will be welcoming new members to Bethel College Mennonite Church this fall. If you are interested in becoming a member, or transferring membership, or learning more about membership at BCMC, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Congregational Care Coordinator. She will be happy to visit with you!

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

Bethel College Announcements
· Life Enrichment, Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, September 6:
9:30 a.m. “Are You from Here? People, Place, and the Future of the Rural Church,” Brad Roth, pastor and author, Hesston
10:50 a.m. “My Time at KWCH-Channel 12,” Rob Schunn, Wichita
· Sun., Sept. 10 – Eat, Protest, Lift, a film by Caleb Stephens, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium, Bethel College; Mon., Sept. 11, Dr. Stephens speaks in convocation, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium; sponsored by Bethel College Social Work, the KIPCOR Film Series and the Bethel College Women’s Association’s Carolyn Schultz Lectureship.
· Thurs., Sept. 21 – Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall
· Now in the Regier Gallery, Bethel College – “Drinking from a New Well,” ceramics by Tom and Pam Voth, through Thurs., Sept. 21. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Bethel College’s annual online journal, Mennonite Life, can be accessed at ml.bethelks.edu – and there is a new item, “Elias Crosses the Molotschna,” a short story by Darrell Wiens. Also articles and reviews by Brad Born, Abigail Carl-Klassen, Daniel Shenk Cruz, Cheryl Denise, Josué Coy Dick, Nathan Garber, Rachel Waltner Goossen, Brad Gregory, Willmar Harder, Sheri Hostetler, Melanie Springer Mock, Hannah Neufeld, Kimberly Schmidt, Joe Smucker, Johnny Wideman and Ben Woodward-Breckbill.
· Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts (BCAPA) is excited to offer an Adult Group Piano class beginning Tues., Sept. 5, running 8 weeks through Oct. 10, 11 a.m.-noon in the piano lab in Luyken Fine Arts Center on the Bethel campus. This beginning piano class is the perfect starter course to develop basic piano skills. Every student plays on their own keyboard in the piano lab, and no prior piano experience is needed to join. Seats are limited, so please e-mail bcapa@bethelks.edu or text/call us at 316-804-8864 if you are interested and/or have questions.

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

RAYLENE HINZ-PENNER BOOK SIGNING AT DYCK ARBORETUM
In addition to the usual selling of plants, this fall’s Flora Kansas Fall Native Plant Days at Dyck Arboretum will include a reading and book signing with author Raylene Hinz-Penner, featuring her memoir, “East of Liberal: Notes on the Land”, a “deeply researched story of a place” and a “personal land acknowledgement by one who loves the land and celebrates all those for whom it has been homeland.” The book signing will be Sat., Sept. 9, 11 a.m. in the Arboretum Visitor Center. Raylene was born and raised in southwest Kansas near Liberal, with extended family and emotional roots in central Oklahoma. Before retirement she taught English at Bethel College, her alma mater, and Washburn University, (along with Kansas University in Lawrence and Wichita State University).

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

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

Register now for the fall 2023 Bluestem U semester courses. Bluestem U is lifelong learning partnership program between Bluestem Communities, Bethel College and Hesston College for those age 55 and better. Courses are taught by former or current Bethel College or Hesston College instructors or local experts. The fall 2023 courses are:
· “Music through the ages” taught by Ken Rodgers, Tuesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m., September 12 through October 17 at the Schowalter Villa Chapel.
· “Oops. We got here again! Communication and conflict” taught by Kevin Wilder, Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m., September 14 through October 12 at Schowalter Villa’s Mullet Place Theater.
Each course is $50. Register at bluestemu.org.

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

Western District Women in Mission Women’s & Girls Retreat is Sept. 9-10 at Camp Mennoscah. Registration forms are available to download, print and send in at https://www.westerndistrictwomeninmission.org/events. See form for where it should be sent. We hope you can join us! This year’s theme is Women Talking, Listening, and Creating, with our scripture theme being 2 Peter 1:12-21. We’ll be diving into some fun activities around storytelling, listening, story-catching, and story-keeping in a variety of formats. Registration is due by September 5. For questions, e-mail westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com.
Multitudes of thanks to Work & Play participants and volunteers from Grace Hill and Zion Mennonite Churches! Staining was done on the wooden playground structure, the crafts building received much-needed organization (lookin’ spiffy!), and trails were cleared. We are grateful for the gifts of time and energy you shared with the whole of the Camp Mennoscah community!
Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. You are welcome to bring a camper/RV and use a gas generator (no hookups available). The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations. Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here

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

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

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

Menno Snapshots

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

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

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

View the worship service for August 27, 2023

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
August 27, 2023

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

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—George Leary

Hymn—Come, Thou Fount—VT 563

Children’s Conversation—Crystal Gaeddert

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

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

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

Hymn—How Firm a Foundation—VT 592

Prayers of God’s People

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

Benediction

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

Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Audio-visual—John Thiesen

VT—Voices Together

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