Author Archives: Monica Lichti

2025 03 23 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
MARCH 23, 2025
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

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/ZHmFC8aSv8A?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
March 23, 2025
Third Sunday of Lent

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Summoned by the God Who Made Us [VT 1], (arr. Robert Lau)–Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome-Raylene Hinz Penner
Leader: We come to listen
Congregation: So that we can go out and speak.
Leader: We praise God’s power
Congregation: So that we might rightly use our own.
Leader: We pause and pray
Congregation: So that we might plan faithfully.
Leader: We consider the ancient Scriptures
Congregation: So that we might better understand our present reality.
Leader: We continue this wilderness journey
Congregation: Following God’s way together.

*Hymn—Brethren, We Have Met to Worship—VT 25

Children’s Conversation–Jerry Buller

Worship Music—Come Ye Disconsolate (Terre Johnson)—Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

One-Minute Meditation

Scripture Reading—Numbers 27:1-11–Margaret Toews

Sermon—Advocacy 101—Joanna Harader

*Hymn—Lord Jesus, Come and Overturn—VT 146

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—God of the Bible—VT 420

*Benediction

Postlude—Joys are Flowing Like a River [VT 375], (arr. Will Wiebe-Friesen)–
Will Wiebe-Friesen

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

The Week at BCMC: March 23—March 30, 2025
Sunday, March 23, 2025: 9:30 a.m. Worship — 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:  https://youtube.com/live/ZHmFC8aSv8A?feature=share
The Abuse Prevention and Response Committee (APRC) invites BCMC congregants to an informational meeting today in the sanctuary during the Sunday School hour.

Monday, March 24,2025
10 a.m. Library Committee meeting in Room 14
Tuesday March 25, 2025
7 p.m. Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, March 26, 2025—Wednesday Night Supper
5:30 p.m.   Supper in Fellowship Hall
6:30 p.m.   Program in Fellowship Hall—exploring some biblical stories through art and poetry using the new Anabaptism at 500 resource: Drawing Near.
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir practice in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thursday, March 27, 2025
6 p.m.        Chancel Bells rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.        Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
Saturday, March 29, 2025
11 a.m.      Memorial Service for Louise Thieszen in the Sanctuary
Sunday, March 30, 2025—Fourth Sunday of Lent
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by the Chancel Bells
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation

BCMC Offering for March 16: Gen. Fund $10,187.21 Community Play School $500; Kitchen Fund $17.80; Solar Fund $5,000; Merrill Raber Mem. $200; Wed. supper $313.15

Lenten Sunday Scripture Readings from Pastor Joanna:
· March 23: Numbers 27:1-11
· March 30: 1 Kings 17:8-24
· April 6: Mark 5:21-34
· April 13: Luke 19:28-40; Luke 23:44-56

Upcoming Memorial Services:
· Memorial service for Louise Thieszen, Sat., March 29, 11 a.m., BCMC Sanctuary.
· We offer sympathy to the family of Merrill Raber. Merrill died Feb. 16 at Kidron Bethel Village. Merrill’s memorial service will be May 3, 11 a.m. at BCMC.
· We offer sympathy to the family of Helen Bargen. Helen Died March 21 in Salem, OR. Please keep her children, Jan and Dale, in your prayers at this time. We will share plans for Helen’s memorial service once they are finalized.

Future Events at BCMC:
· Members of the Agape class are planning to lead a book discussion during Lent of Joanna’s new book, Prone to Wander. We will meet in the chapel for the weeks of Lent: Mar. 9 – Apr. 13 during the Sunday School hour. Reading the book is helpful, but not necessary. All are welcome and encouraged to come.
· The Abuse Prevention and Response Committee (APRC) invites BCMC congregants to an informational meeting this Sunday, March 23, in the sanctuary during the Sunday School hour. We will be describing our work over the past year and a half, particularly what we have learned about abusive treatment by the Mennonite Central Committee of some of its workers. We will provide links to resources to enable further learning and exploration of these issues.
· Join us on Wednesday nights! Wednesday night suppers are Mar. 26, Apr. 2, 9, at 5:30 p.m. Sign up at a sign up sheet on bulletin board, on table in south entrance, or on ledge between the mailboxes in gathering place. Cost is $6 per person or $18 per family. During Lent, after the meal there will be a brief program each Wed. evening at 6:30 p.m. On Mar. 26, Apr. 2, and Apr. 9 we will explore some biblical stories through art and poetry using the new Anabaptism at 500 resource: Drawing Near.
· On Maundy Thursday, Apr. 17, in addition to the previously announced Maundy Thursday worship, we will also have a family friendly worship service at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel. This family service is appropriate for all ages as we will share the story of Holy Week with interactive stations. You can reach out to Jill Robb or Pastor Joanna with questions.
· BCMC’s Camp Mennoscah Retreat will be April 26-27.

Destination: Greensboro, NC: Mennonite Church USA conference 2025, July 8-12
If interested in being a delegate, contact any Gifts Discernment Committee (GDC) member: Jeanette Stucky, Jerry Buller, Dick Koontz, Francis Toews or the church office. Delegate sessions will be held on July 12. Early Bird pricing is available until March 31. GDC reimburses registration fees to delegates.

John Mark Koontz Senior Double Bass Recital Sat., April 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Wichita State University, Wiedemann Hall. John will be performing mostly classical bass and ending with a jazz piece.

The Staff Congregation Relations Committee will be conducting a regular pastoral review for Pastor Nathan Koontz this Spring.
     Pastor Nathan will be concluding his current term in October. We believe that the purpose of a pastoral review is to review the relationship between the congregation and the pastor and assess whether we have the right environment to foster growth. Because Pastor Nathan’s upcoming sabbatical will affect our timeline, we will be using an open-ended questionnaire for this review.
     Questionnaires will be sent to Sunday School class contacts, Commissions and Committees who work closely with Pastor Nathan, and will be available to all in the Gathering Place beginning Sunday, March 16. Please return questionnaires to either the box near the mailboxes or electronically to Megan Kohlman by April 13.
     You may also access a digital copy of the survey here, to be emailed to Megan when completed: http://bit.ly/4bILIgy
     Direct any questions to Megan Kohlman, meganbkohlman@gmail.com.

Are you new to or newly exploring Bethel College Mennonite Church? Pastor
Joanna will host a gathering for newcomers in her office on April 6 after worship. This will be an informal time for people get to know each other and ask questions about the church. All are welcome!

An Invitation from Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBTQ Interests: The spring Supportive Communities Network (SCN) meeting will be Tues., Mar. 25, 12 p.m. Central Time, via Zoom, featuring a workshop on how to interrupt the political violence that increasingly targets LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized groups. We offer this training to SCN members for *free* via a grant in collaboration with SCN member “On Earth Peace and HOPE PV” (Harnessing Our Power to End Political Violence). The Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart and SCN’s own Matt Guynn will co-facilitate. Come build power, skills, and relationships across the SCN network. While especially planned for SCN leaders, anyone is welcome. Email Pastor Joanna for more details and to receive the link. The training is two hours.

Want to make your voice heard but don’t know how? Check out “5 Calls,” an easy and effective way to be in touch with your congressional reps. The website provides help with knowing how to make your calls, provides a timely list of topics to address (gets updated frequently) and a handy script guide to help you know what to say. Check them out at https://5calls.org/ —Witness Commission

Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is less than three weeks away—Apr. 11 & 12
· My Coins Count! This year, coins will support food programs around the world. Bring coins (and bills!) to church Sunday mornings until the sale. Place coins into collection jars in Sunday School rooms or in the large jug in the gathering place. Last year BCMC raised almost $800 in this way!
· Pies and zwieback. Sign up to bake pie or zwieback for the sale. Look for tins, bags, and sign-up sheets at the back of the sanctuary.
· Volunteers wanted. Many of the sign-up sheets are now conveniently located on line at KANSAS.MCCSALE.ORG/VOLUNTEER . The sooner you sign up, the better chance you have to get your preferred job and time slot.
· Auction items. Photos at https://kansas.mccsale.org/auctions/general-auction/
· See the poster board in the Gathering Place for KMRS information and extra forms, or go to the KMRS website at https://kansas.mccsale.org/ or contact a BCMC liaison (Brad and Diane Born, William and Esther Kreider Eash, and Steve and Elaine Schurr).
· Children’s Auction – Consider donating new, in-the-package, items to this year’s auction! Talk with the youth in your church to see what items they would like to bid on, but you can never go wrong with Hot Wheels, Barbie, board games, Lego sets, art kits, and sports equipment. If you wish to volunteer for the auction by clerking or helping in other ways contact Brad Kohlman– bkohlman32@gmail.com

Bethel College Announcements
· Mon., Mar. 24: Bethel College Department of Social Work presents the annual Ada Schmidt-Tieszen Lecture with Kylee Schunn (2018), “Immigration 101,” 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Kylee, Fresno, CA, is an immigration advocate at Centro La Familia in Fresno.
· Thurs., Mar. 27: KIPCOR Peace Lecture: A conversation with Sister Barbara McCracken, a Benedictine from Mount St. Scholastica, Leavenworth, KS, on community, social responsibility, and daily faith, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium.
· Sun., Mar. 30: Michelle Armster and Heidi Regier Kreider, “The Impact of Immigration on Mennonite Churches Today,” 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. This Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program is in connection to the current special exhibit, “Unlocking the Past: Immigrant Artifacts and the Stories They Tell.” Michelle is director of Mennonite Central Committee Central States and Heidi is conference minister for Western District Conference of Mennonite Church USA.
· Fri., Apr. 4: Senior recital by Bethel College student Peter Buller, oboe and piano, 7 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church
· Sat., Apr. 5: Senior recital by Bethel College student Josué Coy Dick, violin, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel

The Mennonite Heritage & Agriculture Museum’s (Goessel) annual Heritage Dinner is Mar. 29, 6:30 p.m. at Tabor Mennonite Church, 891 Chisholm Trail Road, Newton. After the meal Donna Becker portrays Helena Schroeder, a fictionalized Mennonite immigrant around 1879. Tickets are $75 per person (Ages 12 & under $15) 1st time attender tickets are $40 per person. Contact the museum by Mon., Mar. 24 at 620-367-8200, email goesselmuseum@gmail.com

Life Enrichment, in the Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, is a series designed especially for adults age 60 and over. Programs on March 26: 9:30 a.m.: “Relocating to America from Ukraine,” Lidiia and Oleksandr Lukach, Newton. Evelyn Mierau, Newton, Janet Dixon, North Newton, Ron Flaming, North Newton.
10:50 a.m.: Museum on the Move: Kauffman Museum Traveling Exhibits,” Andi Schmidt Andres, Kauffman Museum director, and museum staff

Organist Christopher Shaw will present an organ recital/hymn festival to remember Shirley Sprunger King. Shirley taught at Bethel College for twenty years and was organist at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Christopher will be joined by Lorraine Miller (flute) and Don Kehrberg (oboe), both former members of the Deknatel Consort with Shirley. There will also be remembrances of Shirley. Event is scheduled for Sat., Apr. 5, 7:30 p.m. (note the time change from 7 to 7:30 p.m.) at BCMC.

Western District Women in Mission invites women & girls to our annual potluck salad supper Mon., April 28, 6 p.m. at Tabor Mennonite Church, rural Newton. The theme is “For the Beauty of the Earth” presented by WDWM executive committee member and Kansas City floral designer, Becca Schrag. Bring a salad to share and a small vessel to make a floral design in (a tea cup, bowl, or small vase). This is a free event with an offering taken to help cover expenses. RSVP not required but appreciated by email: westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com

You are invited to join us for the concerts of the Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC), a 120-member chorus including members from BCMC. The concert will include traditional hymns and contemporary selections performed in four-part harmony. The concert at Tabor will include students in the Chamber Voices student ensemble. Students in the Open Road and Woven choirs join KMMC at Bethel College. Concerts are free with an offering benefiting the global mission support work of Mennonite Central Committee. April 6, 4 p.m.: Memorial Hall, Bethel College, North Newton April 13, 4 p.m.: Richert Auditorium, Tabor College, Hillsboro

Kansas Interfaith Action is hosting a coffeehouse on Apr. 6, 7 p.m. at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church, 1200 Boyd Avenue, Newton. This will be a wonderful opportunity to gather with like-minded people of faith in the Newton area as we sing, pray, and talk together. Contact Pastor Joanna for more information.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Registration for Men & Boys Retreat, April 4-6, is now available online! Log in using your Camp Mennoscah account or create one, then scroll down to Start a New Registration. Click Men & Boys Retreat. Registration will also be available upon arrival.

Other News and Events:

Putting the dam in! The dam will go back in on March 23 at 2pm. Spectators and helpers are welcome. Young ages cannot help with putting in the dam due to heavy boards and rushing water. They are welcome to watch and cheer!Dress for the weather. The river is expected to be cold.

Camp Mennoscah is currently understaffed and it may take additional time to respond to your email or phone call. We will answer as soon as possible. If a quicker response is needed, please call 316-293-7313.

Hoodies are ready to ship or pick up! If you have not been contacted regarding your hoodie(s), please contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org

Music and Quilt Auction at The Hub on May 2! Join Camp Mennoscah from 6-8:30pm for an evening of music, food and fellowship to benefit Camp Mennoscah. The Hub will donate 10% of all sales on May 2 to Camp Mennoscah. Musical groups include K81, Queen Jack Jericho, Brett and Caleb Klingenberg, and The Schrag Siblings. A Camp Mennoscah tee shirt quilt will also be sold through a silent auction. A picture of the quilt will soon be at www.campmennoscah.org Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for a bidding from a distance option. (The Hub, 100 S Christian, Moundridge, KS, https://www.thehubbrickoven.com)

Camp Mennoscah is looking for kitchen helpers and other volunteers to make great camp experiences. Parents can receive a camper discount up to full camp fees as a kitchen volunteer. Contact Olivia at Olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 316-293-7313.

Dear Intersections readers:

Greetings! I am happy to announce the publication online of the spring 2025 issue of Mennonite Central Committee’s publication, Intersections, compiled by Zacharie Leclair on the topic of reparations and reconciliation. The issue can be found here. From contexts in Burundi, Canada, Colombia, Guatemala and Palestine and Israel, authors reflect on the biblical, theological, and practical dimensions of the interrelationship between reparations and reconciliation in the work of just peacemaking. Share this issue widely!

As always, your thoughts and questions about Intersections are always welcome!

Warm regards, Alain Epp Weaver

To Western District Conference congregations and ministers,

I am writing to share with you that the WDC Executive Committee and conference ministers are issuing a public statement in support of Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, KS. Haskell Indian Nations University provides educational opportunities for students from Tribal Nations and serves as a cultural center for Indigenous people from across the country. Attached is this statement, which has been sent to government legislators and officials, as well as several media in Kansas.

The statement is in response to the U.S. federal government’s recent firing of a significant number of employees at Haskell, resulting in harmful impacts on students, faculty and staff and on the mission of the university. A number of WDC congregations are engaged in advocating for Indigenous justice, including support for Haskell, so our statement also reflects WDC’s mission to empower WDC congregations to Witness and invite others to faith in Jesus Christ, Dwell in just and loving relationships, and Connect to God’s mission in the world.

May God’s Spirit of wisdom, justice and hope empower us all to discern how we are called to live out our calling as Jesus’ followers in our communities and the world today.

Grace and peace,
Heidi Regier Kreider
Conference Minister
For a pdf of the letter press here
____________________________________________________
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.

For Mennonite Women USA Women’s Blog press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News from Around the World” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Being Present on the Journey” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
On March 24 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, join MC USA’s Nancy Kauffmann, interim denominational minister of Church Safety, and Michael Danner, associate executive director for Church Vitality, for a webinar as they discuss the common understanding of the role of forgiveness in responding to abuse in the church and how it is often misused or misunderstood in the context of abuse. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/forgive-forget-safe-church-register View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/forgive-forget-safe-church-slide View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/forgive-forget-safe-church-webinar-pdf

Watch the recording of MC USA’s webinar, “Following Jesus in challenging times… What does it mean to provide sanctuary for undocumented people?” in English here: mennoniteusa.org/following-jesus-challenging-times-recording and en español here: mennoniteusa.org/following-jesus-challenging-times-sp

Menno Snapshots

Rena LeBlanc, a graduate student at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana, recently completed an internship with the MC USA Archives. During her internship, LeBlanc worked extensively with the historical collection of Ed Stoltzfus, a longtime pastor, professor and leader. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-shorts/leblanc/

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Lane Miller, one of Mennonite Mission
Network’s regional directors for Africa and Europe, is in Europe this month to improve his French language skills. Pray for him as he also visits partner institution LCC International University and Robin Gingerich, who has served with Mission Network at LCC in Lithuania since 2001.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC’s Executive Board meeting this week, as they discern priorities, resources and vision for WDC.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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.

2025 03 16 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
MARCH 16, 2025
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
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/89_3mBn41yw?feature=share
The memorial service of Calvin Flickinger is Saturday, March 15, 11 a.m. at BCMC.
The live-stream link for the service is:  https://youtube.com/live/bet2chB3avQ?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
March 16, 2025
Second Sunday of Lent

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—As the Deer Runs to the River (Uehlein)–Karen Unruh

Call to Worship—Mary Ann Boschmann

Leader: In the wilderness we gather
Congregation: with friends and strangers,
     All: forming a community of support.
Leader: In the wilderness we struggle
Congregation: against forces of violence,
      All: conspiring together for life.
Leader: In the wilderness we wander
Congregation: through unfamiliar landscapes,
     All: seeking a faithful path.
Leader: In the wilderness we worship
Congregation: our God of love and life,
      All: opening ourselves to the power of the Spirit.

*Hymn—Spirit of God! Descend—VT 557

Children’s Conversation— Brad Kohlman

*Hymn—With Mary Sing Magnificat–VT 208

One-Minute Meditation

Scripture Reading—Exodus 1:22-2:10; Acts 7:17-22—Jim Robb

Sermon—Ground-level God—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—O Healing River—VT 706

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song—VT 581

*Benediction

Postlude–He Comes to Us as One Unknown (Weber)–Karen Unruh

*You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio-Visual–Ken LampThe Week at BCMC: March 16—March 23, 2025
Sunday, March 16, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship — 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/89_3mBn41yw?feature=share

Tuesday March 18, 2025
7 p.m. Women’s Fellowship General Meeting for a worknight at Mennonite Central Committee, 121 E. 30th St., North Newton
Wednesday, March 19, 2025—Spring Break —No Wednesday Night Supper
No Chancel Choir rehearsal tonight
Thursday, March 20, 2025
6 p.m.        Chancel Bells rehearsal in Room B7
Sunday, March 23, 2025—Third Sunday of Lent
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by the Chancel Choir
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation

Women’s Fellowship General Meeting will be work night at MCC (Mennonite Central Committee, 121 East 30th Street, NN) Tuesday, March 18, at 7 p.m. with Brocia. See you there. Questions: call Lois Brubacher, 316-772-3033.

Life Enrichment, in the Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, is a series designed especially for adults age 60 and over.  Due to Bethel College’s Spring Break there will be no Life Enrichment on March 19.

Menu for the March 26 supper is: Chicken a la king, rice, carrots, and Samuel German chocolate cake for dessert. Please sign up at a sign up sheet on bulletin board, on table in south entrance, or on ledge between the mailboxes in gathering place. Meal Cost is $6 per person or $18 per family.

John Mark Koontz Senior Double Bass Recital Sat., April 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Wichita State University, Wiedemann Hall. John will be performing mostly classical bass and ending with a jazz piece.

Lenten Sunday Scripture Readings from Pastor Joanna:
· March 16: Exodus 1:22-2:10; Acts 7:17-22
· March 23: Numbers 27:1-11
· March 30: 1 Kings 17:8-24
· April 6: Mark 5:21-34
· April 13: Luke 19:28-40; Luke 23:44-56 The Bethel College Mennonite Church office will be closed the week of March 17-21 (Spring Break). Pastors will be available on an on-call basis: Pastor Elizabeth, March 17-18; Pastor Joanna, March 19-20; Pastor Nathan, March 21-22.
· Pastor Joanna is taking vacation days March 14-18 to move into her new house at 305 Campus Ct. in North Newton!
· Pastor Nathan is taking vacation days March 17-19.
· Pastor Elizabeth is taking vacation days March 19-21.
Prone to Wander Sunday School book discussion
Members of the Agape class are planning to lead a book discussion during Lent of Joanna’s new book, Prone to Wander. We will meet in the chapel for the weeks of Lent: March 9 – April 13 during the Sunday School hour. Reading the book is helpful, but not necessary. All are welcome and encouraged to come.  Upcoming Memorial Services:
· We offer sympathy to the family of Louise Thieszen. Louise died Feb. 22. Louise’s memorial service will be March 29, 11 a.m. at BCMC
· We offer sympathy to the family of Merrill Raber. Merrill died Feb. 16 at Kidron Bethel Village. Merrill’s memorial service will be May 3, 11 a.m. at BCMC.
We offer sympathy to the family and extended family of Rachel Poling. Rachel died Tues., March 11, at Schowalter Villa, Hesston. The memorial service for
Rachel will be Thurs., March 20, 10:30 a.m. at Schowalter Villa, 200 W. Cedar Hesston.Future Events at BCMC:
· Join us on Wednesday nights! Wednesday night suppers will be March 26, April 2, 9. Please sign up at a sign up sheet on bulletin board, on table in south entrance, or on ledge between the mailboxes in gathering place. Cost is $6 per person or $18 per family. During Lent we will gather for a meal and brief program each Wednesday evening at 5:30 p.m.–except for March 19, which is Spring Break. Then, on March 26, April 2, and April 9 we will explore some biblical stories through art and poetry using the new Anabaptism at 500 resource: Drawing Near.
· BCMC’s Camp Mennoscah Retreat will be April 26-27.
As most of you know, Pastor Elizabeth Schmidt has announced her plan to retire from her position at Bethel College Mennonite Church later this fall, after Pastor Nathan returns from his sabbatical. The BCMC board has had significant conversations with all three pastors and is now working to develop a job description for a future pastoral position. Our moderators will be creating a search committee that will carry forward our church’s search process. Your prayers are appreciated as we look toward this upcoming time of transition.The Staff Congregation Relations Committee will be conducting a regular pastoral review for Pastor Nathan Koontz this Spring.
     Pastor Nathan will be concluding his current term in October. We believe that the purpose of a pastoral review is to review the relationship between the congregation and the pastor and assess whether we have the right environment to foster growth. Because Pastor Nathan’s upcoming sabbatical will affect our timeline, we will be using an open-ended questionnaire for this review.
     Questionnaires will be sent to Sunday School class contacts, Commissions and Committees who work closely with Pastor Nathan, and will be available to all in the Gathering Place beginning Sunday, March 16. Please return questionnaires to either the box near the mailboxes or electronically to Megan Kohlman by April 13.
     You may also access a digital copy of the survey here, to be emailed to Megan when completed: http://bit.ly/4bILIgy
     Direct any questions to Megan Kohlman, meganbkohlman@gmail.com.An Invitation from Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBTQ Interests:
The spring Supportive Communities Network (SCN) meeting will be Tues., March 25, 12 p.m. Central Time, via Zoom, featuring a workshop on how to interrupt the political violence that increasingly targets LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized groups. We are grateful to offer this training to SCN members for *free* via a grant in collaboration with SCN member “On Earth Peace and HOPE PV” (Harnessing Our Power to End Political Violence). The Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart and SCN’s own Matt Guynn will co-facilitate. Come build power, skills, and relationships across the SCN network. While especially planned for SCN leaders, anyone is welcome.  Click here for details and to receive the link. The training is two hours. Want to make your voice heard but don’t know how? Check out “5 Calls,” an easy and effective way to be in touch with your congressional reps. The website provides help with knowing how to make your calls, provides a timely list of topics to address (gets updated frequently) and a handy script guide to help you know what to say. Check them out at https://5calls.org/   —Witness CommissionThe Everence Sharing Fund provided $3,000 in matching funds to support special needs in our church last year. Jim Robb serves as the Everence advocate for our congregation. Please contact Jim with questions or for more information.
The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is only weeks away (April 11 & 12).
· Thank you BCMC Sunday School classes and others for contributing $5,805 to cover sale expenses.
· My Coins Count! This year, coins will support food programs around the world. Bring coins (and bills!) to church Sunday mornings until the sale. Place coins into collection jars in Sunday School rooms or in the large jug in the gathering place. Last year BCMC raised almost $800 in this way!
· Volunteers wanted. Many of the sign-up sheets are now conveniently located on line at  KANSAS.MCCSALE.ORG/VOLUNTEER . The sooner you sign up, the better chance you have to get your preferred job and time slot.
· Pies and zwieback. Sign up to bake pie or zwieback for the sale. Look for tins, bags, and sign-up sheets at the back of the sanctuary, beginning today.
· Auction items. Photos at https://kansas.mccsale.org/auctions/general-auction/
· See the poster board in the Gathering Place for KMRS information and extra forms, or go to the KMRS website at https://kansas.mccsale.org/ or contact a BCMC liaison (Brad and Diane Born, William and Esther Kreider Eash, and Steve and Elaine Schurr).

Bohne berrogie bake day for the MCC Sale is April 5 at Moundridge High School. Volunteers are needed in the morning for two hour shift.   There is a sign up on the MCC website or you can contact Marla Gillmore at 620-921-0428. Bohne Berrogie will be sold from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. that day. Bethel College Announcements
· Bethel College is on spring break March 17-21. Most offices and services are open but some may be on reduced hours. The Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center is closed.
· Thurs., March 27, 7 p.m.: Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR) Peace Lecture, “A Conversation with Sister Barbara McCracken” on community, social responsibility, and daily faith. Sister Barbara is a Benedictine from Mt. St. Scholastica, Leavenworth.
· Sun., March 30: Michelle Armster and Heidi Regier Kreider, “The Impact of Immigration on Mennonite Churches Today,” 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. This Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program is in connection to the current special exhibit, “Unlocking the Past: Immigrant Artifacts and the Stories They Tell.” Michelle is director of Mennonite Central Committee Central States and Heidi is conference minister for Western District Conference of Mennonite Church USA.The Mennonite Heritage & Agriculture Museum, Goessel annual Heritage Dinner is Sat., March 29, 6:30 p.m. at the Tabor Mennonite Church, 891 Chisholm Trail Road, Newton. Following a meal catered by Goessel Grocery & Deli, Donna Becker will present, “What Are They Thinking?” in which Donna portrays Helena Schroeder, a fictionalized Mennonite immigrant around 1879. Tickets are $75 per person (Ages 12 & under $15) 1st time attender? $40 per person. Make reservations by contacting the museum by Mon., March 24 at 620-367-8200 or email: goesselmuseum@gmail.comMen & Boys Retreat is April 4-6, at Camp Mennoscah! Claim a place to sleep in the cabins, bunkhouses, or sleep in your own tent. Meals can be purchased for Sat. night, Sun. morning, and Sun. lunch. Register on-line or registration can also be completed at camp. Contact Kevin at 316-322-5515 for more information.Western District Women in Mission invites women & girls to our annual potluck salad supper Mon., April 28, 6 p.m. at Tabor Mennonite Church, rural Newton. The theme is “For the Beauty of the Earth” presented by WDWM executive committee member and Kansas City floral designer, Becca Schrag. Bring a salad to share and a small vessel to make a floral design in (a tea cup, bowl, or small vase). This is a free event with an offering taken to help cover expenses. RSVP not required but appreciated by email: westerndistrictwomen@gmail.comOrganist Christopher Shaw will present an organ recital/hymn festival to remember Shirley Sprunger King. Shirley taught at Bethel College for twenty years and was organist at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Christopher Shaw will be joined by Lorraine Miller (flute) and Don Kehrberg (oboe), both former members of the Deknatel Consort with Shirley. In addition to organ pieces and hymns, there will be remembrances of Shirley. The event will take place on Sat., April 5, 7:30 p.m. (note the time change from 7 to 7:30 p.m.) at Bethel College Mennonite Church, 2600 College Ave., North Newton.From Rocky Mountain Mennonite CampRocky Mountain Mennonite Camp is host to Colorado Roots Music Camp June 1-7, 2025. Break out of your routine and be inspired by a variety of styles, first-rate musicians, and the incredible experience of being immersed in acoustic music. Our instructors are some of the top players in the nation, but they were chosen because they’re known by peers and students as great instructors for all levels. Visit the camp website at rmmc.org for more details. Wilderness Camps at Rocky Mountain. RMMC offers a wilderness experience with a unique blend of destinations and activities. Campers participate in rock climbing and rappelling on Monkey Rock, backpack a few miles to a different destination for each camp week, experience the beauty of remote wilderness areas, play games, set up a campsite and learn skills of camping outside.  For more information and registration, visit the camp website at rmmc.org.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.

Important Training Opportunity! Youth Mental Health First Aid Training at Eden Mennonite Church (401 18th Ave, Moundridge, KS), March 22, 8:30am-5pm. This event will provide information about and offer training to respond to youth experiencing a mental health crisis. Registration cost of $25 includes the training, materials, snack, and lunch. Training provided by Prairie View. Register HERE
For announcements from Mennonite Mission Network press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
Mennonite Central Committee Announcements
Dear Friends,Your prayers and expressions of care over these last three years mean so much to Ukrainian families deeply impacted by the ongoing crisis.
This update will give you a glimpse into how your gifts are sharing Christ’s love by providing food, comforters, heaters, other household essential items and trauma care to families with young children, elderly people and people with disabilities:Ukraine disaster report updateYour support is helping people survive and hope for a more peaceful tomorrow.
Together, we are showing families in Ukraine that they are not forgotten.
Thank you for your caring heart.
With gratitude,
Ann Graber Hershberger
Executive Director, MCC U.S.P.S. More stories about how your gifts are ministering to families in Ukraine can be found at https://mcc.org/our-stories/bringing-comfort-weary-ukrainians
Hello, Friends from Bethel College Mennonite Church!
March brings the promise of longer days, fresh starts, and new opportunities to grow! As we “spring ahead” with the time change, why not spring ahead on our chosen verse John 1:39, and look ahead to John 1:43?
When Jesus spoke to his disciples in John 1:39 and said “Come, and you will see.” He says this again to Philip in verse 43, who then tells Nathanael in verse 46. Jesus’ invitation sends a ripple of invitations—a call to see the work of Jesus has motivated the followers of Jesus for centuries now.
It’s something we can see today, through your work. We are thankful for the lives you impact through your donations. Click below to view our update on our Spring Impact Report! May the beginning of spring bring you all together.
Blessings,
Kaytlen Keough (She/Her)
US Central States Community Engagement Coordinator
(316) 836-5049
121 E 30th St. North Newton, KS 67117

For the Impact Report press hereMennonite Church USA Announcements
The MC USA Executive Board celebrated organizational milestones, financial growth, and the latest plans for the denomination’s largest faith formation gathering, Follow Jesus ’25, at its Feb. 8 meeting via Zoom. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/board/

MC USA’s Women in Leadership ministry will be hosting a one-day summit during this summer’s Follow Jesus ’25 convention. On March 20 at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, join host Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, denominational minister for Peace and Justice for MC USA, and panelists Sue Park-Hur, director of racial/ethnic engagement for MC USA, and Women in Leadership steering committee members Shannon Dycus and Abby Endashaw, for a webinar as they discuss Women in Leadership and envision the Women’s Summit. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/WIL-summit-webinar

Menno Snapshots

Conference Minister Amy Zimbelman shares about a transformative weekend, in which Mountain States’ congregations welcomed and learned about the conference’s newest church plant and its ministry serving immigrants in San Antonio, Texas. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/mountain-states-learning-tour/

Thousands attended, in-person or online, MennoMedia’s Anabaptism at 500 celebration at College Mennonite Church, Jan. 21. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/anabaptism-500-event Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Caleb and Stephanie Schrock-Hurst are preparing for ministry in Taiwan, where they will renew relationships between the Mennonite Christian Hospital, in Hualien, and North American churches. Pray for them as they learn the Chinese language and finish raising the necessary funding. The Schrock-Hursts are jointly appointed through Mennonite Mission Network and Virginia Mennonite Missions.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: During this season of Lent, pray for pastors in WDC as they encourage, teach and help guide congregations to walk faithfully in the way of Jesus.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. A note from Pastor Joanna: This past Monday, March 10, Pastor Nathan and I joined almost 200 other people of faith at the Kansas State Capital for KIFA (Kansas Interfaith Action) Day. We rallied together and talked with our legislators to express support for lgbtq+ rights, voting rights, economic justice, public education, and immigrant rights. I was invited to speak at the noon rally and called people to be prophetic voices that call our leaders to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. In the afternoon we were able to meet with Representative Mike King and discuss a few issues including upcoming revisions to the affordable housing tax credit. There is a great deal of harmful legislation coming out of Topeka right now, but there is also a powerful movement of people working together to call those in power to justice and kindness. You can learn more about KIFA and how to get involved in their work on their web site.

2025 03 09 worship service

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
March 9, 2025
First Sunday of Lent

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Thou True Vine That Heals the Nations (arr. R. Haan)
—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome & Prayer
Leader: Welcome, all wandering hearts.

All:         We come greeting friends and meeting strangers,
               Wearing our joy and bearing our grief,
               Sighing our questions and trying our faith

Leader: Welcome to the wilderness of Lent–

All:         where pretense is laid down;
               Where grace abounds;
               Where home is found.

Leader: Welcome, all wandering hearts, to worship.

*Hymn—The Glory of These Forty Days—VT 305

Children’s Conversation—Joanna Harader

Worship Music—Cantique de Jean Racine (Gabriel Faure)—Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Genesis 16:1-15—Al Peters

*Hymn—The God of Sarah Praise—VT 190

One-Minute Meditation

Sermon—Streams of Mercy—Joanna Harader

*Hymn—Fill Us with Your Feast—VT 309

Communion— Pastors

Prayer of Confession
Leader: For the violence we enact and the violence we allow,
All: God have mercy.
Leader: For the ways we limit the freedom of others,
All: God have mercy.
Leader: For our failure to fully live out the freedom you give us,
All: God have mercy.
Leader: In the moments we run away,
All: God have mercy.
Leader: In the moments we settle in,
All: God have mercy.
Leader: When we cannot bear to watch others suffer,
All: God have mercy.
Leader: And in you mercy, God, let us find our home in you,
All: Wherever we may wander.

Assurance of Pardon
Sharing the Meal
Prayer of Thanksgiving

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Come, Thou Fount—VT 563

*Benediction

Postlude—Come, Thou Fount (arr. J.R. Martin)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

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

2025 03 09 worship service and announcements

Daylight Savings Time begins

Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday, March 9. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour before going to bed on Saturday!

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
MARCH 9, 2025
FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

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—Ben Lichti

HAGAR’S BLESSING  (from “Prone to Wander”, ©2025 by Joanna Harader. Distributed by Herald Press, Harrisonburg, VA 22803)

I see we have found ourselves together in the wilderness.
Those of you who are fleeing and those who’ve been cast out;
those passing through and those settling in— whatever brings you here, I’m glad to be your companion for a time.   I can show you the secret spots of shade, but you will have to decide that it’s okay to rest.
I can take you to the hidden wells, but you will need to draw the water.
I can show you where I met God, but I doubt the Holy One will show up for you in exactly that same place.
I can breathe along beside you in the silence, but you will have to open your own soul to the presence of the divine. You will need to speak your own name for God.

It is good, my friend, to be here with you.
Please allow me to offer this blessing for your wilderness journey:
May your wells be full. May your life be free. May your love be fierce.   Amen.

From Will Wiebe-Friesen: Sunday’s centering music is based on a hymn found in Hymnal: A Worship Book called Thou True Vine That Heals the Nations, with a text by Percy Dreamer. The composer of the tune, PLEADING SAVIOR, is unknown but is considered an American folk tune with likely roots in Scotland or Ireland. It was popularized by Ralph Vaughn Williams’s setting which is included in many hymnals, including Voices Together with a text based on the Apostles’ Creed (VT 433); however, the Percy Dreamer text, to me, feels more suited to our current season.
Thou true Vine, that heals the nations,
Tree of life, thy branches we.
They who leave thee fade and wither,
None bear fruit except in thee.
Cleanse us, make us sane and simple,
Till we merge our lives in thine,
Gain ourselves in thee, the Vintage,
Give ourselves through thee, the Vine.

The Week at BCMC: March 9—March 16, 2025
Sunday, March 9, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship — 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/WDObYTNmmS4?feature=share

Tuesday March 11, 2025
9 a.m. Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Room 14
7 p.m. Finance Committee meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, March 12, 2025—Wednesday Night Suppers Begin
5:30 p.m.   Wednesday Night Supper in Fellowship Hall—Please bring tableware
6:15 p.m   Wednesday program in fellowship hall
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, March 13, 2025
6 p.m.         Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
Saturday, March 15, 2025
11 a.m. Memorial Service for Calvin Flickinger in BCMC Sanctuary
Sunday, March 16, 2025—Second Sunday of Lent
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Lucy Burch
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation

Women’s Fellowship – Save Tues., March 18, 7 p.m. for worknight at Mennonite Central Committee, 121 E. 30th St., North Newton.

John Mark Koontz Senior Double Bass Recital Sat., April 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Wichita State University, Wiedemann Hall. John will be perfor ming mostly classical bass and ending with a jazz piece.

BCMC Offering for March 2: Gen. Fund $10,707; Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) $50; MCC Relief Sale $300; Plant Fund $50; Columbarium Fund $2,000; Kitchen Fund $27; Women’s Fellowship $60; Solar Fund $50; Merrill Raber Mem. $135.

Prone to Wander Sunday School book discussion
Members of the Agape class are planning to lead a book discussion during Lent of Joanna’s new book, Prone to Wander. We will be meeting Sunday morning in Room 22; for the subsequent Sundays we will meet in the chapel for the weeks of Lent: March 9 – April 13 during the Sunday School hour. Reading the book is helpful, but not necessary. All are welcome and encouraged to come.

Invitation to Friends and Family Ramadan Iftar 2025. The Islamic Society of Wichita invites up to 10 members of Bethel College Mennonite Church to observe Ramadan together with the Wichita Muslim Community at its Annual Friends and Family Iftar on Mon., March 17, 7:30 p.m. at the Islamic Society of Wichita Mosque. If you are interested in attending, kindly let Pastor Elizabeth know by no later than today Sun., March 9, so she can coordinate RSVP’s and carpooling arrangements.

The Everence Sharing Fund provided $3,000 in matching funds to support special needs in our church last year. Jim Robb serves as the Everence advocate for our congregation. Please contact Jim with questions or for more information

Upcoming Memorial Services:
· We offer sympathy to the family of Calvin Flickinger. Calvin died Feb. 18 at Kidron Bethel Village. Calvin’s memorial service will be March 15, 11 a.m. at BCMC.
· We offer sympathy to the family of Louise Thieszen. Louise died Feb. 22. Louise’s memorial service will be March 29, 11 a.m. at BCMC
· We offer sympathy to the family of Merrill Raber. Merrill died Feb. 16 at Kidron Bethel Village. Merrill’s memorial service will be May 3, 11 a.m. at BCMC.
Future Events at BCMC:
· Join us on Wednesday nights! Wednesday night suppers will be March 12, 26, April 2, 9. Please sign up at a sign up sheet on bulletin board, on table in south entrance, or on ledge between the mailboxes in gathering place. Cost is $6 per person or $18 per family. During Lent we will gather for a meal and brief program each Wednesday evening at 5:30 p.m.–except for March 19, which is Spring Break. On the first Wednesday, March 12, we will hear from Bethel College students who attended the Intercollegiate Peace Fellowship conference at Eastern Mennonite University last month. There is no gathering on March 19. Then, on March 26, April 2, and April 9 we will explore some biblical stories through art and poetry using the new Anabaptism at 500 resource: Drawing Near.
· The Bethel College Mennonite Church office will be closed the week of March 17-21 (Spring Break). Pastors will be available on an on-call basis: Pastor Elizabeth, March 17-18; Pastor Joanna, March 19-20; Pastor Nathan, March 21-22.
· Pastor Joanna is taking vacation days March 14-18 to move into her new house at 305 Campus Ct. in North Newton!
· BCMC’s Camp Mennoscah Retreat will be April 26-27.

Some of our many Anabaptist History books are currently being highlighted in our church library to coincide with the 500 Year Anabaptist Celebration. We have quite a collection in back of our library desk (including two new editions of the Anabaptist Community Bible), but these are by no means all of them. Several more are available, many in the 289.7 section. Please come in and peruse at your leisure.

Dorthy Stucky Halley, LMSW, will be the speaker at the 2025 Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association (SMCHA) annual meeting Sunday, March 9, 2:30 p.m., at BCMC.

The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is only one month away (April 11 & 12), and as that date nears, there continue to be ways you can support and enjoy the sale.
· MY COINS COUNT! This year, coins will support FOOD programs around the world. Bring coins (and bills!) to church Sunday mornings until the sale. Place coins into collection jars in Sunday School rooms or in the large jug in the gathering place. Last year BCMC raised almost $800 in this way!
· Want to help make 17,000 tasty vereneke in six hours? Volunteer to do just that on April 5 by signing up at https://kansas.mccsale.org/volunteer/. Many other volunteer slots are available at that same online site.
· Need a 1937 Farmall International Harvester on steel wheels for your spring planting? Pictures of cars, trucks, tractors, quilts, and other auction items are available at https://kansas.mccsale.org/auctions/online-vehicle-auction/ or for quilts https://kansas.mccsale.org/home/quilt-auction/ or for general auction items https://kansas.mccsale.org/sunflower-auctions/
· See the posterboard in the Gathering Place for KMRS information and extra forms, or go to the KMRS website at https://kansas.mccsale.org/ or contact a BCMC liaison (Brad and Diane Born, William and Esther Kreider Eash, and Steve and Elaine Schurr).

Bethel College Announcements
· Sun., March 9: Bethel College Choir Tour Send-off Concert, directed by Dr. Henry S. Waters, 4 p.m., Memorial Hall. The concert has the theme “Unity & Hope” and includes performances by the Chamber Singers, Woven and Open Road. The choir leaves on tour March 14, and will sing in Mennonite congregations: Rainbow, Kansas City, KS; Faith, Minneapolis, MN.; Salem, Freeman, SD; and Bethesda, Henderson, NE.; as well as Hennepin Ave. United Methodist in Minneapolis and a noon concert at the Mountain Lake, MN., Golf Course.
· Sun., March 9, and Mon., March 10: The Hartzler Bible Lecture Series at Bethel College presents Doug Miller, professor emeritus of biblical and religious studies at Tabor College, “The Book of Isaiah”; 7 p.m. Sunday, Ad Building chapel, 11 a.m. Monday, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Tues., March 11: Bethel College Jazz, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· “Untethered,” ceramics by David Long closes March 14. In the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Hours are weekdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Thurs., March 27, 7 p.m.: Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR) Peace Lecture, “A Conversation with Sister Barbara McCracken” on community, social responsibility and daily faith. Sister Barbara is a Benedictine from Mt. St. Scholastica, Leavenworth.

In response to recently proposed legislation, Kansas Interfaith Action is pulling together a working group to focus on immigrant justice. If you are interested in being part of this group, contact Pastor Joanna or be in touch with KIFA directly through their website—https://kansasinterfaithaction.org/

Life Enrichment, in the Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, is a series designed especially for adults age 60 and over. Programs for March 12:
9:30 a.m. “Kernza: The Perennial Grain, a New Paradigm of Modern Agriculture,” Brandon Kaufman, Moundridge
10:50 a.m. “Dancing Around the World,” Dr. Christina Liu, associate professor of music and department chair, Bethel College, and Dr. Brett Janssen, division of humanities chair, music department chair, Central Christian College, McPherson

Organist Christopher Shaw will present an organ recital/hymn festival to remember Shirley Sprunger King. Shirley taught at Bethel College for twenty years and was organist at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Christopher Shaw will be joined by Lorraine Miller (flute) and Don Kehrberg (oboe), both former members of the Deknatel Consort with King. In addition to organ pieces and hymns, there will be remembrances of Shirley. The event will take place on Sat., April 5, 7:30 p.m. (note the time change from 7 to 7:30 p.m.) at Bethel College Mennonite Church, 2600 College Ave., North Newton.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

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

For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here

For Anabaptism at 500 Essay Contest Offers College Scholarship Opportunities press here

For Paris Mennonite Center Update press here

From Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp

See The RMMC News & Stories From February

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

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

Summer camping season is coming and we hope you or family and friends are planning (just as we are with summer staff and volunteers . . . ) to be here at Rocky Mountain. Visit the RMMC.ORG web page for information about camps and how to register.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
The MC USA Executive Board unanimously affirmed the Leadership Discernment Committee’s nomination of Todd Lehman of Hesston, Kansas, as moderator-elect for the Delegate Assembly cycle beginning July 2025. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/todd-lehman/

Support MC USA’s participation in a lawsuit to protect religious freedoms by signing and sharing the Sensitive Locations petition. View it here: sensitive-locations.com/

Menno Snapshots

Steve Bomar, lead pastor at Zion Mennonite Church, Hubbard, Oregon, began his faith journey as a Nazarene, but upon being exposed to Anabaptist theology, he began to consider if MC USA might be the place for him and his beliefs. Read about his faith journey here: mennoniteusa.org/nazarene-to-mennonite

Spiritual director Sherill Hostetter has been diagnosed with a rare and incurable disorder, and she shares how she has developed resiliency in the face of her diagnosis and health challenges. Read how she has developed resiliency here: mennoniteusa.org/go-as-expected

Eric Massanari shares about Pacific Northwest Mennonite Conference’s annual Conference Communicator Council meeting, featuring a presentation by MC USA Archives Coordinator Olivia Krall. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-shorts/pacific-northwest/

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the Ecuador partnership meetings that are being held in Quito this week. Linda Shelly, regional director for Latin America, and Andrew Suderman, director of global partnerships, have joined representatives of the Colombia Mennonite Church and Central Plains Mennonite Conference in meeting with Ecuadorian partners to discern how to best carry out God’s vision in their communities.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC Commissions meeting this month, as they provide ministries to support congregations and leaders in the conference.

2025 03 02 worship service

press here for video

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

2025 03 02 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
May 2, 2025–Transfiguration 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.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
Transfiguration Sunday
March 2, 2025

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart (Eithun)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director

Land Acknowledgement

Welcome & Prayer—Dorothy Nickel Friesen

*Hymn—All Creatures, Worship God Most High—VT 81

Children’s Conversation—Esther Kreider Eash

Worship Music—Dodi Li—(Austin)—Chancel Bells

Scripture Reading—Luke 9:28-36—Steve Stucky

Sermon—From Monument to Movement—Nathan Koontz

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

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—The Lord Lift You Up—VT 832

*Benediction

Postlude–Going Home Medley (arr. Labenske)– Meghann Rogers

*You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Meghann Rogers
Audio visual—Francis Toews

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

GOING BEYOND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
*Last Sunday evening BCMC game night raised $125 for Repair Coalition while observing Pastor Joanna’s work on the prototype educational game being constructed by Repair Coalition members about extraction and consequences.
*Plan to attend Bethel religion faculty member Trent Voth’s presentation, “The Long Road to Tuktoyaktuk” during the Sunday School hour Sunday, March 2, to inform yourself about the history of Indigenous Residential Schools in Canada based on Trent’s work and research.
*Inform yourself about what is happening at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas. Haskell has recently received federal cuts which have cost faculty members’ jobs and other harms. BCMC Indigenous Task Group is working to learn how we can best support them through this perilous time. These cuts represent another treaty broken for the Indian Nations.

MennoMedia invites you to participate in a one-hour conversation with Joanna Harader, author of Prone to Wander: A Lenten Journey with Women in the Wilderness, a new Lenten devotional from Herald Press, on Saturday, March 1 at 9:00 am Central Time on Zoom. This will be a time of prayer, reflection, and conversation centered on Joanna Harader’s new book. Copies of this book are available at the WDC Resource Library, email crlib@mennowdc.org. As we enter the wilderness season of the church year, this Lenten devotional explores the stories of thirty biblical women—from Eve to Mary Magdalene—who had their own such experiences. For some, the women inhabited a literal wilderness. For others, their wilderness was metaphorical. All were drawn closer to God, who does not leave us to wander alone. Whether you plan to use this book within a local congregation, as an individual, or not at all, this will be a time to gain courage and inspiration from biblical women as we head into the wilderness of Lent. Please RSVP to MolleeM@MennoMedia.org. A zoom link will be sent out before the event.

The Week at BCMC: March 2—March 9, 2025
Sunday, March 2, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship — 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/AKCnWgB6M6I?feature=share

Tuesday March 4, 2025
4 p.m. Staff Congregational Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
6:30 p.m.   Ash Wednesday Worship in the Sanctuary—YouTube Link:
https://youtube.com/live/ZscKf3nwitU?feature=share
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, March 6, 2025
6:30 p.m.   Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.         Church Board meeting in Room 14
Friday, March 7, 2025
11 a.m. Memorial Service for Edie Krehbiel in BCMC Sanctuary
Sunday, March 9, 2025—First Sunday of Lent
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Choir
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
2:30 p.m.   Swiss Mennonite Cultural & Historical Association (SMCHA) meeting in Fellowship Hall

Prone to Wander Sunday School book discussion
Members of the Agape class are planning to lead a book discussion during Lent of Joanna’s new book, Prone to Wander. We will be meeting in the chapel for the six weeks of Lent: March 9 – April 13 during the Sunday School hour. Reading the book is helpful, but not necessary. All are welcome and encouraged to come.

Future Events at BCMC:

The Ash Wednesday Service is this Wednesday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/ZscKf3nwitU?feature=share
The Bethel College Mennonite Church office will be closed the week of March 17-21 (Spring Break). Pastors will be available on an on-call basis: Pastor Elizabeth, March 17-18; Pastor Joanna, March 19-20; Pastor Nathan, March 21-22.
There will be no Wednesday night gathering on March 19.
Wednesday night suppers will be March 12, 26, April 2, 9. Programs will be announced later. Please bring your own tableware.
BCMC’s Camp Mennoscah Retreat will be April 26-27.
Organist Christopher Shaw will present an organ recital/hymn festival to remember Shirley Sprunger King. Shirley taught at Bethel College for twenty years and was organist at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Christopher Shaw will be joined by Lorraine Miller (flute) and Don Kehrberg (oboe), both former members of the Deknatel Consort with King. In addition to organ pieces and hymns, there will be remembrances of Shirley. The event will take place on Sat., April 5, 7:30 p.m. (note the time change from 7 to 7:30 p.m.) at Bethel College Mennonite Church, 2600 College Ave., North Newton.

BCMC Offering for Feb. 23: Gen. Fund $10,192; Sr Hi Youth $50; Jr Hi Fund $30; Kitchen Fund $15.

Upcoming Memorial Services:
· We offer sympathy to the family of Edie Krehbiel. Edie died Jan. 23 at Paramount Community, Newton. Edie’s memorial service will be March 7, 11 a.m. at BCMC.
· We offer sympathy to the family of Merrill Raber. Merrill died Feb. 16 at Kidron Bethel Village. Merrill’s memorial service will be May 3, 11 a.m. at BCMC.
· We offer sympathy to the family of Calvin Flickinger. Calvin died Feb. 18 at Kidron Bethel Village. Calvin’s memorial service will be March 15, 11 a.m. at BCMC.
· We offer sympathy to the family of Louise Thieszen. Louise died Feb. 22. Louise’s memorial service will be March 29, 11 a.m. at BCMC

Hesston Mennonite Church invites you to a Service of Lament and Prayer On Behalf of Immigrants and the Vulnerable in Our Nation and World on Sunday, March 2 at 4:30pm at the Hesston Mennonite Church Community Center (309 S Main St, Hesston, KS). Is your heart heavy as you observe the threats toward immigrants and other vulnerable people in our country and our world? Many of us have concerns. This service will provide space for Scripture, lament, prayer, song, reflection, and conversation as we seek God, and join our hearts together on behalf of the vulnerable and oppressed. How is God calling us to act together as faithful followers of Jesus in this critical time? Please Join Us!

As the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) nears (April 11 & 12), there are many opportunities to support the sale and contribute to MCC’s relief, development, and peace-building work.
· MY COINS COUNT! This year, coins will support FOOD programs around the world. Bring coins (and bills!) to church Sunday mornings until the sale. Place coins into collection jars in Sunday School rooms or in the large jug in the gathering place. How full will the jug be? Last year, the jug was filled over halfway— and totaled almost $800!
· Sign up online to help staff food booths, crafts booths, help with the general auction, with kids activities, and more! Online volunteer signup sheets are available at https://kansas.mccsale.org/volunteer/
· See the posterboard in the Gathering Place for KMRS information and extra forms, or go to the KMRS website at https://kansas.mccsale.org/ or contact a BCMC liaison (Brad and Diane Born, William and Esther Kreider Eash, and Steve and Elaine Schurr).

Dorthy Stucky Halley, LMSW, will be the speaker at the 2025 Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association (SMCHA) annual meeting Sun., March 9, 2:30 p.m., at the Bethel College Mennonite Church. Dorthy is co-founder and co-director of the Family Peace Initiative. She was the executive director of a domestic violence shelter from 1986 to 1996; has worked with those who cause harm and has served as an expert witness in domestic violence cases; taught social work at Pittsburg State University for a decade before becoming the state’s Victim Rights Coordinator and directing the Victim Services Division of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. Her development of a motivation typology for those who batter has opened the door to a more nuanced understanding for domestic violence professionals.

Bethel College Announcements
· Thurs., March 6: Reception for David Long and “Untethered,” 6-8 p.m., Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Regular gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Thurs., March 6: Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Sun., March 9: Bethel College Choir Tour Send-off Concert, directed by Dr. Henry S. Waters, 4 p.m., Memorial Hall. The theme “Sing You Home” includes performances by the Chamber Singers, Woven and Open Road.
· Sun., March 9, and Mon., March 10: The Hartzler Bible Lecture Series at Bethel College presents Doug Miller, professor emeritus of biblical and religious studies at Tabor College, “The Book of Isaiah”; 7 p.m. Sunday, Ad Building chapel, 11 a.m. Monday, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Tues., March 11: Bethel College Jazz, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· SAVE THE DATE: Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR) Peace Lecture, “A Conversation with Sister Barbara McCracken” (from Mt. St. Scholastica, Leavenworth), March 27.

Life Enrichment, in the Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, is a series designed especially for adults age 60 and over. Programs for March 5:
9:30 a.m. “C. Henry Smith Peace Oration Contest,” Erin Nisly, KIPCOR director of education and training and peace speech contestants
10:50 a.m. “Circle of Hope and Much More,” Kendra Davila, director, Peace Connections, Newton

Hesston College Announcements
· Hesston College Theatre presents “Urinetown”, March 5-9, a three-time Tony award winning musical set in a Gotham-like city facing a severe water shortage due to a 20-year drought. The government has imposed a ban on private toilets, forcing citizens to pay a corrupt corporation for access to public restrooms. Urinetown uses satire, comical characters and even makes fun of the musical genre itself to tell the story of a hero who, fed up with the whole system, plans a revolution to restore freedom to the people. Filled with music, dancing, and hilarious dialogue. Tickets can be purchased now at the Hesston College Bookstore or by calling 620-327-8104.
· Hesston College is rolling out the welcome mat for its Spring Community Day, and the entire community is invited to join the campus community on Sat., March 8, for a day packed with exciting Lark athletics, delicious food, family fun and a chance to connect with friends and neighbors. Throughout the afternoon, fuel up with tasty eats from the Grill Club, offering lunch as part of a fundraiser, and Salted Creamery will also be onsite selling their locally-sourced handmade ice cream! Admission to athletic events is FREE!
For more information,
visit hesston.edu/communityday.

Art exhibit to feature Artist Brad Voth
Hesston College is pleased to announce its next exhibit featuring the work of local artist Brad Voth. The show is open and will run through March 14 at the Regier-Friesen Gallery in Laban Peachey Center (325 S College Dr, Hesston). Voth, of Moundridge, Kan., brings a fresh, energetic style to the gallery with his mixed media works in which he displays his passion of crafting narratives through dynamic visuals. His art is inspired by classic comic strips and the expressive energy of comic and caricature artists, as well as some fine artists.The gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Want to make your voice heard but don’t know how? Check out “5 Calls,” an easy and effective way to be in touch with your congressional reps. The website provides help with knowing how to make your calls, provides a timely list of topics to address (gets updated frequently) and a handy script guide to help you know what to say. Check them out at https://5calls.org/
— Witness Commission

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) announcements
· The 17th annual Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Comforter Blitz is March 3, 4 and 5 at the Journey Facilities Building behind Charis Community Church, 3605 E. Long View Rd, Haven, near Yoder. Mon. 9-5, Tues. 9-9 (note that these hours are extended) and Wed. 9-4. No sewing skills required. Lunch is available by donation each day, or bring your own sack lunch. Snacks are welcome to share. Event is hosted by Kansas Friends of MCC. Info at mcc.org/comforter-blitz or email brociamueller@mcc.org, 316-283-2720.
· The Great Winter Warm-up: Spread warmth around the world this winter by helping MCC reach a goal of 7000 comforters by the end of March. You can sponsor, donate comforters, or attend a comforter event to tie in community with others. If you host an event in your home, church or community please let tinaschrag@mcc.org know about it (we’ve got some small gifts for those who host events!) Check mcc.org/great-winter-warm-up for instructions, coloring pages for kids and more!
· Please pray for MCC staff and the communities in Kentucky and West Virginia that are experiencing catastrophic flooding. Torrential rain Feb. 15-16 filled creeks and rivers, causing significant flooding. MCC staff report that most residents lost power and water. Appalachia Build staff are working with partner churches at sites in Kimball, WV, and Elkhorn City, KY, that are serving as temporary shelters. Support MCC’s efforts in the region: mcc.org/donate-Appalachia Learn more about MCC Appalachia Build: mcc.org/appalachia-build

Volunteers needed at New Hope Shelter: More than 25 volunteers from BCMC currently serve at New Hope Shelter during designated weeks, in coordination with supporting congregations throughout Harvey, Marion, and McPherson counties. Some help provide evening meals and others stay through the evening (5-10 p.m.) to support a paid staff person. As volunteers come and go, we can always use more help to cover this commitment. If you can volunteer or would like more information, please email Cynthia Linscheid at cdlin319@gmail.com.

Invitation to Friends and Family Ramadan Iftar 2025. The Islamic Society of Wichita cordially invites up to 10 members of Bethel College Mennonite Church to observe Ramadan together with the Wichita Muslim Community at its Annual Friends and Family Iftar on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Islamic Society of Wichita Mosque. If you are interested in attending, kindly let Pastor Elizabeth know by no later than Sunday, March 9, so she can coordinate RSVP’s and carpooling arrangements.

Commemorating 500 Years of Anabaptism & Swiss Alps Tour. May 21-31, 2025. Space remains! Preview tour at www.tourwithweldon.com Contact Weldon Martens at weldon.martens@gmail.com / 402-202-9276 for itinerary, registration and full details.

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

For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

For Mennonite Mission Network “Just Peace Pilgrimages” this summer press here

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
The BEST discount for summer youth camps ends March 1. All camp fees (other than those paid by church scholarships) for registered campers must be paid in full. Make note of scholarships in the scholarship field of the camper form. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org with questions. The BETTER discount ends April 1.

Other events and happenings:
The Camp Mennoscah hoodies have arrived and we are working to get them to you. You will be contacted for payment and for shipping or pick up details. We can’t wait to see everyone in their new hoodies!

The Spring Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat is March 14-16. Online registration is open! All activities will take place at Main Camp in the dining hall and bunkhouses.

Interviews for the 2025 Summer Staff have started! Staff positions are nature, office, music, lifeguards, crafts and grounds/maintenance. Further information and application available on the Camp Mennoscah webpage or contact 620-297-3290.

Registration is open for the 2025 Summer Youth Camps! The theme for the 2025 summer is Another Way, looking at how Jesus invites us to re-imagine who we are and to live in another way. There has been a change in age groups for the camps. There are two Junior Camps for those going into grades 6, 7 and 8 in the fall of 2025. There is one Junior High Camp for grades 8 and 9. Other age groups remain the same.

Information for the 2025 Women and Girls Retreat will be at westerndistrictwomeninmission.org (but not quite yet).Online registration for the 2025 retreat will be available online after June 1.

Two full scholarships are available from the Camp Mennoscah Scholarship Endowment. The endowment was generously gifted to Camp Mennoscah to assist campers who would not otherwise be able to attend camp. Applications need to be received by May 1. Campers of diverse backgrounds will receive higher priority. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for the application form.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SUMMER YOUTH CAMPS – Theme for 2025: Rocky Road. We don’t always know which road to take and it can often be a rocky one. Join in as we explore what the Bible tells us about these rocky roads – rocks that bring life and refuge, rocks that cry out, even rocks we think are too great to move. We will live this out in community through recreation games, hiking, arts & crafts and fellowship around the tables at mealtime. Registration is open for all Resident and Wilderness Camps. Register at rmmc.org before March 15 for the best rate.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
MC USA joined 26 other faith traditions in a legal action that seeks to restore the rights of people of faith to gather, worship and serve without government interference. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/lawsuit-religious-freedoms

There’s still time to enjoy early bird pricing for MC USA’s Follow Jesus ’25 convention in Greensboro, North Carolina, July 8-12, 2025. Register before March 31 and save $145 per person. The first 300 registrants will receive a free copy of the Anabaptism Community Bible, courtesy of MennoMedia, a $69.99 value. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/registration/ View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/follow-jesus-free-bible-slide View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/follow-jesus-free-bible-pdf

MC USA has launched an online storefront featuring hats, sweaters, mugs, and more. Check out the selection of swag that displays Follow Jesus, the MC USA dove, and a retro line of gear from past conventions. bonfire.com/store/mc-usa-gear/

Menno Snapshots

“The extreme actions of our government call us to step up as we recognize we must take a prophetic stand, speaking out in our belief, as followers of Jesus, that loving our neighbor is paramount,” Iris de León-Hartshorn, MC USA associate executive director of Operations, said about MC USA’s recent legal action. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/anabaptist-witness-mennonites

“Jesus, you are our living water. Water of life for the parched and weary. We pour out our prayers, and we trust that you are with us now,” wrote Katerina Gea, pastor of Pasadena [California] Mennonite Church in a prayer of lament for those impacted by the California wildfires. Read the prayer here: mennoniteusa.org/prayer-ca-wildfires

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Toni and Matthew Krabill, who are serving in Ghana with Mennonite Mission Network, will begin their two-month North American ministry this month. Pray for their good health and safe travels and that God’s Spirit will guide their speaking and conversations, as they update congregations about what God is doing through their ministries. Pray for renewal, as they reconnect with family and friends.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for WDC members who traveled this weekend to Goshen, IN, to attend the Hope for the Future event for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) leaders and white allies celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Damascus Road anti-racism process and renewing a dedication to equality and love in action.

2025 02 23 worship service

press for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
February 23, 2025
Reflections on Snow Camp

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Master Tallis’s Testament (Herbert Howells)— Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome & Prayer (VT 853)—Margaret Toews

*Hymn—All People That on Earth Do Dwell—VT 5

Children’s Conversation—Youth

Worship Music— Cantique de Jean Racine (Faure)— Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Kin-dom Report— Pastor Nathan Koontz’s Sabbatical Plans— Megan Kohlman

*Hymn—God, Be the Love—VT 43

Scripture Reading—Genesis 45:3-11, 15   I Corinthians 13:12—Youth

Sermon—Who Am I?—Joanna Harader

*Hymn—Solemn Stillness, Weary Streets—VT 276

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Be Thou My Vision—VT 549—(People with February birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal)

*Birthday Blessing and Benediction

Postlude—Voluntary on The Third Tune [VT 326] (arr. Lasky)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

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

2025 02 23 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
FEBRUARY 23, 2025

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—Ben Lichti

The Week at BCMC: February 23—March 2, 2025
Sunday, February 23, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship — 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/L3_AXxqqx1c?feature=share

Tuesday February 25, 2025
4 p.m. Worship Commission meeting
6 p.m. Mid-Kansas Investment Club dinner in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, February 27, 2025
5:15 p.m.   Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
6:30 p.m.   Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.         Bethel College Women’s Association meets in Fellowship Hall
7 p.m.         Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
Friday, February 28, 2025
2:30 p.m.   Memorial Service for Helen Pauls’— Kidron Bethel Village, Kidron Hall
Sunday, March 2, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; Music by Chancel Bells
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation

BCMC Nursery volunteers (either one or two) are needed for every Sunday in March. Check this link for openings https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Oky1c10fDsuJMa5MKSbPefcw0RE1XjiA3m1YQVxrpG8/edit?usp=sharing or contact Margaret Toews or Barb Voran. Thank you to all who have been helping in the nursery so far this year!

Some of our many Anabaptist History books are currently being highlighted in our church library to coincide with the 500 Year Anabaptist Celebration. We have quite a collection in back of our library desk (including two new editions of the Anabaptist Community Bible), but these are by no means all of them. Several more are available, many in the 289.7 section. Please come in and peruse at your leisure.

Upcoming Memorial Services:
· We offer sympathy to the family of Edie Krehbiel. Edie died Jan. 23 at Paramount Community, Newton. Edie’s memorial service will be March 7, 11 a.m. at BCMC.
· We offer sympathy to the family of Merrill Raber. Merrill died Feb. 16 at Kidron Bethel Village. Merrill’s memorial service will be May 3, 11 a.m. at BCMC.
· We offer sympathy to the family of Calvin Flickinger. Calvin died Feb. 18 at Kidron Bethel Village. Calvin’s memorial service will be March 15, 11 a.m. at BCMC.

This Lent, Bethel College Mennonite will use Pastor Joanna’s book Prone to Wander: A Lenten Journey with Women in the Wilderness. If you would like to order a personal copy through the church, please email the church office (office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org) no later than today, Feb. 23. Copies cost $15 and will be available for pick up on Sunday, March 2.

In anticipation of the season of Lent, we at MennoMedia are excited to extend a warm invitation to participate in a one-hour conversation with Joanna Harader, author of Prone to Wander: A Lenten Journey with Women in the Wilderness, a new Lenten devotional from Herald Press.

As we enter the wilderness season of the church year, this Lenten devotional explores the stories of thirty biblical women—from Eve to Mary Magdalene—who had their own such experiences. For some, the women inhabited a literal wilderness. For others, their wilderness was metaphorical. All were drawn closer to God, who does not leave us to wander alone.

Join us March 1, 2025 9:00am Central Time as we prepare to enter the Lenten season with a time of prayer, reflection, and conversation centered on Joanna Harader’s new book. Whether you plan to use this book with your congregation, as an individual, or not at all, this will be a time to gain courage and inspiration from biblical women as we head into the wilderness of Lent. Please RSVP to MolleeM@MennoMedia.org. A zoom llink will be sent out before the event.

BCMC Offering for Feb. 16: Gen. Fund $4,637; Kitchen Fund $22; Solar Fund $1,000.

Sunday, February 23, is “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”, a way for BCMC folks to get acquainted with other BCMC folks that they might not know very well. Today guests will find, in their mailboxes, their destination for dinner!

The Indigenous Task Force is hosting Trent Voth during the Sunday School hour (following worship) on Sun., March 2, in the sanctuary, to share his presentation on “The Long Road to Tuktoyaktuk.” This is an introduction to the Indigenous Residential Schools (IRS) systems of Canada, seen through the use of the Anglican Church of Canada’s archival documents. The presentation seeks to add nuance to, complicate, but also humanize some of the history and experiences of the Canadian IR School system.

Sunday, Feb. 23, 3 p.m., at First Mennonite Church, 429 E. 1st, Newton, Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania is inviting brothers and sisters from area Mennonite churches to participate in a special service of worship and prayer related to immigration concerns, together with Aposento Alto, the Hispanic Mennonite Church in Wichita. There will be a potluck after the service to celebrate February birthdays. All are invited to bring a dish to share and stay for the meal.

Organist Christopher Shaw will present an organ recital/hymn festival to remember Shirley Sprunger King. Shirley taught at Bethel College for twenty years and was organist at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Christopher Shaw will be joined by Lorraine Miller (flute) and Don Kehrberg (oboe), both former members of the Deknatel Consort with King. In addition to organ pieces and hymns, there will be remembrances of Shirley. The event will take place on Sat., April 5, 7 p.m. at Bethel College Mennonite Church, 2600 College Ave, North Newton.

Announcements from Pastor Joanna Harader
As our state and national political climate becomes increasingly threatening to trans and queer people, you are invited to “the gayest Anabaptist gathering of the year”! Join LGBTQIA+ people and their allies/accomplices for Fabulous, Fierce, and Sacred–a weekend of worship, fellowship, learning, and community: May 2-4 in Philadelphia, PA. Please share this invitation with those you think would be interested. Contact Pastor Joanna to learn more and to coordinate travel to the event.

Kansas Interfaith Action (KIFA) provides valuable information about and opportunities for advocacy around some key issues in our state including economic justice, lgbtqia rights, and environmental protection. KIFA’s next monthly online forum will be Thurs., Feb. 27, at 7 p.m. and will focus on protecting public education. You can learn more by going to the KIFA website and click on the tab “Calendar”.

In response to recently proposed legislation, Kansas Interfaith Action is pulling together a working group to focus on immigrant justice. If you are interested in being part of this group, contact Pastor Joanna or be in touch with KIFA directly through their website—https://kansasinterfaithaction.org/

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

Western District Conference Israel Palestine Task Force Update: Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. CT. Esther Koontz will lead a Zoom discussion of the book, Apeirogon by Colum McCann. Special guest, Tareq Abuhamila, will begin the meeting with an update of life on the ground in Gaza based on reports from his family in Gaza.
Participants will have a chance to ask Tareq questions, give their responses to the book, and name their own stories of peace to add to the book’s 1001 powerful vignettes.

Life Enrichment, in the Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, is a series designed especially for adults age 60 and over. Programs for February 26:
9:30 a.m. “Working Outside the Classroom with My Students, Ford’s Theater Oratory and Smithsonian Community’s Project,” Monty L. Graber, M.Ed., USD 373 social studies teacher, Newton
10:50 a.m. “Pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago,” Rose Nissley, Haven, and Leroy Hershberger, Hutchinson

For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here

In celebration of Mennonite Disaster Service’s 75th anniversary, we are inviting church sewing circles and individuals who enjoy sewing, knitting, crocheting, or weaving to join us by creating wall hangings or prayer shawls for our Housewarmer Project during the month of February! The Housewarmer Project provides quilted wall hangings and prayer shawls to disaster survivors whose homes have been rebuilt or restored by Mennonite Disaster Service. The wall hangings and prayer shawls are presented to the homeowner at the dedication of the home. These handmade gifts are a lasting symbol of compassion and of coming home. Housewarmer Project information, guidelines, and mailing instructions for completed wall hangings and prayer shawls can be found at mds.org/housewarmer-project.

Hundreds of volunteers continue preparations for the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) on April 11 & 12, at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson.
· BCMC Sunday School classes continue to collect contributions to underwrite KMRS costs (Thank you! and please finalize any plans for that contribution by March 12).
· Hold onto your loose change so you can contribute to the My Coins Count drive, launching in March.
· Would you enjoy making people happy with verenike, ham gravy, pie and ice cream, bohne beroggi? Online volunteer signup sheets are already available at https://kansas.mccsale.org/volunteer/
· See the posterboard in the Gathering Place for KMRS information and extra forms, or go to the KMRS website at https://kansas.mccsale.org/ or contact a BCMC liaison (Brad and Diane Born, William and Esther Kreider Eash, and Steve and Elaine Schurr).

Dorthy Stucky Halley, LMSW, will be the speaker at the 2025 Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association (SMCHA) annual meeting Sun., March 9, 2:30 p.m., at the Bethel College Mennonite Church. Dorthy is co-founder and co-director of the Family Peace Initiative. She was the executive director of a domestic violence shelter from 1986 to 1996; has worked with those who cause harm and has served as an expert witness in domestic violence cases; taught social work at Pittsburg State University for a decade before becoming the state’s Victim Rights Coordinator and directing the Victim Services Division of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. Her development of a motivation typology for those who batter has opened the door to a more nuanced understanding for domestic violence professionals.

Bethel College Announcements
· Sat., March 1: Kauffman Museum bird walk, 8 a.m. starting 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.
· Now in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, “Untethered,” ceramics by David Long, through March 14. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Tues., Feb. 25: Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Thurs., March 6: Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Sun., March 9: Bethel College Choir Tour Send-off Concert, directed by Dr. Henry S. Waters, 4 p.m., Memorial Hall. The theme “Sing You Home” includes performances by the Chamber Singers, Woven and Open Road.
· Sun., March 9, and Mon., March 10: The Hartzler Bible Lecture Series at Bethel College presents Doug Miller, professor emeritus of biblical and religious studies at Tabor College, “The Book of Isaiah”; 7 p.m. Sunday, Ad Building chapel, 11 a.m. Monday, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) announcements
· The 17th annual Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Comforter Blitz is March 3, 4 and 5 at the Journey Facilities Building behind Charis Community Church, 3605 E. Long View Rd, Haven, near Yoder. Mon. 9-5, Tues. 9-9 (note that these hours are extended) and Wed. 9-4. No sewing skills required. Lunch is available by donation each day, or bring your own sack lunch. Snacks are welcome to share. Event is hosted by Kansas Friends of MCC. Info at mcc.org/comforter-blitz or email brociamueller@mcc.org, 316-283-2720.
· The Great Winter Warm-up: Spread warmth around the world this winter by helping MCC reach a goal of 7000 comforters by the end of March. You can sponsor, donate comforters, or attend a comforter event to tie in community with others. If you host an event in your home, church or community please let tinaschrag@mcc.org know about it (we’ve got some small gifts for those who host events!). Check mcc.org/great-winter-warm-up for instructions, coloring pages for kids and more!
· The MCC Central States board will hold it’s annual meeting Sat., March 1 from 2-3:30 p.m. at MCC Central States in North Newton. The meeting will feature guest speaker Ken Rodgers. Ken will share about his journey in learning about the Doctrine of Discovery and how he and his family has worked to come to terms with it. Mitch Stutzman from Menno Media will have Anabaptist Bibles available. All are welcome to attend. Please email tinaschrag@mcc.org if you would like the Zoom link to join virtually. All are welcome to attend.
· Please pray for MCC staff and the communities in Kentucky and West Virginia that are experiencing catastrophic flooding. Torrential rain Feb. 15-16 filled creeks and rivers, causing significant flooding. MCC staff report that most residents lost power and water. Appalachia Build staff are working with partner churches at sites in Kimball, WV, and Elkhorn City, KY, that are serving as temporary shelters. Support MCC’s efforts in the region: mcc.org/donate-appalachia Learn more about MCC Appalachia Build: mcc.org/appalachia-build

Volunteers needed at New Hope Shelter: More than 25 volunteers from BCMC currently serve at New Hope Shelter during designated weeks, in coordination with supporting congregations throughout Harvey, Marion, and McPherson counties. Some help provide evening meals and others stay through the evening (5-10 p.m.) to support a paid staff person. As volunteers come and go, we can always use more help to cover this commitment. If you can volunteer or would like more information, please email Cynthia Linscheid at cdlin319@gmail.com.

Commemorating 500 Years of Anabaptism & Swiss Alps Tour. May 21-31, 2025. Space remains! Preview tour at www.tourwithweldon.com Contact Weldon Martens at weldon.martens@gmail.com / 402-202-9276 for itinerary, registration and full details.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For a Mennonite Mission Network “Survey” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Youth Venture” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

The Climate Justice Ministry of MC USA has just published “Installing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: A Guide for Congregations” to help congregations of all sizes determine whether they should pursue installing electric vehicle charging stations. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/car-charge View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/EV-charging-guide-pdf View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/EV-charging-guide-slide

Menno Snapshots

Beryl Jantzi, Everence’s director of stewardship education, shares why it is important for churches and other organizations to say thank you to their donors. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/thank-you-is-important

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Terrorists continue to attack peaceful populations in Burkina Faso, as the citizens work in their fields and worship in churches, placing the country at the top of the Global Terrorism Index. Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for an end to the violence and for healing for the thousands of people who have been traumatized by seeing loved ones murdered. Pray, also, for the witness of the Evangelical Mennonite Church of Burkina Faso in this time of crisis.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for Church Planting Commission members as they endeavor to foster meaningful relationships between sister churches.
-WDC Church Planting Commission

2025 02 16 worship service

press here for video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
February 16, 2025

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music— Trio super Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend,’ BWV 655 (J.S. Bach)—
Kevin Vaughn

Welcome & Prayer—Virginia Mininger
Call to Worship VT 851

*Hymn— O Worship Our God, All Glorious Above—VT 74

Children’s Conversation—Glen Ediger

Worship Music— Land of Rest & New Britain (Barbara Harbach)—Kevin Vaughn

*Hymn—Blessed Are You—VT 290

Scripture Reading—Luke 6:17-26—Ron Sawatzky

Sermon—What Power Looks Like—Joanna Harader

*Hymn–My Soul Cries Out—VT 412

Prayers of God’s People

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

*Benediction

Postlude—Fugue in A Minor, BWV 543b (J.S. Bach)—Kevin Vaughn

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

Our guest organist Sunday, February 16, Dr. Kevin Vaughn, is joining us from South Bend, Indiana. Kevin holds a DMA in Organ Performance from the University of Notre Dame, where, along with Goshen College, he has held positions on the instructional faculty. With his husband, Stephen Lancaster, he has produced a number of recordings of sacred song for baritone and organ and has performed at Hesston College. He will present a recital at Bethel College on Tuesday evening (February 18) at 7:00.

2025 02 16 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
FEBRUARY 16, 2025

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
Audio visual—Francis Toews

The Week at BCMC: February 16—23, 2025
Sunday, February 16, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship — 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/5TP47dx3HaM?feature=share

Monday, February 17, 2025
5:15 p.m.   Organ lesson in the sanctuary
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, February 20, 2025
4 p.m.       Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.        Bethel College Women’s Association meets in Fellowship Hall
Friday, February 21, 2025
7-9 p.m.    Board Game Night in Fellowship Hall, hosted by the Indigenous Task Force
Sunday, February 23, 2025—Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Sunday
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Choir
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation

Due to a forecast of snow and extreme cold predicted for next week, Women’s Fellowship General Meeting scheduled for Tues., Feb. 18, 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall is cancelled.

Some of our many Anabaptist History books are currently being highlighted in our church library to coincide with the 500 Year Anabaptist Celebration. We have quite a collection in back of our library desk (including two new editions of the Anabaptist Community Bible), but these are by no means all of them. Several more are available, many in the 289.7 section. Please come in and peruse at your leisure.

Upcoming Memorial Services:
· Helen Paul’s memorial service will be at Kidron Bethel Village, Kidron Hall on Feb. 28 at 2:30 p.m.
· We offer sympathy to the family of Edie Krehbiel. Edie died Jan. 23 at Paramount Community, Newton. Edie’s memorial service will be March 7, 11 a.m. at BCMC.

This Lent, Bethel College Mennonite will use Pastor Joanna’s book Prone to Wander: A Lenten Journey with Women in the Wilderness. If you would like to order a personal copy through the church, please email the church office (office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org) no later than Sun., Feb. 23.   Copies cost $15 and will be available for pick up on Sunday, March 2.

BCMC Offering for Feb. 9: Gen. Fund $9,981; MCC Sale $330; Sr Hi Youth $100; Library Reserve Fund $10; Jr Hi Fund $1,032; Kitchen Fund $17; Edie Krehbiel Mem. $50.

Board Game Night to support the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery: Pastor Joanna is currently working with other members of the Coalition to develop a board game that addresses issues connected to Indigenous justice. To raise awareness of and money for this project, the Indigenous Task Force is hosting a board game night on Fri., Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. in the church Fellowship Hall. We will have a prototype of the Coalition game available along with plenty of other game options. There is no charge to attend the event, but we will receive donations for the Coalition from those who would like to contribute.

“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” is a way for BCMC folks to get acquainted with other BCMC folks that they might not know very well. The Hospitality Commission has matched people who signed up as hosts with people who signed up as guests. Guests: You will receive your food assignment today, Feb. 16. Hosts: you will receive the number of guests you will host. The dinner is Feb. 23.

The Indigenous Task Force is hosting Trent Voth during the Sunday School hour (following worship) on Sun., March 2, to share his presentation on “The Long Road to Tuktoyaktuk.” This is an introduction to the Indigenous Residential Schools (IRS) systems of Canada, seen through the use of the Anglican Church of Canada’s archival documents. The presentation seeks to add nuance to, complicate, but also humanize some of the history and experiences of the Canadian IR School system.

Sunday, Feb. 23 at 3 p.m., Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania is inviting brothers and sisters from area Mennonite churches to participate in a special service of worship and prayer related to immigration concerns, together with Aposento Alto, the Hispanic Mennonite Church in Wichita. There will be a potluck after the service to celebrate February birthdays. All are invited to bring a dish to share and stay for the meal. The service will take place in the sanctuary of First Mennonite Church, 429 E. 1st, Newton.

Announcements from Pastor Joanna

Kansas Interfaith Action (KIFA) provides valuable information about and opportunities for advocacy around some key issues in our state including economic justice, lgbtqia rights, and environmental protection. KIFA’s next monthly online forum will be Thursday, February 27, at 7 p.m. and will focus on protecting public education. You can learn more and register here.

In response to recently proposed legislation, Kansas Interfaith Action is pulling together a working group to focus on immigrant justice. If you are interested in being part of this group, contact Pastor Joanna or be in touch with KIFA directly through their web site.

As our state and national political climate becomes increasingly threatening to trans and queer people, you are invited to “the gayest Anabaptist gathering of the year”! Join LGBTQIA+ people and their allies/accomplices for Fabulous, Fierce, and Sacred–a weekend of worship, fellowship, learning, and community: May 2-4 in Philadelphia, PA. Please share this invitation with those you think would be interested. Contact Pastor Joanna to learn more and to coordinate travel to the event.

Volunteers needed at New Hope Shelter: More than 25 volunteers from BCMC currently serve at New Hope Shelter during designated weeks, in coordination with supporting congregations throughout Harvey, Marion, and McPherson counties. Some help provide evening meals and others stay through the evening (5-10 p.m.) to support a paid staff person. As volunteers come and go, we can always use more help to cover this commitment. If you can volunteer or would like more information, please email Cynthia Linscheid at cdlin319@gmail.com.

Western District Conference Israel Palestine Task Force Update: Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. CT, Esther Koontz will lead a Zoom discussion of the book, Apeirogon by Colum McCann. Special guest, Tareq Abuhamila, will begin the meeting with an update of life on the ground in Gaza based on reports from his family in Gaza.
Participants will have a chance to ask Tareq questions, give their responses to the book, and name their own stories of peace to add to the book’s 1001 powerful vignettes. Please register by emailing wdc@mennowdc.org by Mon., Feb. 17.

Western District Women in Mission invites women & girls to our annual potluck salad supper Mon., April 28, 6 p.m. at Tabor Mennonite Church, rural Newton. The theme is “For the Beauty of the Earth” presented by WDWM executive committee member and Kansas City floral designer, Becca Schrag. Bring a salad to share and a small vessel to make a floral design in (a tea cup, bowl, or small vase). This is a free event with an offering taken to help cover expenses. RSVP not required but appreciated by email: westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com

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

The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is April 11 & 12, at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. Your participation supports MCC’s relief, development, and peace-building work around the world.
· BCMC Sunday School classes are helping to underwrite KMRS costs so that all sale expenses are covered before the sale. BCMC classes have already pledged more than $2000, and several classes are still collecting funds to donate. Thank you!
· A big thank you also goes to those who created the eleven beautiful quilts on display last Sunday; if you missed them, they will be making another appearance as part of the quilt auction at the sale in April.
· Fellowship Meals (March 9 or March 16) are another way to contribute to MCC. Signup forms are available at the KMRS website.
· Do you have an item to donate to the silent auction, children’s auction, or general auction? Check the KMRS website for more information or speak with a BCMC liaison.
· Check out the posterboard in the Gathering Place for KMRS information and extra forms. For more information see the KMRS website at https://kansas.mccsale.org/, or contact a BCMC liaison (Brad and Diane Born, William and Esther Kreider Eash, and Steve and Elaine Schurr).

The Great Winter Warm-up: Spread warmth around the world this winter by helping Mennonite Central Committee reach a goal of 7000 comforters by the end of March. You can sponsor, donate one (or more) comforters, or attend a comforter event to tie in community with others. If you host an event in your home, church or community please let tinaschrag@mcc.org know about it (we’ve got some small gifts for those who host events!). Check mcc.org/great-winter-warm-up for instructions, coloring pages for kids and more!Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) announcements
· The 17th annual Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Comforter Blitz is March 3, 4 and 5 at the Journey Facilities Building behind Charis Community Church, 3605 E. Long View Rd, Haven, near Yoder. Mon. 9-5, Tues. 9-9 (note that these hours are extended) and Wed. 9-4. No sewing skills required. Lunch is available by donation each day, or bring your own sack lunch. Snacks are welcome to share. This event is hosted by Kansas Friends of MCC. Info at mcc.org/comforter-blitz or email brociamueller@mcc.org, 316-283-2720.
· The MCC Central States board will hold it’s annual meeting Sat., March 1 from 2-3:30 p.m. at MCC Central States in North Newton. All are welcome to attend.

Bethel College Announcements
· Sun., Feb. 16: KIPCOR Film Series presents The Third Harmony, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. The 44-minute documentary directed by Michael Nagler is a study of nonviolence in academic and practical terms. Audience talkback follows with Keren Kandel, KIPCOR executive director.
· Tues., Feb. 18: Bethel College Organ Recital Series: Dr. Kevin Vaughn, University of Notre Dame, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Now in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, “Untethered,” ceramics by David Long, through March 14. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Tues., Feb. 25: Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Thurs., March 6: Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· SAVE THE DATE: Sun., March 9, 4 p.m.: Bethel College Choir Spring Tour Send-off Concert
· SAVE THE DATE: Sun., March 9, 7 p.m.: Bible Lecture (the book of Isaiah) at Bethel College with Doug Miller

Life Enrichment, in the Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, is a series designed especially for adults age 60 and over. Programs for February 19:
9:30 a.m. “The Wonderful World of Ceramics,” Conrad Snider, ceramic artist, North Newton
10:50 a.m. “Artificial Intelligence: Threat or Opportunity?,” David Janzen, Ph.D., president Tabor College, Hillsboro

In celebration of Mennonite Disaster Service’s 75th anniversary, we are inviting church sewing circles and individuals who enjoy sewing, knitting, crocheting, or weaving to join us by creating wall hangings or prayer shawls for our Housewarmer Project during the month of February! The Housewarmer Project provides quilted wall hangings and prayer shawls to disaster survivors whose homes have been rebuilt or restored by Mennonite Disaster Service. The wall hangings and prayer shawls are presented to the homeowner at the dedication of the home. These handmade gifts are a lasting symbol of compassion and of coming home. Housewarmer Project information, guidelines, and mailing instructions for completed wall hangings and prayer shawls can be found at mds.org/housewarmer-project.

For Mennonite Church USA Safe Church Webinar “Listening to the Voice of Survivors and Our Faith Communities” press here
For Mennonite Education Agency “Lent at Home 2025” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Youth Venture trip for 18-30 years olds” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA welcomes Leah Hoffner as the MC USA executive assistant. Hoffner began her new position on Dec. 3. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/hoffner-ea

Menno Snapshots

Joanne Gallardo, Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference co-minister, reflects on her time at the Kineo Center for the 2024 conference ministers retreat, during which she learned about the importance of protecting pastors from burnout. Read her reflection here: mennoniteusa.org/pastor-burnout-kineo

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Join Mennonite Mission Network in praising God for the 70 years of ministry of the Fellowship of Mennonite Churches in Taiwan. Pray for the continuing outreach of the church’s agencies in Hualien: the Mennonite Christian Hospital; the New Dawn Educare Center, which serves people with special challenges; and the Good Shepherd Center for abused women, those sold into prostitution, and children from dysfunctional families.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC youth and leaders who will participate in the Know Jesus conference next weekend at Hesston College, as they learn about their Anabaptist roots and grow in their relationship with Jesus through worship, service and activities together.