Author Archives: Monica Lichti

October 13, 2024 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY,
OCTOBER 13, 2024

Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20 a.m., 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 below 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/HSRbcx09B9M?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 13, 2024

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—There is no shadow... [VT 419] (Brenda Portman)
Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome & Prayer—Payne Claassen and Mary Ellen Hodge—VT 854—Mentee/Mentor

*Hymn —We Long to Know Her—VT 44

Children’s Conversation—Joanna Harader

Worship Music—Et in terra pax hominibus– [excerpted from Vivaldi’s Gloria (ca. 1715)]–
Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
Scripture Reading—Psalm 22:1-15—Hugo Boschmann

*Hymn—My God, My God—VT 696

Scripture Reading—Job 23:1-9—Hugo Boschmann

Sermon—When God Goes Missing—Joanna Harader

*Hymn—Joyful Is the Dark—VT 281

Prayers of God’s People—Emma Gering and Jill Robb— Mentee/Mentor

*Hymn—God, Be the Love—VT 43

*Benediction

Postlude—I Know That My Redeemer Lives [VT 347] (arr. Dale Wood )
Will Wiebe-Friesen

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

Today’s choral and instrumental music features some creative settings of familiar hymns as well as some unfamiliar languages. The anthem, Et in terra pax hominibus, is excerpted from Vivaldi’s Gloria (ca. 1715), a component of the Latin mass. In English, its text reads: and on earth, peace to persons of good will. The organ setting There is no shadow… was written in 2021 by Brenda Portman and is built on the first verse of the hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness. The postlude, an energetic Easter hymn from the Sacred Harp, continues the themes expressed in the anthem and Psalm reading.

The Week at BCMC: October 13—20, 2024
Sunday, October 13, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
Volunteer attendants in Nursery today: Megan Kohlman and Margaret Toews
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/HSRbcx09B9M?feature=share

Monday, October 14, 2024
11 a.m.      Memorial service for Clara Koehn in the Sanctuary
6:30 p.m. Community Playschool Board meets in Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
7 p.m.        Women’s Fellowship meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, October 16, 2024—Wednesday Night Suppers Begin
6 p.m.         Wednesday night supper in Fellowship Hall—PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TABLEWARE. Menu is Mexican Bar, Strawberry Margarita IceBox Pie. $6 for individuals; $18 for a family
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, October 17, 2024
4 p.m.         Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
6:30 p.m.   Chancel Bells rehearse in Room B7
Saturday, October 19, 2024
4 p.m.          Memorial for Donna Friesen in Kidron Bethel Village—Kidron Hall
Sunday, October 20, 2024
9:30 a.m.     Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Bells
10:30 a.m.   Faith Formation

Please plan to join us for supper and a program on Wednesday nights, October 16-November 20. The meal will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a program on “Exploring our Voices Together.” We will use material from the Voices Together editorial team to explore a variety of themes in our new(ish) hymnals and beyond. There will be opportunities for discussion and plenty of singing!

Be sure to mark your calendar for October 23 when we will have a special Wednesday program: a concert from singer/songwriter Jon Troast. Jon is a folk musician who grew up and lives in the Midwest and gives house concerts across the country. A talented instrumentalist and singer/songwriter, his music is engaging, and his lyrics are deep. A treat for all ages, you won’t want to miss this special concert.

Dates for your calendars
· Women’s Fellowship  meets the third Tues., Oct. 15, at 7p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Program by Mary Ellen Hodge, “Autism 101.” Mary Ellen also teaches teachers about autism. Come and learn more.
· Wednesday night suppers at 6 p.m. will be Oct. 16 through Nov. 20. Be sure to read the announcement about the Wednesday programs on the next page.
· Sat., Oct. 19, 4 p.m. Memorial service for Donna M. Friesen at Kidron Bethel Village Kidron Hall
· Faith Formation Commission is sponsoring a visit to the P & M Pumpkin Patch, Sat., Oct. 26, 3-7 p.m. All are invited!

BCMC Offering for Oct. 6: Gen. Fund $6,866; Kitchen Fund $5; Solar Fund $500.

We offer sympathy to the family of Clara Koehn. Clara died Oct. 7 at the age of 99. She had been a resident of Presbyterian Manor in Newton.  Her memorial service will be at BCMC on Mon., Oct. 14, 11 a.m. with a faspa immediately following.

The family of Elvera Voth would like to invite interested persons to a service of remembrance for Elvera on Nov. 2, 2 p.m., at Kidron Bethel—Kidron Hall. Her expanded life sketch is on the Petersen Funeral Home website.

Bulletin announcements have to be submitted to the church office no later than Thursday to be included in the following Sunday’s bulletin.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month! On October 20, stop by the table at the back of the sanctuary to pen a thank you note to our pastors. The notes will be delivered on October 27. And remember – Pastors happily receive words of appreciation all year long! Staff Congregation Relations Committee

Monica Lichti will be on vacation the week of October 14-20. The church office will be closed on Monday, and will be closed afternoons for the rest of the week.

Looking ahead to Advent:
This year as we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we will explore the stories of the women from Jesus’ genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17). For our worship in Advent, we will use the book Pastor Joanna has written: Expecting Emmanuel. In addition to worship material, the book contains daily devotional readings and a Sunday School/small group guide. If you would like to order a copy of the book for yourself (at a steep author’s discount) please let the church office know. We will place an order at the end of October

Faith Formation Commission is collecting donations for the Bethel College food pantry. Unopened food items can be placed on the table by the south entrance and will be delivered to the BC food pantry. FFC thanks the congregation for participating.

The Visual Arts Committee has installed “The Migration Series” in the Gathering Space. In 1962 Bob Regier illustrated articles in The Mennonite with five wood block print illustrations. Four of the prints are on display and the fifth “The Mennonite Flight from Russia” is part of a special exhibit at Kauffman Museum through May 25, 2025.

From the Finance Committee on behalf of the Church Board:
As the third quarter of our church year ends, we reflect on the many things for which we are grateful. We give thanks for the gifts that have been given this year by those volunteering time to the church or our benevolences; caring for family, neighbors and friends; raising prayers on behalf of those who are hurting, grieving or fighting injustice; and donating monetary offerings toward our annual budget. Each of these gifts strengthens our community as we work together to be the church right where we are.

A six-week grief support group will be offered through Bethel College Mennonite Church for interested individuals. To indicate interest, or to learn more, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Pastor for Congregational Care.

Interested in becoming a member of Bethel College Mennonite Church?
If you are interested in becoming a member, or transferring membership, or learning more about membership at BCMC, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Pastor of Congregational Care. She will be happy to visit with you!

Jill Robb and Megan Kohlman will be leading a book study of the book Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn’t Have to Heal From by Meredith Miller. If you don’t have kids or your kids are grown up, come anyway! We will be discussing this book from the perspective of parents, a faith community that supports parents, and individuals who grew up in a faith community (maybe even one you had to heal from). We plan to begin the book study Oct. 13 and discuss chapters 1, 2, and 3. Meet us in the blue Sunday School room (Room 26) on the 2nd floor. You can purchase Woven from Faith and Life bookstore, Amazon, or your favorite independent bookstore. We look forward to the conversation!

Newton Area church’s Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Meat Canning dates are October 29, 30, and 31. Make checks to BCMC with “MCC Meat Canning” in the memo line. We also need volunteers to help with the canning. The link for work signup is: https://tinyurl.com/MeatCanning2024 If this doesn’t work, just show up—they’ll probably need you. Let’s help feed the hungry people in our world! —Lowell Stucky, BCMC Meat Canning Representative

Western District Conference (WDC) invites you to subscribe to their weekly Tuesday announcement email “WDC News & Updates” to receive announcements from WDC, WDC Congregations, and their institutional partners as well as weekly articles from WDC staff, credential updates, and upcoming events. To subscribe, visit the following link: http://eepurl.com/hKcbDX or contact the WDC Office at wdc@mennowdc.org or 316-283-6300.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements

Up to a million people in Lebanon have been displaced in the last few days due to increasing military attacks. The grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues. Mennonite Central Committee continues to respond to the needs of displaced people in Lebanon and Gaza. MCC is providing relief to recently displaced people in Lebanon with food, hygiene, bedding and psychosocial support. Pray for an end to the violence and for a just peace in Israel and Palestine. Donate online at mcc.org/palestine-israel

Bethel College Announcements:
· Thurs., Oct. 24: Bethel College’s 2nd biennial Senses & Aging Symposium, with Tena M. Alonzo and Mollie Heiden, Beatitudes Campus, Phoenix, speaking on “Living with Dementia,” 6-8:30 p.m., Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village
· Fri., Oct. 25: The Bethel College Department of Visual Arts and Design and the Newton Chapter of the AAUW present Phyllis Pease, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center.
· Sun., Oct. 27 & Mon., Oct. 28: Annual Menno Simons Lectures, “Russian Mennonite Diasporas on Four Continents in the Age of Empires, Revolutions and Extremes Since the Late 18th Century,” with Dr. Eric Schmaltz, professor at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, 7 p.m. Sun., 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Mon., Krehbiel Auditorium. Lecture 1: “Pioneers in the East: Mennonite Migrations and Settlements in the Former Russian Empire and the Former USSR, 1786-Present”; Lecture 2: “Pioneers in the West: Russian Mennonite Diasporas to North America (Belize, Canada, Mexico and the United States), 1874-Present”; Lecture 3: “Pioneers in the South: Russian Mennonite Diasporas to South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay), 1874-Present”
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center: “SMOL,” art by Audra Miller, through Oct. 25. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m. (closed Sun.-Tues., Oct. 13-15, for fall break).
· Life Enrichment program at Bethel College for Wed., Oct. 16. Life Enrichment is for people age 60 and above and is an excellent way to continue learning and meet people from the surrounding area in a relaxed setting.
9:30 a.m. “MCC Meat Canner and Other Stories,” Jason Unruh, Peabody
   and Maynard Knepp, Hillsboro
10:50 a.m. “Bridging the Secular with the Sacred: Using Music to Navigate
   Life’s Journeys,” the Misguided Professors: Dr. Christine E. Crouse-Dick (Bethel
   College) and Dr. Christopher Dick (Tabor College)

Everence® will hold a Social Security and retirement income webinar Tues., Oct. 15, starting at 6:30 p.m. Topics: 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. There will be time for questions. Information presented by staff from the Everence offices in Central Kansas. To register contact Everence at central.kansas@everence.com or 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294. Once you have registered, information to access the webinar will be sent to you.

Gather at the Warkentin House for a hymn sing and faspa on Oct. 27, 4 p.m. Hymn sing will be led by Andrew Voth and accompanied by Karen Bauman-Schlabaugh. Reserve a spot by emailing warkentinmuseum@gmail.com. Suggested donation of $15.00

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

The dam will be taken out on Sunday, October 20, at 2pm. Meet at the shelter area (look for people and things happening). Spectators welcome, as are people to help take out the boards and clean them. Taking the dam out is not for younger ages due to the weight of the boards, but spectators of all ages are most welcome! Be prepared for whatever weather/temperatures there are. It’s a fun time for both those helping and those watching!

Other events and happenings:

The November 1-3 Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat will be the only retreat for the Fall. There is still space at this retreat. Lodging and crafting will be held at Main Camp in the bunkhouses and dining hall. Register here. We’ll see you for another fun weekend!
Start tapping shoulders and thinking about the 2025 summer. Camp Mennoscah will be recruiting for summer staff (along with other camps) at Hesston, Tabor and Bethel Colleges from November 11-13, respectively. There will be a pizza meal on November 13 at a location and time yet to be determined for interested applicants. (The application is not yet open.)
The auction of the first Camp Mennoscah tee shirt quilt was a (silent) race to the end at Bethel College’s Fall Fest. (There are several more quilts yet to come, if you missed out on this bidding war.) Thank you to everyone who stopped by the booth to chat, buy a tee shirt, pull a donation envelope, bid on the quilt or whatever else! It was a hoot to see everyone.
Volunteers needed–come enjoy the cooler weather! Volunteers for the HVAC work at the Retreat Center are welcome Monday – Friday. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping out with this project. Willing hands are what is needed! Let us know when you are available, so we can prepare for you. For anyone interested in working on a weekend, two weeks notice is needed. Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 to sign up.

Mennonite Church USA’s Peace and Justice ministry has launched the latest Learn, Pray, Join initiative with a focus on conflict transformation. Learn more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/lpj-conflict-transformation/

Read more about the initiative here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/tag/conflict-transformation/

Dear Bethel College Mennonite Church,
October 10 was World Day Against the Death Penalty.
As we remember this day, we are so grateful for the support of the members of BCMC. Thank you for your witness on this important issue!
I’m writing today to invite you to join us on Nov. 16th for “All In For Repeal”, the 2024 Annual Conference. It is being held from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Kansas University Memorial Union in Lawrence.
Our keynote is Mr. Herman Lindsey, the Executive Director of Witness to Innocence. He was sentenced to death in Florida and spent three years on death row despite being innocent.
Witness to Innocence is an organization of and for men and women who have been wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death.
If you have any questions or need anything else, just let me know.
Thanks again for your support!
Peace,
Willmar T. Harder
Secretary, Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty
620-899-8918
bmcpastor@gmail.com
chair@ksabolition.org

For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Seeds of Peace” Press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network Fundraiser press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board and staff responded with disappointment and significant questions about Mosaic Mennonite Conference’s announcement recommending withdrawal from the denomination. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/mc-usa-says-better-together

Season Two of MC USA’s “Lead/Follow” podcast for pastors and leaders has begun! Watch new episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple or Spotify! Watch or listen here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/leadfollow/ View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/lead-follow-season-2-pdf View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/lead-follow-season-2-slide

Menno Snapshots

Subscribe to PeaceMail to receive MC USA’s blogs, news and resources in one weekly email. Subscribe to PeaceMail here: mennoniteusa.org/peacemail

In recognition and celebration of our 15 years of service, Mennonite Church USA’s The Corinthian Plan invites all interested persons who are part of an MC USA conference or congregation to submit a health and/or wellbeing story. Submit your wellbeing story here: mennoniteusa.org/tcp-wellbeing-stories

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: On Tuesday, participants will embark on Mennonite Mission Network’s first Just Peace Pilgrimage to South Africa. Pray for them as, for the next two-plus weeks, they will immerse themselves in the country’s struggle against apartheid and wrestle with the church’s role in upholding racial segregation in South Africa and the United States.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for WDC congregations that are hosting special events during this fall season, as they share food and fellowship with their wider community, and invite participation in ministry and mission projects.

Bethel College Mennonite Church is an open and affirming congregation
centered in the life and teachings of Jesus. Embracing the divine within each person, we warmly welcome any and all into fellowship without regard to race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability,
economic status, marital status, or age

2024 10 06 worship service

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 6, 2024
Bethel College Fall Fest

Prelude–We Praise Your Name (Emma Lou Diemer)–Christopher Shaw
Christ Candle Lighting

Land Acknowledgment—Lyn Krause

Centering Music—Gloria (Vivaldi)—Bethel College Concert Choir; Dr. Henry Waters, director

Welcome & Prayer—Michael Unruh, Bethel College Campus Pastor

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

Children’s Conversation Joanna Harader and Sarah Augustine

Worship Music—I’ll Be On My Way (Shawn Kirchner)—Bethel College Concert Choir

*Hymn—The Church of Christ Cannot Be Bound—VT 392

Scripture Readings—Ephesians 4:1-6 and John 6:35, 41-51–Michael Unruh

Sermon—Bread of Life—Sarah Augustine

Choral Response—A Little Song of Life—(Reginald Unterseher)— Bethel College Concert Choir

Prayers of God’s People—Joanna Harader

*Hymn—Beauty for Brokenness—VT 712

Choral Benediction—The Lord bless you and keep you (Peter C. Lutkin)—
Bethel College Concert Choir

Postlude—Allegro assai vivace, from Sonata No 1 (Mendelssohn)–Christopher Shaw

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual—Ben Lichti and Francis Toews

Land Acknowledgement 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.

Going Beyond Land Acknowledgement
Join Quarterly Repair Call October 8, 6-8 p.m. for truth-telling legislation on the history of Indian boarding schools.
The Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery is asking advocates for Indigenous justice to join Indigenous organizers from the Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) in supporting this important truthtelling legislation on the history of Indian boarding schools. As this bill makes its way to the floor in both the House and Senate in the coming weeks, now is the time to contact your representatives! We will be specifically focused on learning more about this legislation during our next Quarterly Repair Network Call, and we will also likely hear from a representative from NABS. I hope you can join us for this call on October 8!

October 6, 2024 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY,
OCTOBER 6, 2024–FALL FEST SUNDAY

THE WORSHIP SERVICE THIS SUNDAY BEGINS AT 10 A.M.

Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:50 a.m., 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 below 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/M1MAYNXyII8?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 6, 2024
Bethel College Fall Fest

Prelude–We Praise Your Name (Emma Lou Diemer)–Christopher Shaw
Christ Candle Lighting

Land Acknowledgment—Lyn Krause

Centering Music—Gloria (Vivaldi)—Bethel College Concert Choir; Dr. Henry Waters, director

Welcome & Prayer—Michael Unruh, Bethel College Campus Pastor

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

Children’s Conversation Joanna Harader and Sarah Augustine

Worship Music—I’ll Be On My Way (Shawn Kirchner)—Bethel College Concert Choir

*Hymn—The Church of Christ Cannot Be Bound—VT 392

Scripture Readings—Ephesians 4:1-6 and John 6:35, 41-51–Michael Unruh

Sermon—Bread of Life—Sarah Augustine

Choral Response—A Little Song of Life—(Reginald Unterseher)— Bethel College Concert Choir

Prayers of God’s People—Joanna Harader

*Hymn—Beauty for Brokenness—VT 712

Choral Benediction—The Lord bless you and keep you (Peter C. Lutkin)—
Bethel College Concert Choir

Postlude—Allegro assai vivace, from Sonata No 1 (Mendelssohn)–Christopher Shaw

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual—Ben Lichti and Francis Toews

Choral Texts
“Gloria” – Vivaldi
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to people of good will
(Latin Mass translation)
“I’ll Be On My Way” – Shawn Kirchner
When I am gone
Don’t you cry for me
Don’t you pity my sorry soul
What pain there might have been
Will now be passed
And my spirit will be whole.
I’ll be on my way, I’ll be on my way
I’ll have left my feet of clay upon the ground
I will be glory bound
I’ll be on my way
When I am gone
Please forgive the wrong that I might have done.
There’ll be no room for regrets up there above,
Way beyond the blue.
When I am gone,
don’t you look for me in the places I have been. I’ll be alive but somewhere else, I’ll be on my way again.
I’ll be on my way, I’ll be on my way.
I’ll lift my wings and soar into the air
There’ll be glory everywhere,
I’ll be on my way.
I’ll be on my way, I’ll be on my way
I’ll have laid my frown and all my burdens down I’ll be putting on my crown
I’ll be on my way.
I’ll have left my feet of clay upon the ground I will be glory bound
I’ll be on my way.
“A Little Song of Life” – Reginald Unterseher Glad that I live am I;
That the sky is blue;
Glad for the country lanes,
And the fall of dew.
After the sun the rain,
After the rain the sun;
This is the way of life,
Till the work be done.
All that we need to do,
Be we low or high,
Is to see that we grow
Nearer the sky.
(Lizette Woodworth Reese 1856-1935)
“The Lord bless you and keep you” – Peter C. Lutkin The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face to shine upon you
And give you peace.
The Lord make His face to shine upon you And be gracious unto you.
Amen.

Land Acknowledgement 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.

Going Beyond Land Acknowledgement
Join Quarterly Repair Call October 8, 6-8 p.m. for truth-telling legislation on the history of Indian boarding schools.
The Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery is asking advocates for Indigenous justice to join Indigenous organizers from the Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) in supporting this important truthtelling legislation on the history of Indian boarding schools. As this bill makes its way to the floor in both the House and Senate in the coming weeks, now is the time to contact your representatives! We will be specifically focused on learning more about this legislation during our next Quarterly Repair Network Call, and we will also likely hear from a representative from NABS. I hope you can join us for this call on October 8!

The Week at BCMC: October 6—13, 2024
Sunday, October 6, 2024—Fall Fest Sunday—No Sunday School
10 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Sarah Augustine
11 a.m.   Cookies in the Gathering Place!
Volunteer attendants in the Nursery today: Cliff Dick and Kathy Stucky
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/M1MAYNXyII8?feature=share

Tuesday, October 8, 2024
5:30 p.m. Faith Formation Commission meeting
7:30 p.m. Finance Committee meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, October 10, 2024
6:30 p.m.   Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.         Church Board meeting in Room 14
Saturday, October 12, 2024
6:30—8:30 p.m. Campfire Event at Pastor Joanna’s home, 508 Bluestem, NN
Sunday, October 13, 2024
9:30 a.m.     Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Choir
10:30 a.m.   Faith Formation

Pastor Role Chart
At last Sunday’s congregational meeting, the three pastors shared how they plan to share the pastoral work of the church. For a summary of this report, please press here.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month! On October 20, stop by the table at the back of the sanctuary to pen a thank you note to our pastors. The notes will be delivered on October 27.
And remember – Pastors happily receive words of appreciation all year long!
Staff Congregation Relations Committee

Dates for your calendars
· The family of Paul Harms invites you to a 90th Birthday Celebration for Paul, October 6, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the BCMC Fellowship Hall.

· Pastor Joanna invites you to stop by her house (508 Bluestem) Sat., Oct. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m. for a campfire (weather permitting), snacks, and general merriment. She and Ryan welcome this as an opportunity to continue getting to know this wonderful church community.

· Women’s Fellowship meets the third Tues., Oct. 15, at 7p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Program by Mary Ellen Hodge, “Autism 101.” Mary Ellen also teaches teachers about autism. Come and learn more.

· Wednesday night suppers at 6 p.m. will be Oct. 16 through Nov. 20.

· Sat., Oct. 19, 4 p.m. Memorial service for Donna M. Friesen at Kidron Bethel Village Kidron Hall

· Faith Formation Commission is sponsoring a visit to the P & M Pumpkin Patch, Sat., Oct. 26, 3-7 p.m. All are invited!

For the Bethel College Mennonite Church newsletter “Kaleidoscope” press here

Deacon Commission welcomes Pam Epp from Wider Fellowship into Full Membership now that she has moved back to the BCMC community. Pam’s new address: 1501 Old Main St., Newton, KS 67114. Her cell phone is: 404-797-8767.

BCMC Offering for Sept. 29: Gen. Fund $6,724.71; MDS $100; Plant Fund $70; Sr Hi Youth $2,217; Caring Fund $250; Kitchen Fund $6; M. Gross Mem. $150.

Jill Robb and Megan Kohlman will be leading a book study of the book Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn’t Have to Heal From by Meredith Miller. If you don’t have kids or your kids are grown up, come anyway! We will be discussing this book from the perspective of parents, a faith community that supports parents, and individuals who grew up in a faith community (maybe even one you had to heal from). We plan to begin the book study Oct. 13 and discuss chapters 1, 2, and 3. Meet us in the blue Sunday School room (Room 26) on the 2nd floor. You can purchase Woven from Faith and Life bookstore, Amazon, or your favorite independent bookstore. We look forward to the conversation!

From the Finance Committee on behalf of the Church Board: As the third quarter of our church year ends, we reflect on the many things for which we are grateful. We give thanks for the gifts that have been given this year by those volunteering time to the church or our benevolences; caring for family, neighbors and friends; raising prayers on behalf of those who are hurting, grieving or fighting injustice; and donating monetary offerings toward our annual budget. Each of these gifts strengthens our community as we work together to be the church right where we are. A financial update will be shared at today’s congregational meeting and in the weekly email in early October.

A six-week grief support group will be offered through Bethel College Mennonite Church for interested individuals. To indicate interest, or to learn more, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Pastor for Congregational Care.

Interested in becoming a member of Bethel College Mennonite Church?
If you are interested in becoming a member, or transferring membership, or learning more about membership at BCMC, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Pastor of Congregational Care. She will be happy to visit with you!

Bethel College Announcements:
· Our speaker Sunday morning, October 6, 10 a.m. at Bethel College Mennonite Church is Sarah
Augustine. Augustine is the founder and co-chair of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, co-founder of the Suriname Indigenous Health Fund (SIHF), author of The Land is Not Empty (2021) and co-author of So We and Our Children May Live (2023).
· Sun., Oct. 6: Last chance to see the 2024 Fall Festival musical, 9 to 5, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Ticket purchase required, online (https://bethelks.hometownticketing.com/embed/all?depts=3) or at the door. Contains adult content and may not be suitable for young children.
· Mon., Oct. 7: Sarah Augustine speaks in convocation, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Her topic is following Jesus by addressing climate change.
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College: “SMOL,” art by Audra Miller, through Oct. 25. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· SAVE THE DATE: Thurs., Oct. 24, Bethel College’s 2nd biennial Senses & Aging Symposium
· SAVE THE DATE: Fri., Oct. 25, Bethel College Department of Visual Arts and Design and the Newton chapter of the AAUW present visiting artist Phyllis Pease, speaking on her Kansas Statehouse mural “Rebel Women.”
· SAVE THE DATES: Oct. 27-28, Dr. Eric Schmaltz from Northwestern Oklahoma State University will give the annual Menno Simons Lectures.
· Life Enrichment program at Bethel College for Wed., Oct. 9. Life Enrichment is for people age 60 and above and is an excellent way to continue learning and meet people from the surrounding area in a relaxed setting.
9:30 a.m. “Where did the Doctrine of Discovery come from and why do I need to know about it?” Raylene Hinz-Penner, North Newton
10:50 a.m. “Murals of Harvey County,” Constance Gehring, Newton

The annual Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Assoc. (SMCHA) Banquet will be at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton, Oct. 10, 6 p.m. with an ethnic German buffet meal catered by the Breadbasket and ‘bohne beroggi’ made by Schweitzer cooks. We’ll thank those who coordinated the 150th anniversary of Schweitzers coming to the United States. Dale Schrag will be our speaker for the evening discussing the future. RSVP to Nancy Stucky by Oct. 7 with a text or phone call to 620-532-5693. Cost of the banquet is $25, pay at the door or online at www.swissmennonite.org

Join Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, for our Annual Sausage Mission Supper on Saturday, October 26, 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. Picnic tables are available if you wish to stay and eat. If inclement weather, tables will be set up inside. Cost is by donation with all proceeds going to New Hope Shelter, Newton. To order meals NOW, call or text Barb (620-543-6863) or Teresa (620-242-2357)

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Camp Mennoscah will be at Bethel College’s Fall Fest on Saturday, October 5! Stop by the booth, say “Hi” to camp staff and pick out your next favorite camp tee shirt. Camp staff will be at the booth in the morning through early afternoon. Can’t wait to see you!

Other events and happenings:

Thank you to the group of MDS young adults who spent two days volunteering at Camp Mennoscah! A big thanks to those who helped lead projects, too. Work on the HVAC progressed, a wall was built to create a mechanical room, and dirt work around the canoe dock was done. It was a hoot to have them around!
Volunteers needed–come enjoy the cooler weather! Volunteers for the HVAC work at the Retreat Center are welcome Monday – Friday. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping out with this project. Willing hands are what is needed! Let us know when you are available, so we can prepare for you. For anyone interested in working on a weekend, two weeks notice is needed. Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 to sign up.
Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open! The dates are November 1-3 and November 15-17. Lodging and crafting will be held at Main Camp in the bunkhouses and dining hall. Register here. We’ll see you for another fun weekend!
The dam will be taken out on Sunday, October 20, at 2pm. Meet at the shelter area (look for people and things happening). Spectators welcome, as are people to help take out the boards and clean them. Taking the dam out is not for younger ages due to the weight of the boards. Be prepared for whatever weather/temperatures there are. It’s a fun time for both those helping and those watching!

From Prairie View Inc.

Click the link below for an interactive newsletter about what is happening in the fundraising department and the community!
Just use your email address to log in!

Fundraising and Community Events

For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here
Anabaptist Disabilities Fundraiser press here

Mennonite Disaster Service Response to Hurricane Helene

Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) volunteers are in western North Carolina responding to the impacts of Hurricane Helene with equipment to move debris, mud, and downed trees. MDS is accepting donations for the recovery effort.

Please pray for the people impacted by the hurricane and the volunteers as they respond. Visit MDS.org to see the latest volunteer needs or to make a donation. Check donations can be mailed to Mennonite Disaster Service, 583 Airport Road, Lititz, PA 17543. Write “Hurricane Helene” on the memo line.

Mennonite Disaster Service Annual Meeting

Join us in Hydro, OK for the 2024 MDS Region 3 Annual Meeting. We are gathering on November 15-17 to hear updates on what MDS is doing around the country and in our region.

This isn’t just a business meeting! Our theme is “Spreading the News: Effective (and timely!) communication within your unit.” Plenary sessions and workshops are available to help everyone get involved in the work of MDS. We will worship together, eat together, and have fun together. Nathan Luitjens, Executive Conference Minister of Central Plains Mennonite Conference is speaking Friday evening during worship. The MDS Communications Team is leading several sessions over the weekend. Saturday evening will find us laughing together as we are entertained by an Oklahoma-based comedian. And the MDS Storm Encounter trailer will be there! We hope to see you there!

For more information or to register, go to Region 3 Annual Meeting – Mennonite Disaster Service (mds.org) or contact Region 3 Administrative Assistant Chris Becker at cbecker@mds.org or 717-383-8981. Registration closes on November 1. We look forward to gathering together at this year’s MDS Region 3 Annual Meeting.

Western District Conference (WDC) invites you to subscribe to their weekly Tuesday announcement email “WDC News & Updates” to receive announcements from WDC, WDC Congregations, and their institutional partners as well as weekly articles from WDC staff, credential updates, and upcoming events. To subscribe, visit the following link: http://eepurl.com/hKcbDX or contact the WDC Office at wdc@mennowdc.org or 316-283-6300.

Mennonite Central Committee Announcements

Dear Intersections readers:
Greetings! I am happy to announce the publication online of the fall 2024 issue of MCC’s publication, Intersections, on the topic of The Triple Nexus. The issue can be found here. Compiled by Laura VanderGrient, this issue examines the “nexus,” or intersection, of humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding (HDP) work. Authors examine how MCC and its partners in contexts such as Colombia, Mexico, DR Congo, Syria, and Bangladesh carry out work in which humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding efforts are intertwined. As always, your thoughts and questions about Intersections are always welcome!
Alain Epp Weaver

MCC seeks a full-time HR Recruiter and Central States HR Generalist. As HR Recruiter, this position supports general recruitment and selection processes for openings across the organization. As a regional HR Generalist, this individual is the front-line HR contact for all local employees, assisting with a range of HR tasks, and redirecting to specialist colleagues as appropriate. This position can be based in Kansas, Texas, Colorado, Montana, or Minnesota with a preference for North Newton, Kansas office. Apply online here by October 23.

Up to a million people in Lebanon have been displaced in the last few days due to increasing military attacks. The grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues. Mennonite Central Committee continues to respond to the needs of displaced people in Lebanon and Gaza. MCC is providing relief to recently displaced people in Lebanon with food, hygiene, bedding and psychosocial support. Pray for an end to the violence and for a just peace in Israel and Palestine. Donate online at mcc.org/palestine-israel

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA’s Peace and Justice ministry has launched the latest Learn, Pray, Join initiative this week, with a focus on conflict transformation. Learn more here:
mennoniteusa.org/news/lpj-conflict-transformation/

The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board focused on healthy processes for denominational decision-making and reimagining organizational change at its meeting on August 22-25, 2024, in Greensboro, North Carolina, the site of the upcoming Follow Jesus ’25 convention. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/executive-board-reimagination

Mennonite Church USA has named the worship planning committee for the Follow Jesus ‘25 biennial convention, which will take place at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, North Carolina, July 8-12, 2025. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/follow-jesus-25-worship

Menno Snapshots

Deb Byler, spiritual director for the Spiritual Directors Network and member at Hively Avenue Mennonite Church and Piedra Viva Mennonite Church, shares how having a spiritual director at various points in her life has led her to share the gift and provide direction to others, across cultures, on their spiritual journeys. Read more about her story here: mennoniteusa.org/cross-cultural-blessing

Mira Grieser and Kimberly Schmidt, members of Hyattsville (Maryland) Mennonite Church, have been working to transform Hyattsville Mennonite Church’s back swamp into a native species habitat. Mira shares about their progress thus far: mennoniteusa.org/transforming-back-swamp

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Yesterday, students at the Mennonite Evangelical Theological Center of Asunción (CEMTA), in Paraguay, concluded a two-day spiritual retreat. Pray for the retreatants as they incorporate what they experienced into their daily lives. C. Paul and Hildi Amstutz, of Mennonite Mission Network, have led these annual retreats for 13 years. Praise God that CEMTA sees the value of these retreats and includes them as part of the students’ first year of studies.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the ongoing WDC Listening Process. Give thanks for facilitation teams and congregations as they share stories, current ministry priorities, and hopes for the future to help shape congregational resourcing and connections in WDC.

2024 09 29 worship service

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 29, 2024
World Communion Celebration

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Morning Song of Praise (Hakes)—Chancel Bells, Verlene Garber, director

Welcome & Prayer—Dale Horst

*Hymn—From North and South, from East and West—VT 460

Children’s Conversation & Birthday Blessing—Jim Robb

Worship Music— Abide with me (Moklebust)—Chancel Bells; Lucy Burch on flute

Scripture Reading—Psalm 19:7-14; Mark 9:38-50—Pam Epp

Sermon—Gatekeepers of God?—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—I Come with Joy—VT 478

Communion—Joanna Harader, Elizabeth Schmidt

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands—VT 485

*Benediction

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

September 29, 2024 – Worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY,
SEPTEMBER 29, 2024–WORLD COMMUNION CELEBRATION

Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.

The Week at BCMC: September 29-October 6, 2024
Sunday, September 29, 2024—World Communion Celebration
9:30 a.m.   Worship
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation for Junior and Youth
10:45 a.m. Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary
12 noon     Senior High Youth Group Fundraiser Lunch in Fellowship Hall
                        All are invited!
Volunteer attendants in the Nursery today: Kathy Stucky and Margaret Toews
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/ZvrdQltlXyo?feature=share

Monday, September 30, 2024
10 a.m.      Library Committee meeting in Room 14
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
9 a.m.        Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, October 3, 2024
4 p.m.        Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
6:30 p.m.   Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
Sunday, October 6, 2024—Fall Fest Sunday—No Sunday School
10 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Sarah Augustine

Congregational Meeting Sunday, September 29
The congregational meeting will be at 10:45 a.m. during the Sunday School hour on Sunday, September 29. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary and made available live on YouTube only while the meeting is in progress; it will not be recorded. Remote viewers can text their votes to a number announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items will include a vote for a change of Membership Guidelines and an update from pastors and moderators. The youth will host a fundraising luncheon following the meeting. All are invited!

YouTube Link for the congregational meeting is:
https://youtube.com/live/mCK4NWF0UyM?feature=share

Proposal for Action at the BCMC Congregational Meeting Sept. 29, 2024

The Church Board and Deacons recommend removing the “Welcoming Statement” (approved January 28, 2024) from Article IV: Membership. Both the Deacons and the Inclusive Task Group desire that the Welcoming Statement be separate from the membership guidelines. The current Welcoming Statement will continue to be used in BCMC publications but can be changed and updated under the leadership of the Inclusive Task Group. The revised membership guidelines for the congregational vote on September 29 read as follows:
Article IV: Membership (Revised)
Membership in the Bethel College Mennonite Church is open to all who affirm their faith in God, who seek to center their lives in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who are open to the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and who have received baptism as the symbol of their commitment and covenant.
Bethel College Mennonite Church welcomes into fellowship and membership all persons who commit to Jesus Christ, without regard to their race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital state, age, or other factors which can lead to discrimination and marginalization.
Members offer themselves to support Mennonite principles and to share in the life and work of this congregation.

For the Congregational Meeting Agenda click here

For the Congregational Minutes from May 19, 2024 press here

Notes for your calendars

The family of Paul Harms invites you to a 90th Birthday Celebration for Paul October 6 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the BCMC Fellowship Hall.
The worship service on Fall Fest Sunday, October 6, will begin at 10 a.m. in the BCMC sanctuary.
Wednesday night suppers will begin on Oct. 16 and run through Nov. 20.
Faith Formation Commission is sponsoring a visit to the P&M Pumpkin Patch, Sat., Oct. 26, 3-7 p.m. All are invited!
Future congregational meetings will be held at 10:45 a.m. on January 26 and May 4, 2025.

Especially note in these announcements that the worship service on Fall Fest Sunday, October 6, will begin at 10 a.m. NOT 9:30 a.m. There will be no Sunday school on that Sunday.

Jill Robb and Megan Kohlman will be leading a book study of the book Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn’t Have to Heal From by Meredith Miller. Don’t have kids? Your kids are grown up? Come anyway! We will be discussing this book from the perspective of parents, a faith community that supports parents, and individuals who grew up in a faith community (maybe even one you had to heal from). We plan to begin the book study Oct. 13 and discuss chapters 1, 2, and 3. Please meet us up in the blue Sunday School room on the 2nd floor. You can purchase Woven from Faith and Life bookstore, Amazon, or your favorite independent bookstore. We look forward to the conversation!

Grief Support Group
A six-week grief support group will be offered through Bethel College Mennonite Church for interested individuals. To indicate interest, or to learn more, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Pastor for Congregational Care.

BCMC Offering for Sept. 22: Gen. Fund $13,369.50; Columbarium Fund $2,000; Kitchen Fund $27; Women’s Fellowship $410; Solar Fund $1,000; Marilyn Stucky Memorial $50.

Mark your calendars for the annual Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Assoc. (SMCHA) Banquet at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton, Oct. 10, 6 p.m. with an ethnic German buffet style meal catered by the Breadbasket and ‘bohne beroggi’ made by Schweitzer cooks. We’ll focus on thanking those who coordinated the 150th anniversary of Schweitzers coming to the United States.
Dale Schrag will be our speaker for the evening discussing the future. The cost of the banquet is $25 to be paid at the door. RSVP to Nancy Stucky by October 7 with a text or phone call to 620-532-5693. After contacting Nancy, you are welcome to pay online on www.swissmennonite.org We invite you to come and enjoy good food, learn who we are and were, learn what SMCHA is doing and planning, have a great time fellowshipping with friends old and new, and continue our celebratory mood from the 150th.

October Webinar from EVERENCE® Finances and You! This is a free webinar where Everence® can help you make important financial decisions that reflect your faith values. The webinar will be presented by Everence professionals and there will be time for your questions. Webinar held on Wednesday at 2 and 8 p.m. (Eastern Time) For more information, visit everence.com/national. Or Email: national@everence.com with any questions.
· Oct. 2 Seminar: Investing 202. Mutual funds, pensions, stocks, bonds, IRA’s, Roth IRA’s, 401k’s, Real estate. The list seems to go on and on for investment options. This presentation will help you sort through your investment options and other considerations as you explore what investments make sense for you. Presented by: Michael Burton, CFP®, CEPA®, Financial Consultant

Bethel College Women’s Association needs your donations of baked goods and craft items! Home-made pies, poppyseed rolls, zwieback, cinnamon rolls, other baked goods and treats for Market-in-the-Round at Fall Festival are welcome. In addition, home-made jams/jellies and craft items are needed. All of these items can be delivered to the Music Library in Luyken Fine Arts Center from 1 – 5 p.m., Fri., Oct. 4. All proceeds will benefit Bethel College. If questions email:
bcwa@belthelks.edu Volunteers are needed as well to staff the booths. To sign up, use this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E4CA8A72FA3F58-50920044-fall/102465998#/

Bethel College Announcements:
· Sun., Sept. 29: Mark Jantzen, Bethel College professor of history, speaks on “Brief Imperial Russian Sojourn: Lasting Mennonite Memories,” following a brief annual meeting at 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum. This coincides with the opening of the new special exhibit “Unlocking the Past: Immigrant Artifacts & the Stories They Tell,” sparked by the 150th anniversary of the migration of Mennonites from Russia and Prussia to the Central Plains of North America and by the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025.
· Mon., Sept. 30: “SMOL,” art by Audra Miller, opens in the Regier Gallery, Fine Arts Center. Exhibit reception is Fri., Oct. 4, 6-8 p.m., in the gallery as part of Fall Fest. The exhibit is open through Oct. 25. Regular hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m. (extended hours: Sat., Oct. 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.).
· Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Oct. 3-6, with most activities taking place Sat., Oct. 5, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football, the musical “9 to 5”, and the 50th-anniversary celebration for the social work program. See https://www.bethelks.edu/fallfest/ for the complete schedule.
· Thurs., Oct. 3: Bethel College Jazz, 6 p.m. on the Main & Broadway stage at Taste of Newton, downtown Newton.
· Fri., Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Oct. 5, 3:30 p.m., Sun., Oct. 6, 2 p.m.: Bethel College music and theater departments present 9 to 5 during Fall Festival, Krehbiel Auditorium. 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. Contains adult content and may not be suitable for young children.
· Sat., Oct. 5: Kauffman Museum bird walk, 8 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets. Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail.
· Sat., Oct. 5: Sarah Augustine will give a keynote address for the 50th anniversary of Bethel College social work, 2 p.m., Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village. She will also speak Sun., Oct. 6, 10 a.m., at Bethel College Mennonite Church, and Mon., Oct. 7, for convocation in Krehbiel Auditorium. The public is invited to any and all events. Augustine is the founder and co-chair of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, author of The Land is Not Empty (2021) and co-author of So We and Our Children May Live (2023).
· Sat., Oct. 5: Fall Fest programs at Kauffman Museum in the museum auditorium: 10 a.m., Rosi Penner Kaufman will play the historic Teschemacher cabinet organ and present “Organ Music at Home, Wherever that May Be”; 1 p.m., Steve Friesen, author and historian, “Galloping Gourmet: The Buffalo Bill Nobody Knows”; 3 p.m., Steve Friesen, “Alps on the Plains: The Life and Work of Emil Kym.” The museum will also have special kids’ activities throughout the day.
· There will be no Life Enrichment program at Bethel College for Wednesday, October 2, due to Fall Fest.\

Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Country Breakfast on Sat., Oct. 5, from 7 to 10 a.m., in Kidron Hall, 3001 Ivy Dr . Enjoy pancakes, sausage and eggs by donation. Proceeds benefit the Kidron Bethel Village Health Care Benevolent Fund, assisting residents who are unable to cover the full cost of their care.

Western District Conference (WDC) invites you to subscribe to their weekly Tuesday announcement email “WDC News & Updates” to receive announcements from WDC, WDC Congregations, and their institutional partners as well as weekly articles from WDC staff, credential updates, and upcoming events. This is a great way to stay connected and informed about what is happening in and around WDC. To subscribe, visit the following link: http://eepurl.com/hKcbDX or contact the WDC Office at wdc@mennowdc.org or 316-283-6300. Thanks for your support of Western District Conference!

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open! The dates are November 1-3 and November 15-17. Lodging and crafting will be held at Main Camp in the bunkhouses and dining hall. Register here. We’ll see you for another fun weekend!
Other events and happenings:

Volunteers needed–come enjoy the cooler weather! Volunteers for the HVAC work at the Retreat Center are welcome Monday – Friday. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping out with this project. Willing hands are what is needed! Let us know when you are available, so we can prepare for you. For anyone interested in working on a weekend, two weeks notice is needed. Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 to sign up.
Camp Mennoscah will have a booth at Bethel College’s Fall Fest on October 5th!Tee shirts will be for sale and staff & board will be available to chat. Stop by and say hi!
Tasks to keep Camp Mennoscah running smoothly continue into the fall and winter seasons. Volunteers are needed for grounds and deep cleaning, plus a variety of other things. Contact us at 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org.

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements

MDS FIRE, HAZARD & DISASTER MITIGATION – On October 8-12, 2024, Mennonite Disaster Service and Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp need your help in the critical partnership for removing hazard trees and forest fuels as the first line of defense for protecting people and facilities. Ten or more volunteers are needed each day to accomplish the tasks at hand including volunteers for foodservice to support the efforts. Go to www.rmmc.org and select “MDS FIRE MITIGATION & TREE THINNING & LIMBING” under the Volunteer link to sign-up and see who else is coming. Contact Paul Unruh (phunruh@gmail.com, 316-772-6308) or Marc Yoder (marcyoder1@gmail.com, 719-942-3276) for additional info.

QUILTOBER AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN – There are four quilt retreats to choose from including: UFO I, October 6-9, UFO II, October 9-13 and UFO III, October 22-27 and last but not least, Fall Mennonite Quilters Retreat, October 31-Nov. 3rd. Come enjoy good food, accommodations and fellowship as part of working on a variety of projects. Sharing projects, ideas, tips, techniques, walks and snacks are all part of the time shared together. To register, please visit the camp website at www.rmmc.org.

Schweitzers and Friends Announcement

The Schweitzers and Friends 150th Anniversary Celebration is history now. But all parts of the event were recorded and now on swissmennonite.org for you to enjoy. We were pleased that nearly 500 people participated in the 100 degree heat of Kansas summer days. But a good spirit of family and friends was prevalent so wish you could have been there too.

Schweitzer Salt newsletter is still sent out email about three times a year to many so you can get on that request list at kathypreheim@gmail.com and keep up with Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association (SMCHA) activities.

Don’t forget to watch all the activities of the 150^th celebration that you may have missed that weekend. Videos are on swissmennonite.org of everything, thanks to photojournalist Dan Kliewer. And lots of hurch history is there to explore.

Another addition to history articles, Brian Stucky’s marking of the location of the first Eden Church (west of Hopefield Church and Monument) is explained on swissmennonite.org too.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here
Mennonite World Conference message press here

For Mennonite Mission Network “News from around the world” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
The board of directors of Iglesia Menonita Hispana (IMH, translated Hispanic Mennonite Church), a constituency group of Mennonite Church USA, appointed Rev. Dr. Juan Montes as executive director during the IMH annual meeting, in Chicago, Illinois. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/juan-montes

Menno Snapshots

Russell De Young established the Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund in memory of his wife, to help Mennonite churches install solar panels and move toward net-zero fossil fuel usage. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/remembering-wife-net-zero-grants

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Anicka Fast, as she fosters collaborations that cross academic disciplines and national boundaries, and as she teaches global church history and archiving skills throughout Africa. Pray for her as she edits a new Mennonite World Conference Global Anabaptist-Mennonite history series, in addition to teaching and traveling.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the IBA Christian formation program at the new Arca de Salvacion Church in Uspantan, Guatemala. May God bless and guide the leaders and participants, and may this program strengthen the faith and commitment of the community in its walk with Christ. -WDC Church Planting Commission

2024 09 22 worship service

press here to view the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 22, 2024
International Day of Peace

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music— Give Me Jesus (arr. Lau)— Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome & Prayer— Lucy Burch & Marlene Ewert

*Hymn— In Christ There Is No East or West—VT 390

Children’s Conversation— Joanna Harader

*Hymn— Come Now, O Prince of Peace— VT 391

Psalm & Antiphon—Psalm –Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 26:1-4 & 1 Peter 5:6-9—Ben Janzen

Sermon— Cultivating a Culture of Peace— Joanna Harader

Worship Music—Verleih uns frieden (Mendelssohn)—Chancel Choir

*Hymn— For the Healing of the Nations— VT 705

Prayers of God’s People— Adah Hodge & Barb Koontz

Choral Benediction— Peace I Leave You (Amy Beech)— Chancel Choir

*Benediction

Postlude—Fugue from Sonata No. 6 “Our Father Which Art in Heaven”—(Mendelssohn)—
Will Wiebe-Friesen

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

Worship service and announcements for September 22, 2024

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY,
SEPTEMBER 22, 2024–INTERNATIONAL PEACE SUNDAY

Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.

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

The Week at BCMC: September 22-29, 2024
Sunday, September 22, 2024—International Day of Peace
9:30 a.m.   Worship
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation for Junior and Youth
Volunteer in the Nursery today is Esther Koontz
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/tjSYI12o2i4?feature=share

6 p.m. Dessert Reception for Bethel College students on the sidewalk in front of Haury Hall, sponsored by the BCMC Relations Team with assistance from the BCMC Hospitality Commission. This year it will be held ON the Bethel College campus—on a sidewalk going to Haury Hall—just a few feet from the BCMC grounds. Please bring a dessert to share and be willing to engage with students. Chairs will be set up in circles.

Tuesday, September 24, 2024
4 p.m.        Worship Commission meeting
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, September 26, 2024
2 p.m.         Inurnment service for Monica Gross at Restlawn Gardens of Memory
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
Sunday, September 29, 2024
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Bells
10:30 a.m.. Faith Formation for Children
10:45 a.m. Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary
12 noon     Senior High Youth Group Fundraiser Lunch in Fellowship Hall
      All are invited!

Enjoy a summer-fall evening at Camp Mennoscah and hear updates. The Annual Meeting on September 22 has been shortened to the annual business meeting at 5 p.m., instead of a full day event. Donations will be accepted for the Foundation 75 Capital Campaign.

We offer sympathy to the family of Donna Friesen. Donna died Sept. 18 at Kidron Bethel Village.

Interested in becoming a member of Bethel College Mennonite Church?
If you are interested in becoming a member, or transferring membership, or learning more about membership at BCMC, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Pastor of Congregational Care. She will be happy to visit with you!

The Abuse Prevention and Response Committee, at the request of the Faith Formation Commission, has approved a provisional change to the Abuse Prevention and Response Policy that will allow our nursery to be staffed by one approved adult and one approved youth volunteer. (II.A.3) This change takes effect immediately. Over the coming months, the APRC will be reviewing the policy in full and will bring an updated version of the policy to the congregation for approval some time in 2025. Copies of the policy are available on the church website and in the office. If you have questions about the policy or changes to suggest, please reach out to one of the pastors or a member of APRC.

BCMC Offering for Sept. 15: Gen. Fund $8,697; Kitchen Fund $19; Solar Fund $25; Marilyn Stucky Memorial $6,100

Congregational Meeting and Membership Vote:
Congregational Meeting Set for September 29:
The next congregational meeting will be at 10:45 a.m. during the Sunday School hour on September 29. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary and made available live on YouTube only while the meeting is in progress; it will not be recorded. Remote viewers can text their votes to a number announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items will include a vote for a change of Membership Guidelines and an update from pastors and moderators. The youth will host a fundraising luncheon following the meeting.
Future congregational meetings will be held at 10:45 a.m. on January 26 and May 4, 2025.

Proposal for Action at the BCMC Congregational Meeting Sept. 29, 2024
The Church Board and Deacons recommend removing the “Welcoming Statement” (approved January 28, 2024) from Article IV: Membership. Both the Deacons and the Inclusive Task Group desire that the Welcoming Statement be separate from the membership guidelines. The current Welcoming Statement will continue to be used in BCMC publications but can be changed and updated under the leadership of the Inclusive Task Group. The revised membership guidelines for the congregational vote on September 29 read as follows:
Article IV: Membership (Revised)
Membership in the Bethel College Mennonite Church is open to all who affirm their faith in God, who seek to center their lives in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who are open to the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and who have received baptism as the symbol of their commitment and covenant.
Bethel College Mennonite Church welcomes into fellowship and membership all persons who commit to Jesus Christ, without regard to their race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital state, age, or other factors which can lead to discrimination and marginalization.
Members offer themselves to support Mennonite principles and to share in the life and work of this congregation.

Leadership Retreat
After a discussion between the pastoral team and the BCMC board, we have decided to postpone the annual leadership retreat, usually held in the fall, to a yet-to-be-determined date in late 2024 or early 2025. This postponement will:
1. Allow our pastoral and moderator teams to continue their work of clarifying and defining their roles.
2. Allow pastors and moderators to create a leadership retreat that best equips leaders of commissions and committees for our current model of pastoral
leadership.
In the meantime, we encourage committees and commissions to contact Brad Kohlman if they have questions or concerns. Look for an update on the timing of the leadership retreat later this fall or early winter.

Mark your calendars for the annual Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Assoc. (SMCHA) Banquet at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton, Oct. 10., 6 p.m. with an ethnic German buffet style meal catered by the Breadbasket and ‘bohne beroggi’ made by Schweitzer cooks. We’ll focus on thanking those who coordinated the 150th anniversary of Schweitzers coming to the United States.
Dale Schrag will be our speaker for the evening discussing the future. The cost of the banquet is $25 to be paid at the door. RSVP to Nancy Stucky by October 7 with a text or phone call to 620-532-5693. We invite you to come and enjoy good food, learn who we are and were, learn what SMCHA is doing and planning, have a great time fellowshipping with friends old and new, and continue our celebratory mood from the 150th.

September and October Webinars from EVERENCE® Finances and You with topics that integrate your faith and finances! This is a free webinar series where Everence® can help you make important financial decisions that reflect your faith values. The webinars will be presented by Everence professionals and there will be time for your questions. All webinars held on Wednesdays at 2 and 8 p.m. (Eastern Time) For more information, visit everence.com/national. Or Email: national@everence.com with any questions.
· Sept. 25 Seminar: Social Security: Understanding your benefits. Come and learn the ins and outs of social security that will provide you clarity as you consider your social security future. Presented by: Steve Lane, AWMA®, CFP®, Financial Consultant
· Oct. 2 Seminar: Investing 202. Mutual funds, pensions, stocks, bonds, IRA’s, Roth IRA’s, 401k’s, Real estate. The list seems to go on and on for investment options. This presentation will help you sort through your investment options and other considerations as you explore what investments make sense for you. Presented by: Michael Burton, CFP®, CEPA®, Financial Consultant

Dear Bethel College Mennonite,Join MCC, the Church of the Brethren, and the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) for a webinar on climate and peace! Learn from partners around the world how climate change is driving conflict within their communities and how they are acting to address this crisis.United in our call to stand for peace worldwide, many of us see climate change as one of the biggest obstacles to this goal. Hear how you can take action to advocate for international climate assistance and to support peace globally!Webinar: Climate and peace: Stories from around the worldDate: Sept. 25, 2024Time: 11:00 am EDT

Speakers will include Sibonokuhle Ncube, Mennonite Mission Network’s regional co-director for Africa and Europe; Lenny Thomas Aniah, gender-based violence coordinator for the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria; and Victor Odinda, climate solutions partner advisor for MCC Cambodia. Daren Caughron, legislative manager, sustainable energy and environment for FCNL, will share expertise on how you can encourage Congress to support climate finance for peace.We look forward to seeing you on September 25!

Bethel College Announcements:
· PLEASE NOTE: The screening of the KIPCOR Film Series film “The Lincoln School Story,” scheduled for today, Sun., Sept. 22, has been canceled.
· Tues., Sept. 24: “Sing My Soul” high school choral festival at Bethel College, Dr. Henry Waters, director, with a short public concert at 1:40 p.m., Memorial Hall or livestream at https://www.youtube.com/live/9cZe9ofIdNE?feature=shared
· Thurs., Sept. 26: The Bethel College Wind Ensemble presents “dinner and a show,” 6:30 p.m., Memorial Hall. Tickets are $20 per person or $200 for a full table (8 people). Call 316-284-5202, or go to Thresher Shop on the Bethel campus, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., to buy tickets. You must have a ticket to attend this concert.
· Sun., Sept. 29: Mark Jantzen, Bethel College professor of history, speaks on “Brief Imperial Russian Sojourn: Lasting Mennonite Memories,” following a brief annual meeting at 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum. This coincides with the opening of the new special exhibit “Unlocking the Past: Immigrant Artifacts & the Stories They Tell,” sparked by the 150th anniversary of the migration of Mennonites from Russia and Prussia to the Central Plains of North America and by the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025.
· Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Oct. 3-6, with most activities taking place Sat., Oct. 5, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football, the musical “9 to 5”, and the 50th-anniversary celebration for the social work program. See https://www.bethelks.edu/fallfest/ for the complete schedule.
· Fri., Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Oct. 5, 3:30 p.m., Sun., Oct. 6, 2 p.m. – Bethel College music and theater departments present 9 to 5 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. Contains adult content and may not be suitable for young children.
· Sat., Oct. 5: Sarah Augustine will give a keynote address for the 50th anniversary of Bethel College social work, 2 p.m., Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village. She will also speak Sun., Oct. 6, 9:30 a.m., at Bethel College Mennonite Church, and Mon., Oct. 7, for convocation in Krehbiel Auditorium. The public is invited to any and all events. Augustine is the founder and co-chair of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, author of The Land is Not Empty (2021) and co-author of So We and Our Children May Live (2023).
· Life Enrichment program at Bethel College for Wednesday, Sept. 25. Life Enrichment is for people age 60 and above and is an excellent way to continue learning and meet people from the surrounding area in a relaxed setting.
Sept. 25, 9:30 a.m.: Bluegrass and Flint Hills music by the Tallgrass Express, Annie Wilson, singer, guitar player and lyrical storyteller, Elmdale
Sept. 25, 10:50 a.m.: “Why I Paint,” Virgil Penner, North Newton

Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Country Breakfast on Saturday, October 5, from 7 to 10 a.m., in Kidron Hall, 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton. Enjoy pancakes, sausage and eggs by donation. Proceeds benefit the Kidron Bethel Village Health Care Benevolent Fund, assisting residents who are unable to cover the full cost of their care.

Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Holiday Marketing featuring local vendors on Saturday, December 7. Vendors who would like to be part of this event are now being accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. To reserve a table, contact SheriE@bluestemks.org, or call 316-836-4821. Holiday Market gives Kidron Bethel Village residents and others from the community a one-stop place to shop for holiday gifts. The market is a fundraiser for the Health Care Benevolent Fund, a ministry of Kidron Bethel Village that assists residents who, due to unforeseen circumstances, are no longer able to cover the full cost of their care.

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

First Mennonite Church of Newton, KS (429 E. First Street) invites you to a monthly Board Game Night the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 PM. Some games are provided, but participants are encouraged to bring other games they are excited to play or share! Games will range in difficulty from Uno to Wingspan and beyond! Enter through the East doors and take the stairs to the basement. Hope to see you there!

Camp Mennoscah AnnouncementsEnjoy a summer-fall evening at Camp Mennoscah and hear updates! The Annual Meeting on September 22 has been shortened to the annual business meeting at 5pm, instead of a full day event. Donations will be accepted for the Foundation 75 Capital Campaign. Other events and happenings:Summer is over and volunteer work days have been adjusted! Volunteers for the HVAC work at the Retreat Center are welcome Monday – Friday. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping out with this project. Willing hands are what is needed! Let us know when you are available, so we can prepare for you. For anyone interested in working on a weekend, two weeks notice is needed. Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 to sign up.Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open! The dates are November 1-3 and November 15-17. Lodging and crafting will be held at Main Camp in the bunkhouses and dining hall. Register here. We’ll see you for another fun weekend!Tasks to keep Camp Mennoscah running smoothly continue into the fall and winter seasons. Volunteers are needed for grounds and deep cleaning, plus a variety of other things. Contact us at 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org.

Perform with the Tabor College Concert Choir, Chamber Voices, and the Messiah OrchestraPerformance, Sunday, December 8, 4:00 pm
Required rehearsals:
Saturday, December 7, 10:00 am
Sunday, December 8, 1:30 pm
Optional rehearsals starting November 5:
Tuesdays and Fridays, 12:00 noon, Information and registration at tabor.edu/messiah
Alumni, family and community members are invited to participate

Join us in North Newton Kansas for a visit with MennoMedia Leadership! October 7, 9:00am
The Meeting Room, MCC Central States
121 E 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117

For more details for this “Anabaptist at 500” event press here

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
For Mennonite Church USA “Equipping” press here
Call for blogs! Members of MC USA who were not raised in a Mennonite tradition or people who grew up in MC USA but feel that they have actively chosen to remain Mennonite as they grew into their faith are invited to submit a 500-900 word “Menno by Choice” blog about why they have actively chosen to be a Mennonite. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/form-choice-request View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/choice-slide View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/choice-blog-slide

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Euclides Bauza, a Mennonite church leader in Venezuela, who served as an election observer in the country’s disputed presidential election in July. Pray for Bauza’s safety, the families mourning the deaths of loved ones, protection for those who have been arrested and that Venezuelan authorities will care for the needs of citizens.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for ministers gathering for a retreat next weekend in Texas, sponsored by the WDC Ministerial Leadership Commission.

2024 09 15 worship service

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 15, 2024
Peace Sunday

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—O God, Thou Faithful God (Peeters)
Verlene Garber

Welcome & Prayer—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Come, Let Us All Unite to Sing—VT 7

Children’s Conversation—Joanna Harader

Worship Music—Barcarole op. 19, no. 5 (Gade)
Abby Koontz

Scripture Reading—Romans 13:1-7; Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 72:1-7;  Matthew 22:15-22

Darlene Dick, Roger Juhnke

Sermon—Biblical Parameters for Thinking about Government—David P. Gushee

*Hymn—Let There Be Light—VT 714

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Rain Down—VT 703

*Benediction

Postlude—Poco Vivace from Kleine Praludien und Intermezzi (Schroeder)
Verlene Garber

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together

Worship service and announcements for September 15, 2024

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY,
SEPTEMBER 15, 2024–PEACE SUNDAY

Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.

Sunday, September 15, 9:30 a.m. Worship Service
We welcome David P. Gushee. The BCMC Witness Commission invites you to this peace witness event around Peace Sunday today and tomorrow at Bethel College. Our church along with the Bible and Religion Department of Bethel College and in collaboration with area churches invites you to engage with Christianity and Democracy led by well known author, academic, and presenter, David P. Gushee (https://davidpgushee.com).

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 15, 2024
Peace Sunday

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—O God, Thou Faithful God (Peeters)
Verlene Garber

Welcome & Prayer—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Come, Let Us All Unite to Sing—VT 7

Children’s Conversation—Joanna Harader

Worship Music—Barcarole op. 19, no. 5 (Gade)
Abby Koontz

Scripture Reading—Romans 13:1-7; Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 72:1-7;  Matthew 22:15-22

Darlene Dick, Roger Juhnke

Sermon—Biblical Parameters for Thinking about Government—David P. Gushee

*Hymn—Let There Be Light—VT 714

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Rain Down—VT 703

*Benediction

Postlude—Poco Vivace from Kleine Praludien und Intermezzi (Schroeder)
Verlene Garber

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Verlene Garber
Audio visual—Ben Lichti

The Week at BCMC: September 15-22, 2024
Sunday, September 15, 2024—Peace Sunday
Worship 9:30 a.m. — Faith Formation for Junior and Youth 10:30 a.m.
Volunteers in the Nursery today are Megan Kohlman and Kevin Neufeld
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/hkQ4EV-UhIA?feature=share
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation in the Sanctuary—David Gushee will look at some of the key biblical texts on government and Christianity: YouTube Link:
https://youtube.com/live/-0S6Kd7W_Wg?feature=share

Monday, September 16, 2024
7 p.m.       Finance Committee & Church Board joint workshop in Room 14
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
7 p.m.        Women’s Fellowship Meeting in Fellowship Hall
Hola! Women’s Fellowship is starting their Fall programs with a trip to Spain. Plan to join Sarah Turner and her host sister Laura to learn more about this beautiful country. Tuesday, September 17, at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, September 19, 2024
6: 30 p.m.   Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
6:30 p.m.    Abuse Prevention and Response Committee meeting in Room 14
Sunday, September 22, 2024
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
6 p.m.         Dessert Reception for Bethel College students on the sidewalk in front of Haury Hall, sponsored by the BCMC Relations Team with assistance from the BCMC Hospitality Commission. Save the Date for the Annual Dessert Reception for Bethel College students. This year it will be held ON the Bethel College campus—on a sidewalk going to Haury Hall—just a few feet from the BCMC grounds. Please bring a dessert to share and be willing to engage with students. Chairs will be set up in circles.

BCMC Offering for Sept. 8: Gen. Fund $8,494; Columbarium Fund $1,095; Caring Fund $50; Kitchen Fund $29.30; Solar Fund $230; Monica Gross Mem. $100.

Congregational Meeting and Membership Vote:
Congregational Meeting Set for September 29:
The next congregational meeting will be at 10:45 a.m. during the Sunday School hour on September 29. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary and made available live on YouTube only while the meeting is in progress; it will not be recorded. Remote viewers can text their votes to a number announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items will include a vote for a change of Membership Guidelines and an update from pastors and moderators. The youth will host a fundraising luncheon following the meeting.
Future congregational meetings will be held at 10:45 a.m. on January 26 and May 4, 2025.

Proposal for Action at the BCMC Congregational Meeting Sept. 29, 2024
The Church Board and Deacons recommend removing the “Welcoming Statement” (approved January 28, 2024) from Article IV: Membership. Both the Deacons and the Inclusive Task Group desire that the Welcoming Statement be separate from the membership guidelines. The current Welcoming Statement will continue to be used in BCMC publications but can be changed and updated under the leadership of the Inclusive Task Group. The revised membership guidelines for the congregational vote on September 29 read as follows:
Article IV: Membership (Revised)
Membership in the Bethel College Mennonite Church is open to all who affirm their faith in God, who seek to center their lives in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who are open to the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and who have received baptism as the symbol of their commitment and covenant.
Bethel College Mennonite Church welcomes into fellowship and membership all persons who commit to Jesus Christ, without regard to their race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital state, age, or other factors which can lead to discrimination and marginalization.
Members offer themselves to support Mennonite principles and to share in the life and work of this congregation.

After a discussion between the pastoral team and the BCMC board, we have decided to postpone the annual leadership retreat, usually held in the fall, to a yet-to-be-determined date in late 2024 or early 2025. This postponement will:
1. Allow our pastoral and moderator teams to continue their work of clarifying and defining their roles.
2. Allow pastors and moderators to create a leadership retreat that best equips leaders of commissions and committees for our current model of pastoral
leadership.
In the meantime, we encourage committees and commissions to contact Brad Kohlman if they have questions or concerns. Look for an update on the timing of the leadership retreat later this fall or early winter.

Notes for your calendars
· The Central Kansas Master Chorale presents a Choral Festival, Sunday, Sept. 15, 3 p.m. at the Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 S. Main St., featuring the Newton High School Choraleers, Hesston College Bel Canto Singers, and the Central Kansas Master Chorale, directed by Joel Garber, accompanist Karen Unruh. All are invited.
· The family of Paul Harms invites you to a 90th Birthday Celebration for Paul on October 6 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the BCMC Fellowship Hall.
· The worship service on Fall Fest Sunday, October 6, will begin at 10 a.m. in the BCMC sanctuary.
· Wednesday night suppers will begin on Oct. 16 and run through Nov. 20.

Abuse Prevention and Response Policy
The Abuse Prevention and Response Committee, at the request of the Faith Formation Commission, has approved a provisional change to the Abuse Prevention and Response Policy that will allow our nursery to be staffed by one approved adult and one approved youth volunteer. (II.A.3) This change takes effect immediately. Over the coming months, the APRC will be reviewing the policy in full and will bring an updated version of the policy to the congregation for approval some time in 2025.Copies of the policy are available on the church website and in the office. If you have questions about the policy or changes to suggest, please reach out to one of the pastors or a member of APRC.

September and October Webinars from EVERENCE®
Finances and You with topics that integrate your faith and finances! This is a free, four-part webinar series where you’ll hear how Everence® can help you make important financial decisions that reflect your faith values. The webinars will be presented by Everence professionals and there will be time for your questions. All webinars held on Wednesdays at 2 and 8 p.m. (Eastern Time) For more information, visit everence.com/national. Or Email:
national@everence.com with any questions.
· Sept. 18 Seminar: Getting our lives together, Giving our lives away, and Giving our deaths away. For those of us interested in integrating our faith with our finances, we often find ourselves focusing on different concerns throughout our lives. Intentionally embracing these unique periods of our lives can encourage growth in our stewardship journey and help form us into the image of Christ. Presented by: Colin Saxton, Stewardship Theologian and Director of Church Relations
· Sept. 25 Seminar: Social Security: Understanding your benefits. Come and learn the ins and outs of social security that will provide you clarity as you consider your social security future. Presented by: Steve Lane, AWMA®, CFP®, Financial Consultant
· Oct. 2 Seminar: Investing 202. Mutual funds, pensions, stocks, bonds, IRA’s, Roth IRA’s, 401k’s, Real estate. The list seems to go on and on for investment options. This presentation will help you sort through your investment options and other considerations as you explore what investments make sense for you. Presented by: Michael Burton, CFP®, CEPA®, Financial Consultant

Everence will hold a Medicare webinar Tues., Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m. including topics: when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare does (and doesn’t) cover, Medicare Parts A, B, C and D in clear, understandable language plus
budgeting for health care costs in retirement. There will be time for questions. Information 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. Attendance recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare.

Bethel College Announcements:
· Sun., Sept. 15: Forum on Democracy and Christianity with David Gushee, 3 p.m., Memorial Hall sponsored by Bethel College Mennonite Church and the Bethel Department of Bible and Religion. The afternoon’s events will include a keynote by Dr. Gushee and discussion around tables. Gushee will also speak in convocation Mon., Sept. 16, 11 a.m., in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center.
· Tues., Sept. 17: Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding,
    7 p.m., Memorial Hall
· Thurs., Sept. 19: Guest piano recital: Dr. Brian Hsu, 7 p.m., Ad Building chapel
· Thurs., Sept. 19: Artist reception for Gwen and Victor Rose and “The Rose Aesthetic,” 6-8 p.m., Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Exhibit closes the same evening. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays; 2-4 p.m. Sundays.
· Thurs., Sept. 26: The Bethel College Wind Ensemble presents “dinner and a show,” 6:30 p.m., Memorial Hall. Tickets are $20 per person or $200 for a full table (8 people). Call 316-284-5202, or go to Thresher Shop on the Bethel campus, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., to buy tickets. You must have a ticket to attend this concert.
· Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Oct. 3-6, with most activities taking place Sat., Oct. 5, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football, the musical “9 to 5”, and the 50th-anniversary celebration for the social work program. See https://www.bethelks.edu/fallfest/ for the complete schedule.
· Sat., Oct. 5: Sarah Augustine will give a keynote address for the 50th anniversary of Bethel College social work, 2 p.m., Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village. She will also speak Sun., Oct. 6, 9:30 a.m., at Bethel College Mennonite Church, and Mon., Oct. 7, for convocation in Krehbiel Auditorium. The public is invited to any and all events. Augustine is the founder and co-chair of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, author of The Land is Not Empty (2021) and co-author of So We and Our Children May Live (2023).
· Life Enrichment program at Bethel College for Wednesday, Sept. 18. Life Enrichment is for people age 60 and above and is an excellent way to continue learning and meet people from the surrounding area in a relaxed setting.
   Sept. 18—9:30 a.m. “The Death Penalty: Failed Public Policy and Doubtful
   Morality,” Ron Wurtz, retired public defender, Topeka
   Sept. 18—10:50 a.m. “Line Dancing for Life,” Lois Palmer, assistant at Newton
   Area Senior Center

Bethel College Women’s Association needs your donations of baked goods and craft items! Home-made pies, poppyseed rolls, zwieback, cinnamon rolls, other baked goods and treats for Market-in-the-Round at Fall Festival are welcome. In addition, home-made jams/jellies and craft items are needed. All of these items can be delivered to the Music Library in Luyken Fine Arts Center from 1 – 5 p.m., Fri., Oct. 4.  All proceeds will benefit Bethel College. If questions email:
bcwa@belthelks.edu Volunteers are needed as well to staff the booths. To sign up, use this link:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E4CA8A72FA3F58-50920044-fall/102465998#/

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

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

The Annual Meeting on September 22 will be a day of worship, fun, and fellowship, followed by the annual business meeting at 5pm. Events begin at 10:30am at Camp Mennoscah. Make reservations for a picnic-style lunch here. Donations will be accepted for lunch and for the Foundation 75 Capital Campaign.

Other events and happenings:

Summer is over and volunteer work days have been adjusted! Volunteers for the HVAC work at the Retreat Center are welcome Monday – Friday. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping out with this project. Willing hands are what is needed! Let us know when you are available, so we can prepare for you. For anyone interested in working on a weekend, two weeks notice is needed. Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 to sign up.
Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open! The dates are November 1-3 and November 15-17. Lodging and crafting will be held at Main Camp in the bunkhouses and dining hall. Register here. We’ll see you for another fun weekend!
Tasks to keep Camp Mennoscah running smoothly continue into the fall and winter seasons. Volunteers are needed for grounds and deep cleaning, plus a variety of other things. Contact us at 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org.

Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Holiday Marketing featuring local vendors on Saturday, December 7. Vendors who would like to be part of this event are now being accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. To reserve a table, contact SheriE@bluestemks.org, or call 316-836-4821. Holiday Market gives Kidron Bethel Village residents and others from the community a one-stop place to shop for holiday gifts. The market is a fundraiser for the Health Care Benevolent Fund, a ministry of Kidron Bethel Village that assists residents who, due to unforeseen circumstances, are no longer able to cover the full cost of their care.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Save the date! MC USA is pleased to announce that the 2025 biennial national gathering and leading faith formation event, Follow Jesus ‘25, will take place July 8-12, 2025, at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/convention View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/fj25_ad View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/follow-jesus-25-slide

Menno Snapshots

Spiritual director Reuben Chupp shares a poem about finding silence as a means to prepare for meetings with his spiritual directees. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/i-need-silence

Jon Carlson, moderator for Mennonite Church USA, shares his story of how he came to call the Mennonite church home the family-like belonging that has felt since joining this church. Read his story here: mennoniteusa.org/finding-home-mennonite-church

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network’s Service Adventure participants are learning to live in new households, integrating into their hosting congregations and settling into their service assignments. Pray for the participants, as well as Samir Knego, leader of the unit in Anchorage, Alaska, and Christian and Leigha Stoltzfus, who are leading the Colorado Springs unit in Colorado.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for God’s wisdom to guide WDC congregations and members, as we discern faithful responses, actions and words in this national election season.

2024 09 08 worship service

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 8, 2024
Installation Service for Pastor Joanna Harader

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—When Morning Gilds the Skies (arr. R. Haan)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome & Prayer—John Waltner

*Hymn—Santo, santo, santo (Holy, Holy, Holy)—VT 102

Children’s Conversation—Megan Kohlman

Worship Music— Ave Verum (Saint-Seans)—Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will-Wiebe Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Philippians 3:12-16—Cheryl Harader

Sermon—Vibrant Guide—Kathy Neufeld Dunn

*Hymn—God the Spirit, Guide and Guardian—VT 534 (Please sing the alternate tune: HYFRYDOL VT 218, Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus)

Installation for Pastor Joanna Harader—Kathy Neufeld Dunn
Receiving a New Pastor—VT 967
Prayer Shawl Blessing—Elizabeth Schmidt
Blessing for Leaders—VT 968

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—The Lord Bless You and Keep You—VT 846 (Please sing the alternate text printed in italics)

Sung Benediction—God Be In My Head (Rutter)—Chancel Choir

Postlude—Prelude in G Maj. BWV 550 (J.S. Bach)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Join us in North Newton Kansas for a visit with MennoMedia Leadership! October 7, 9:00am The Meeting Room, MCC Central States121 E 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117

Join us in North Newton Kansas for a visit with MennoMedia Leadership! October 7, 9:00am
The Meeting Room, MCC Central States
121 E 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117