WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH JULY 23, 2023
To livestream the worship service: On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service. OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/i_L0L-s4B28?feature=share
Songs for Gathering VT 6 Let’s walk together (piano, guitar) (Verse 1 octet, verse 2 & 3 congregation.) VT 28 Come, Christians, join to sing (organ/acapella) (Verse 1 and 3 with organ, verse 2 acapella)
Song With Children: VT 63 Like a rock
Song of Praise VT 101 Sing praise to God who reigns (verses 1 and 4 in unison, 2 and 3 parts)
Telling God’s Story From the OT: VT 185 (Psalm 104) VT 175 Planets humming as they wander
From the NT: 295 (Matthew 5:3-12) VT 290 Blessed are you
Confessing Our Faith VT 419 Great is thy faithfulness (acapella)
Sharing Our Stories VT 625 Far above the noise of life (octet sing verse 1, congregation sing verse 2, octet sing the second ending)
Prayers of God’s People—VT 996
The Lord’s Prayer—VT 675 Abana Alathi—(octet sing each phrase, congregation sing repeat)
Benediction—VT 822 (Romans 15:5-6)
Sending Song VT 769 Now I know—(Ron Garber, leader, congregation echo)
Postlude—When in our Music God is Glorified—(Robert A. Hobby)—Cynthia Neufeld Smith
Thank you to the participants of this Sunday’s hymn sing: Song Leader—Cynthia Neufeld Smith Audio-visual—Ken Lamp Violin—Rebecca Schloneger Flute—Susie Swartley Guitar—Roger Neufeld Smith Scripture Reader—Elizabeth Schmidt Octet—Ron Garber, Verlene Garber, Cynthia Linscheid, Dave Linscheid, Virginia Mininger, Joe Peters, Bill Swartley, Susie Swartley Accompanists—Verlene Garber and Karen Schlabaugh
This Week at BCMC: July 23-August 6, 2023 Sun., July 23, 2023 9:30 a.m. Our worship will be getting more acquainted with Voices Together. YouTube Link for this Sunday is: https://youtube.com/live/i_L0L-s4B28?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation—High School (Room 24) Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28) Mon., July 24, 2023 7 p.m. Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall Tues., July 25, 2023 6 p.m. Pastor Search Committee meeting in Room 14 Thurs., July 27, 2023 4 p.m. Witness Commission meeting in Room 14 7 p.m. Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14 9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Pastor Nathan Koontz; music by Joan Griffing; July birthday recognition
BCMC Offering for July 16, 2023: General Fund $3,008.33; Caring Fund $250; Memorial Funds $100; Living Stones $258.33; Francis Funk Memorial $50.
You did it again! June was a great month with a positive balance of about $3000. That’s three in a row! Congratulations! If this trend continues we will wind up with a fantastic year. Finance Committee
“Growing Up in Gaza—Bringing Peace and Justice to Israel-Palestine” will be presented by Tareq Abuhalima, Sun., Aug. 6, 10:45-11:45 a.m. at BCMC. The purpose of this event is to create a safe space for education and dialogue about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Tareq, a graduate student with Bluffton University, will share his experiences growing up in Gaza, working for the Youth Vision Society, and his “Gaza Twinning” relationship with Manhattan Mennonite Church. The presentation and following dialogue will also address antisemitism and other issues that surround this intractable conflict.
Pastors Whereabouts Pastor Roger is in Newton this weekend. He will drive back to Topeka on Monday (7/24). He will be back in the BCMC office on Wednesday, August 2. Roger will be checking his email and text messages daily while he is in Topeka. So feel free to email, text or call (785-220-1968.)
Looking Ahead For a Bethel College Mennonite Church calendar with dates for 2023/2024 congregational meetings, Wednesday night suppers, Christmas and Easter programs, and other important dates, press here
Colorado Peaches are coming! The Palisade peaches on the Western Slope are supposed to be a good crop this year thanks to the moisture during the winter and spring. Please email patsydirksen@mcc.org to place your peach order from July 24-August 5. Two sizes are available: 10 lbs. for $30 and 18 lbs. for $41. Checks should be made payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “Peaches” in the memo line and payment (cash/check only) is due by August 5 to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th St.). Peaches will be available for pickup from the MCC Material Resources Center on Monday, August 21. This is a fundraiser for the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale held in Rocky Ford, Colorado October 20-21.
Don’t forget to fill out the Faith Formation Survey!
Greetings from Faith Formation!
Faith Formation is asking that ALL who are interested in being a part of building intergenerational relationships within the church fill out the attached survey.
If you are a parent of a youth who will attend the Intergenerational Sunday school class or who will be a part of Jr High Club or Senior High Youth Group, you may fill out the following Release Form for the 2023-24 school year.
Intergenerational Sunday school will follow this format from week to week. Teachers may decide to switch up the weeks to fit their needs.
Week 1: Introduction of the Bible story. Activity related to the Bible story.
Week 2: Reader’s Theatre or continuation of the Bible story.
Week 3: Craft or games
Week 4: Interview an adult who has joined us for the month (ask the week prior to interview)
The weekly schedule will follow the format below:
Following the service until 10:45 am
Arrival and snack (groups will be mixed ages at each table)
Questions of the day to discuss at table groups
Opening prayer and announcements
10:45 am – 11:15 am
Bible Story/Activity
11:15 am – 11:30 am
Clean up, Journal, or other activity with the teachers
Closing prayer and dismissal
Mark your calendar for the Sunday School Orientation/Safe Sanctuaries Date: August 20 from 12:00-1:00 pm. We will have a pizza lunch.
It’s time for the MCC School Kit Challenge! Help us meet our goal of gathering 10,000 school kits in the month of August. By donating items like notebooks and pencils, you can help kids in places like Syria, Ukraine and South Sudan who have been forced to flee their homes or struggle to afford basic school supplies. Join this effort to share a tangible message of God’s love with children around the world. Learn more about this challenge and download a free activity resource at mcc.org/school-kit-challenge. Lincoln and Lawrence Kohlman have joined the MCC School Kit Challenge! Their goal is to pack and donate 100 school kits by the end of August. We estimate that they will need about $850 (plus 100 bags) to meet this goal, although we will use the money we raise to make as many kits as we can! We hope that we can do more with the money when school supplies go on sale. How can you help? To donate, see Lincoln or Lawrence. To make bags for the school kits we want to pack, use the MCC website for directions and let us know how many you plan to make. We will plan to host a time to pack school kits. Let us know if you want to be invited!
Children and Youth of BCMC: Read a book. Earn a Book. This summer, you can earn a book for the New Hope Shelter for each book checked out, read, and returned. Visit the table outside the door to the children’s room of the BCMC church library for more information. The challenge is to fill a whole shelf of books for homeless children and youth. The Library Theme for June and July are Library Committee suggestions for Everybody/Junior books for the summer reading contest. As has been noted, this contest is for anybody who checks out a book from our library, reads it independently, reads it with someone or someone reads it to a child, and then returns it. We are excited to see how many books will be purchased for New Hope Shelter. —The Library Committee
The Women’s & Girls Retreat will be Sept. 9 & 10 at Camp Mennoscah sponsored by Western District Women in Mission. Retreat theme is “Women Talking, Listening and Creating.” Come for a time of friendship, fellowship, and story-telling with Tammy Duvanel Unruh, Wendy Funk Schrag and others. Registration information and more details will be on the Western District Conference website, in the church bulletin, on the church bulletin board. Follow the Western District Women in Mission on Facebook.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Our theme is Holy (Wholly) Listening. We will focus on careful listening to God and each other, especially when we start from different perspectives. Speakers will include Jes Stoltzfus Buller with MCC and Nathan Koontz, as well as the testimonies of some of our WDC ministers who have spoken up and listened for ways to act in justice and hope for all God’s people. Register here: https://mennowdc.org/2023-wdc-assembly-registration/
Colorado Peaches are coming! The Palisade peaches on the Western Slope should be a good crop this year thanks to the moisture during the winter and spring. Email patsydirksen@mcc.org to place your peach order from July 24-Aug. 5. Two sizes are available: 10 lbs. for $30 and 18 lbs. for $41. Checks should be made payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “Peaches” in the memo line and payment (cash/check only) due by Aug. 5 to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th St.). Peaches will be available for pickup from the MCC Material Resources Center on Mon., Aug. 21. This is a fundraiser for the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale held in Rocky Ford, Colorado Oct. 20-21.
Plowing with Horses—(Swiss Volhynian Mennonite Celebration Event) The rains came Saturday evening July 15, and the field was turned to mud, so no plowing. But the Ag Committee decided to have Plowing with Horses and Vintage Tractors Saturday, July 29, just west of the Moundridge Museum, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Concessions by Gospel Mennonite. We tasted their homemade ice cream and that really makes a trip to Moundridge double worthwhile. Come and see. —Kathy Goering for 150th steering committee
The 2023 issue of the Bethel College journal Mennonite Lifeis now live at ml.bethelks.edu and includes a poem by Cheryl Denise and prose poems by Abigail Carl-Klassen; a sermon by Sheri Hostetler; Brad Gregory’s Menno Simons Lectures from 2022; articles by Johnny Wideman and Nathan Garber; and reviews by Ben Woodward-Breckbill, Hannah Neufeld, Willmar Harder, Brad Born, Josue Coy Dick, Daniel Shank Cruz, Rachel Waltner Goossen, Joe Smucker, Kimberly Schmidt and Melanie Springer Mock.
From the Newton Et Cetera Shop Are you a thrifter? Are you interested in sharing your talents to make the Newton community, local area, and the world a better place for all?
Then join us Thursday, July 27th from 6:30-7:30 pm and find out how we can use you to make an impact on all those who donate, volunteer, and shop at the Newton Et Cetera Shop! All are welcome!!
For the Mennonite World Conference “Courier” press here For the Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here For Mennonite Mission Network Urgent Prayer Request press here For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
#BeTransformed
Jewel Gingerich Longenecker, dean of Lifelong Learning and co-director of the Doctor of Ministry in Leadership program at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, shares about her transformative experience applying for a position through the Spirit-led nudging of a mentor. Read her story here: mennoniteusa.org/transformed-by-mentoring
The international fellow at Mennonite Central Committee’s National Peace and Justice Ministries, Anthony Khair, has lived next to a wall for a lot of his life. “Being from Palestine, I am often seen as being from ‘the other side of the wall,’” he writes. Read his Menno Snapshots blog, “Both sides of the wall: the good side and the bad side,” here: mennoniteusa.org/both-sides-of-the-wall
On Sunday, May 21, 2023, more than 260 people – including members of at least six local Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) congregations – gathered for a Gun Violence Awareness Day witness walk in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/protest-gun-violence
In celebration of Bike to Work Day, Joel Miller, pastor of Columbus (Ohio) Mennonite Church, an MC USA congregation, wrote a poem about his experience riding his bike to work in the morning. Read the full poem here: mennoniteusa.org/bike-church-poem
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network rejoices with the Mennonite Church in Burkina Faso for the peacebuilding ministries of Calixte Bananzaro and Siaka Traoré, who helped negotiate an agreement through which Mennonites will provide care for internally displaced people and provide trauma healing, instead of paying war taxes. Pray for an end to violence.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray that children and their care-givers may grow in faith and joy as they attend summer Story Day activities at the WDC Resource Library on August 3.
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR JULY 16, 2023
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
To livestream the worship service: On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service. OR – click on this link for this Sunday:https://youtube.com/live/9NqMj78pBcQ?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH July 16, 2023
Prelude—Voluntary on Tallis’ Third Tune (David Lasky) Praise to the Lord, The Almighty (arr. Jason Payne)—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Christ Candle Lighting
Welcome and Prayer—Elizabeth Schmidt
*Hymn—We Are One in the Spirit—VT 387
Children’s Conversation—Nadine Peters and Carol Peters
Kin-dom Report— MCUSA Delegate Assembly—Steve and Jeanette Stucky, Tim and Mary Ellen Hodge
*Hymn—My Love Colors Outside the Lines–Suzy Burch and Lucy Burch
Scripture Reading—Matthew 25:34-40; Hebrews 13:1-3; Isaiah 43:18-19a—Lotti Boschmann, Erich Boschmann
Message—Our Extended Family—Al and Nadine Peters
*Hymn of Response— Amazing Grace—VT 163
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—In the Bulb There is a Flower—VT 670
*Benediction
Postlude—Psalm XIX (Marcello)—Will Wiebe-Friesen
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen Audio visual— John Thiesen
This Week at BCMC: July 16-23, 2023 Sun., July 16, 2023 9:30 a.m. Worship with reflections by Al and Nadine Peters on their work with Prison Fellowship, a prison ministries in Nebraska, and a report on the MCUSA Delegate Assembly from BCMC delegates Steve Stucky, Jeanette Stucky, Tim Hodge, Mary Ellen Hodge YouTube Link for this Sunday is: https://youtube.com/live/9NqMj78pBcQ?feature=share The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation—High School (Room 24) Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28) Wed., July 19, 2023 6 p.m. Indigenous Task Group meeting in Room 14 Sun., July 23, 2023 9:30 a.m. Our worship will be getting more acquainted with Voices Together. If you have a favorite in VT that you would like to sing, please, contact Monica Lichti in the church office with your request. NOTE: Requests may not all be used because of time limits.
Pastor Nathan Koontz will be on vacation July 12-21, 2023.
Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger is out of town for vacation through July 18. He will be checking text messages and email occasionally during this time. Roger will be back in the BCMC office on Wednesday, July 19.
BCMC Offering for July 9, 2023: General Fund $11,104.37; Living Stones $200; Kitchen Fund $11.
You did it again! June was a great month with a positive balance of about $3000. That’s three in a row! Congratulations! If this trend continues we will wind up with a fantastic year. Finance Committee
We offer sympathy to Lotti and Harald and Erich Boschmann and their extended family on the death of Lotti’s youngest sister Marlene Zenau. Marlene died in Germany on July 7, 2023.
“Growing Up in Gaza—Bringing Peace and Justice to Israel-Palestine” will be presented by Tareq Abuhalima, Sun., Aug. 6, 10:45-11:45 a.m. at BCMC. The purpose of this event is to create a safe space for education and dialogue about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Tareq, a graduate student with Bluffton University, will share his experiences growing up in Gaza, working for the Youth Vision Society, and his “Gaza Twinning” relationship with Manhattan Mennonite Church. The presentation and following dialogue will also address antisemitism and other issues that surround this intractable conflict.
BCMC Prayer Network: The Prayer Network is an email-based prayer network comprised of Deacon Commission members and BCMC congregants. Participants make a one-year commitment to this prayer ministry which is coordinated by Pastors and the Office and Facilities Manager. Pastors respond to prayer requests and determine when and how these requests are distributed. Specific prayer requests are shared only with the permission of the person(s) involved. If you would like to join the BCMC prayer network, please email your interest to office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. Thanks to all who serve BCMC in the Prayer Network.
Care Connections Opportunity: Volunteers are needed to provide transportation for BCMCers to medical appointments, including appointments in Wichita. If you’re available and can provide loving care for one another in this way at this time, please call Elizabeth at the church office, or send an email to elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV)
MCC School Kits—Lincoln and Lawrence Kohlman have joined the MCC School Kit Challenge! Their goal is to pack and donate 100 school kits by the end of August. We estimate that they will need about $850 (plus 100 bags) to meet this goal, although we will use the money we raise to make as many kits as we can! We hope that we can do more with the money when school supplies go on sale. How can you help? To donate, see Lincoln or Lawrence. To make bags for the school kits we want to pack, use the MCC website for directions and let us know how many you plan to make. We will plan to host a time to pack school kits. Let us know if you want to be invited! Children and Youth of BCMC: Read a book. Earn a Book. This summer, you can earn a book for the New Hope Shelter for each book checked out, read, and returned. Visit the table outside the door to the children’s room of the BCMC church library for more information. The challenge is to fill a whole shelf of books for homeless children and youth. The Library Theme for June and July are Library Committee suggestions for Everybody/Junior books for the summer reading contest. As has been noted, this contest is for anybody who checks out a book from our library, reads it independently, reads it with someone or someone reads it to a child, and then returns it. We are excited to see how many books will be purchased for New Hope Shelter. —The Library Committee
The Women’s & Girls Retreat will be Sept. 9 & 10 at Camp Mennoscah sponsored by Western District Women in Mission. Retreat theme is “Women Talking, Listening and Creating.” Come for a time of friendship, fellowship, and story-telling with Tammy Duvanel Unruh, Wendy Funk Schrag and others. Registration information and more details will be on the Western District Conference website, in the church bulletin, on the church bulletin board. Follow the Western District Women in Mission on Facebook.
Newton Community Theatre and Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts (BCAPA) will present The Sound of Music musical July 21-23. Join us for this beloved musical and support your community members, including Caleb Garber and Lucy Burch in the orchestra pit, Riley King is the music director, and Renee Reimer is one of the actors. Fri., July 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Sat., July 22 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sun., July 23 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now athttps://newton-community-theatre.square.site/ You can also purchase tickets at the door or reserve in advance at the Newton Rec Center (starting July 1). All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.
The 2023 issue of the Bethel College journal Mennonite Life is now live at ml.bethelks.edu and includes a poem by Cheryl Denise and prose poems by Abigail Carl-Klassen; a sermon by Sheri Hostetler; Brad Gregory’s Menno Simons Lectures from 2022; articles by Johnny Wideman and Nathan Garber; and reviews by Ben Woodward-Breckbill, Hannah Neufeld, Willmar Harder, Brad Born, Josue Coy Dick, Daniel Shank Cruz, Rachel Waltner Goossen, Joe Smucker, Kimberly Schmidt and Melanie Springer Mock.
Greetings from Faith Formation! Faith Formation is asking that ALL who are interested in being a part of building intergenerational relationships within the church fill out the attached survey.
If you are a parent of a youth who will attend the Intergenerational Sunday school class or who will be a part of Jr High Club or Senior High Youth Group, you may fill out the following Release Form for the 2023-24 school year.
Intergenerational Sunday school will follow this format from week to week. Teachers may decide to switch up the weeks to fit their needs.
Week 1: Introduction of the Bible story. Activity related to the Bible story.
Week 2: Reader’s Theatre or continuation of the Bible story.
Week 3: Craft or games
Week 4: Interview an adult who has joined us for the month (ask the week prior to interview)
The weekly schedule will follow the format below:
Following the service until 10:45 am
Arrival and snack (groups will be mixed ages at each table)
Questions of the day to discuss at table groups
Opening prayer and announcements
10:45 am – 11:15 am
Bible Story/Activity
11:15 am – 11:30 am
Clean up, Journal, or other activity with the teachers
Closing prayer and dismissal
Mark your calendar for the Sunday School Orientation/Safe Sanctuaries Date: August 20 from 12:00-1:00 pm. We will have a pizza lunch.
Faith Formation Sunday School team Jill Robb, Kathy Stucky,Rebecca Tschetter, Deb Gering, Mary Ellen Hodge
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
BCMC needs delegates for the WDC Assembly. Delegates can also attend virtually. BCMC would be eligible to send 15 delegates to the Assembly. If you would like to be a delegate contact the BCMC office.
Continental Breakfast with our ministry partners! Come talk with reps from MCC, our colleges, Camp Mennoscah, MDS, and more on Saturday morning. Learn how you and your congregation can do ministry together with others in new and exciting ways. Local Druber’s donuts, gluten free oatmeal, coffee and more to enjoy.
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond July 5 press here For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond July 12 press here
Prairie View, Inc. is hosting a FREE MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING. Learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders on July 26, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Prairie View Auditorium 1901 E. First St., Newton. See the church bulletin board for more details or call Prairie View at 316-284-6365. There is also a free Youth Mental Health First Aid Training on July 17 at 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
“Conectados,” which translates to “Connected,” was the name given to the Iglesia Menonita Hispana (Hispanic Mennonite Church – IMH) Conference. The gathering took place on May 5-6, 2023, at Iglesia Sonido de Alabanza (Sound of Praise Church) in Cicero, Illinois. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/imh-conference
Menno Snapshots
In recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, June 3, Krista Dutt, Mennonite Central Committee Chicago (Illinois) program coordinator, discusses her work in the areas of gun violence prevention and mass incarceration. Read more about her work here: mennoniteusa.org/creative-efforts-reduce-violence
#BeTransformed
Robert Brenneman, director of criminal justice and restorative justice and professor of sociology at Goshen (Indiana) College and a seminar leader at MennoCon23, shares about the impact Mennonite congregations have in urban Central America. Read his blog here: mennoniteusa.org/gang-violence-global-church
“Nonviolence is central to the story of Jesus and his teaching about loving enemies, and it is also visible in surprising ways in the secular world, when we have eyes to see it,” writes J. Denny Weaver, a member of Madison (Wisconsin) Mennonite Church, in his Menno Snapshots blog. Read it here: mennoniteusa.org/grain-of-the-universe
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the Youth Venture teams that are spending two weeks in Benin and Indonesia. Pray for the seven participants at each location, their group leaders and their hosts. Pray that this experience will help build the global body of Christ. Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregations that are supporting refugees and asylum seekers, as they join God’s work of justice and care for all people.
Worship Service for July 9, 2023 at Bethel College Mennonite Church
To livestream the worship service: On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service. OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/eF2TItBTi8A?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH July 9, 2023 MennoCon Youth Sharing
Prelude— As the Wind Song (VT 373) – (Setting, Michael Burkhardt)—Karen Unruh Maisie Brubacher and Emma Gering
Christ Candle Lighting
Welcome and Prayer—Nathan Koontz
*Hymn—Holy Spirit, Come with Power—VT 57
Children’s Conversation— Adah Hodge and Abram Wall
*Hymn Over My Head—VT 594
Scripture Reading—Isaiah 43:19-21; II Corinthians 5:17—Lucy Burch
BCMC Youth Reflections from MennoCon—Adah Hodge, Ani Koontz, Mara Oswald
*Hymn of Response—New Earth, Heavens New—VT 377
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—There’s a Wild Hope in the Wind—VT 828
*Benediction
Postlude
* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together Keyboard—Karen Unruh Audio visual— Ben Lichti
This Week at BCMC: July 9-16, 2023 Sun., July 9, 2023 9:30 a.m. Worship with Senior High Youth Group reflections on MennoCon23 (Mennonite Church USA Convention in Kansas City) YouTube Link for this Sunday is: https://youtube.com/live/eF2TItBTi8A?feature=share The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation—High School (Room 24) Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28) Tue., July 11, 2023 12 p.m. Mid Kansas Investment Club meets in Fellowship Hall Thurs., July 13, 2023 7 p.m. Kansas Relief Sale Board of Directors meets in Fellowship Hall 7 p.m. Finance Committee meets in Room 14 Sun., July 16, 2023 9:30 a.m. Worship with reflections by Al and Nadine Peters on their work with prison ministries in Nebraska
Sunday, July 23 – Hymn Sing Sunday, July 23, our worship will be getting more acquainted with Voices Together. If you have a favorite in VT that you would like to sing, please, contact Monica Lichti in the church office with your request. NOTE: Requests may not all be used because of time limits.
Pastor Nathan Koontz will be on vacation July 12-21, 2023.
BCMC Offering for July 2, 2023: General Fund $2,785; Caring Fund $500; Library Reserve Fund $40; Living Stones $125; Kitchen Fund $6; Women’s Fellowship $50; Metta Lieb Memorial $125.
“Growing Up in Gaza—Bringing Peace and Justice to Israel-Palestine” will be presented by Tareq Abuhalima, Sun., Aug. 6, 10:45-11:45 a.m. at BCMC. The purpose of this event is to create a safe space for education and dialogue about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Tareq, a graduate student with Bluffton University, will share his experiences growing up in Gaza, working for the Youth Vision Society, and his “Gaza Twinning” relationship with Manhattan Mennonite Church. The presentation and following dialogue will also address antisemitism and other issues that surround this intractable conflict.
The Search Committee has been meeting monthly to continue the process of searching for BCMC’s next pastor. There continue to be many congregations within the conference that are experiencing transitions. We ask for your continued prayers for the committee and the congregation, as God prepares the heart of the right candidate for BCMC. The committee remains open to accepting names of possible candidates as well.
Children and Youth of BCMC: Read a book. Earn a Book. This summer, you can earn a book for the New Hope Shelter for each book checked out, read, and returned. Visit the table outside the door to the children’s room of the BCMC church library for more information. The challenge is to fill a whole shelf of books for homeless children and youth. The Library Theme for June and July are Library Committee suggestions for Everybody/Junior books for the summer reading contest. As has already been noted, this contest is for any student who checks out a book from our library, reads it independently, reads it with someone or someone reads it to a student, and then returns it. We are excited to see how many books will be purchased for New Hope Shelter. —The Library Committee
BCMC Prayer Network: The Prayer Network is an email-based prayer network comprised of Deacon Commission members and BCMC congregants. Participants make a one-year commitment to this prayer ministry which is coordinated by Pastors and the Office and Facilities Manager. Pastors respond to prayer requests and determine when and how these requests are distributed. Specific prayer requests are shared only with the permission of the person(s) involved. If you would like to join the BCMC prayer network, please email your interest to office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. Thanks to all who serve BCMC in the Prayer Network.
Care Connections Opportunity: Volunteers are needed to provide transportation for BCMCers to medical appointments, including appointments in Wichita. If you’re available and can provide loving care for one another in this way at this time, please call Elizabeth at the church office, or send an email to elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV)
Roger’s Whereabouts : On Thursday (7/6) Roger will attend MennoCon23 in Kansas City, then represent BCMC at the MC USA Delegate Sessions on Friday and Saturday. Roger will then be on vacation in Missouri until July 19, when he will be back in the BCMC office. Roger will be checking his email and text messages occasionally during this time.
New Book: Lois Barrett and Dorothy Nickel Friesen has co-edited PROCLAIMING THE GOOD NEWS: MENNONITE WOMEN’S VOICES 1972 – 2006, published by the Institute of Mennonite Studies/AMBS. The book launch at MennoCon23 on July 6 and at Western District Conference Assembly on August 12 will introduce 13 authors including BCMC writers John Esau and Raylene Hinz Penner in addition to Dorothy. Faith and Life Bookstore plans a book-signing later in summer. A book for checkout is now in the BCMC Library and WDC Resource Library. If you would like to purchase a book, contact Dorothy (dorothynf@cox.net); cost is $29.
Greetings from Faith Formation!
Faith Formation is asking that ALL who are interested in being a part of building intergenerational relationships within the church fill out the attached survey.
If you are a parent of a youth who will attend the Intergenerational Sunday school class or who will be a part of Jr High Club or Senior High Youth Group, you may fill out the following Release Form for the 2023-24 school year.
Intergenerational Sunday school will follow this format from week to week. Teachers may decide to switch up the weeks to fit their needs.
Week 1: Introduction of the Bible story. Activity related to the Bible story.
Week 2: Reader’s Theatre or continuation of the Bible story.
Week 3: Craft or games
Week 4: Interview an adult who has joined us for the month (ask the week prior to interview)
The weekly schedule will follow the format below:
Following the service until 10:45 am
Arrival and snack (groups will be mixed ages at each table)
Questions of the day to discuss at table groups
Opening prayer and announcements
10:45 am – 11:15 am
Bible Story/Activity
11:15 am – 11:30 am
Clean up, Journal, or other activity with the teachers
Closing prayer and dismissal
Mark your calendar for the Sunday School Orientation/Safe Sanctuaries Date: August 20 from 12:00-1:00 pm. We will have a pizza lunch.
Jill Robb, Kathy Stucky, Rebecca Tschetter, Deb Gering, Mary Ellen Hodge
Newton Community Theatre and Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts (BCAPA) will present The Sound of Music musical July 21-23. Join us for this beloved musical and support your community members, including Caleb Garber and Lucy Burch in the orchestra pit, Riley King is the director, and Renee Reimer is one of the actors. Friday, July 21 at 7:30p.m.; Saturday, July 22 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, July 23 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at https://newton-community-theatre.square.site/ You can also purchase tickets at the door or reserve in advance at the Newton Rec Center (starting July 1). All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
For Mennonite Central Committee In Touch press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Each April, the Mennonite Church USA Church Vitality office and Everence collaborate to update the Pastor Salary Guidelines. These guidelines aid pastors, congregations, pastoral search committees and conferences in negotiating fair compensation for pastors and conference ministers. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/pastor-salary-guidelines
Menno Snapshots
In celebration of Pentecost Sunday, May 28, Katerina Gea, pastor at Wild Church Fresno (California), an MC USA congregation, celebrates the ways that the Spirit moves and highlights the connection between the Spirit’s outpouring on all of creation. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/pentecost-and-spirits
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Andi Santoso, Mennonite Mission Network’s regional director for Asia and the Middle East, reflects on his experience as an Asian Mennonite Ministries representative at the Mennonite Church USA Constituency Leaders Council meeting in San Antonio, Texas. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/together-on-lords-table
As part of Mennonite Church USA’s “I choose to be Mennonite because …” blog series, Roger Farmer, retired pastor of Sugar Creek Mennonite Church, shares his experience of becoming a Mennonite through a life altering encounter with God and his calling to be a Conscientious Objector during the Vietnam war. Read his story here: mennoniteusa.org/god-knew-who-i-was Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Matthew and Toni Krabill’s ministry at the Paris (France) Mennonite Center. Pray for them as they work with others to launch a master’s degree program in conflict transformation that will be housed at Abidjan University of the Christian Missionary Alliance in Ivory Coast.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the WDC Gifts Discernment Committee as they seek nominees for elected roles in WDC, and give thanks for those who are called to leadership in our conference.
Worship for July 2, 2023 Bethel College Mennonite Church
To livestream the worship service: On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service. OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/D3DDkyZMbys?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH Interdependence Sunday July 2, 2023
Prelude— Folk Tune Sketches—Irish • Celestia • Land of Rest (Dale Wood)— Karen Schlabaugh A Sacred Space (by Wendy Stevens)—Maisie Brubacher
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation—High School (Room 24) Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
Mon., July 3, 2023 10 a.m. Staff meeting in Room 14 Tue., July 4, 2023—Independence Day Holiday—office will be closed; church will be locked Thurs., July 6, 2023 11 a.m. Memorial Service for Rosie Horst at BCMC 7 pm. Church Board meeting in Room 14 Sun., July 9, 2023 9:30 a.m. Worship with Senior High Youth Group reflections on MennoCon23 (Mennonite Church USA Convention in Kansas City)
Please pray for the nine youth and four sponsors of the Senior High Youth Group and the other delegates and attendees of MennoCon23, July 2-6(Mennonite Church USA Convention in Kansas City)
BCMC Offering for June 25, 2023: General Fund $9,485; Senior High Youth $600; Living Stones $40; Kitchen Fund $9; Women’s Fellowship $10; Metta Lieb Memorial $25.
“Growing Up in Gaza—Bringing Peace and Justice to Israel-Palestine” will be presented by Tareq Abuhalima, Sun., Aug. 6, 10:45-11:45 a.m. at BCMC. The purpose of this event is to create a safe space for education and dialogue about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Tareq, a graduate student with Bluffton University, will share his experiences growing up in Gaza, working for the Youth Vision Society, and his “Gaza Twinning” relationship with Manhattan Mennonite Church. The presentation and following dialogue will also address antisemitism and other issues that surround this intractable conflict.
We offer sympathy to Janet, Orvin, Jon, and Ian Voth and their extended family on the death of Janet’s brother, Joel Klaassen. Joel died June 29 in Georgia. A memorial service will be held in the fall of 2023.
Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes while I was in the hospital and now at home with Home Health Care. God sent an angel, my new neighbor, who found me unconscious lying near the sedum patch at my home and he called 911. Also many thanks to the dear angels who spent a couple hours weeding my garden and beds. I am thankful to God and my caring church. — Louise Thieszen
The Search Committee has been meeting monthly to continue the process of searching for BCMC’s next pastor. There continue to be many congregations within the conference that are experiencing transitions. We ask for your continued prayers for the committee and the congregation, as God prepares the heart of the right candidate for BCMC. The committee remains open to accepting names of possible candidates as well.
BCMC Prayer Network: The Prayer Network is an email-based prayer network comprised of Deacon Commission members and BCMC congregants. Participants make a one-year commitment to this prayer ministry which is coordinated by Pastors and the Office and Facilities Manager. Pastors respond to prayer requests and determine when and how these requests are distributed. Specific prayer requests are shared only with the permission of the person(s) involved. If you would like to join the BCMC prayer network, please email your interest to office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. Thanks to all who serve BCMC in the Prayer Network.
Care Connections Opportunity: Volunteers are needed to provide transportation for BCMCers to medical appointments, including appointments in Wichita. If you’re available and can provide loving care for one another in this way at this time, please call Elizabeth at the church office, or send an email to elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV)
Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger will be driving back to Topeka on Monday. This Thursday he will attend MennoCon23 in Kansas City, then represent BCMC at the MC USA Delegate Sessions on Friday and Saturday. Roger will then be on vacation in Missouri until July 19, when he will be back in the BCMC office. Roger will be checking his email and text messages occasionally during this time.
Mennonite Central Committee School Kits
Lincoln and Lawrence Kohlman have joined the MCC School Kit Challenge! Their goal is to pack and donate 100 school kits by the end of August. We estimate that they will need about $850 (plus 100 bags) to meet this goal, although we will use the money we raise to make as many kits as we can! We hope that we can do more with the money when school supplies go on sale.
How can you help? To donate, see Lincoln or Lawrence. To make bags for the school kits we want to pack, use the MCC website for directions and let us know how many you plan to make.
We will plan to host a time to pack school kits. Let us know if you want to be invited!
Megan Kohlman she/her
The Bethel College Mennonite Church Library has added new books.
Children and Youth of BCMC: Read a book. Earn a Book. This summer, you can earn a book for the New Hope Shelter for each book checked out, read, and returned. Visit the table outside the door to the children’s room of the BCMC church library for more information. The challenge is to fill a whole shelf of books for homeless children and youth. The Library Theme for June and July are Library Committee suggestions for Everybody/Junior books for the summer reading contest. As has already been noted, this contest is for any student who checks out a book from our library, reads it independently, reads it with someone or someone reads it to a student, and then returns it. We are excited to see how many books will be purchased for New Hope Shelter. —The Library Committee
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements. Join us for the Western District Conference Annual Assembly! It’s for everybody on August 11-13, 2023 at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton. We’ll worship, work, eat great, local food, enjoy local music, connect with new and old friends, experience faith formation for all ages, and have many choices of great workshops. We hope you’ll agree Annual Assembly is a great place to learn about and grow in faith in Christ, care for the broader church, and worship our God of love and justice with God’s people in Western District Conference! BCMC needs to find delegates for the WDC Assembly. Delegates can also attend virtually. BCMC would be eligible to send 15 delegates to the Assembly. If you would like to be a delegate contact the BCMC office. WDC Annual Assembly Delegate Session – Agenda for delegates will include an introduction to the conference-wide Listening Process, report on the Anti-Racism Audit, recognition of the closing of Trinity Mennonite Church and the introduction of two new church plants, update on conference facilities and finances, approval of the 2024 budget, highlights from the work of WDC commissions, election of new board, commission and committee leaders, and more! Delegate materials will be posted here as they are available: https://mennowdc.org/2023-assembly-delegate-information/ —- Register at https://mennowdc.org/2023-wdc-assembly-registration/ to join others from around the conference in our work together. Visit: https://mennowdc.org/2023-wdc-annual-assembly/ for more info on this summer’s Assembly!
Staff position opening: Western District Conference seeks a quarter-time Fund Development Coordinator beginning July 2023 to cultivate donor relationships and congregational giving, promote planned giving, and generate creative fundraising initiatives. Qualifications include communication, fund-raising and development skills. Position description and application form at https://mennowdc.org/employment/. Please submit application and letter of interest to heidirk@mennowdc.org.
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Get ready for a celebration of a summer of faith formation and camp songs! The Camp Sing will be August 5 at Hope Mennonite Church in Wichita. This is a time to gather for an evening of singing and friends. All ages, campers and others–everyone is invited! Details will be forthcoming. Put it on your calendar so you don’t miss out.
Other events and happenings:
Camper pick-up is 10:30am to 11:30am on the last day of camp. Thursday is the last day of camp for PreJunior Camp. Friday is the last day of camp for Junior, Junior High, and Senior High camps. We want to make sure you are here to pick up your campers and hear the fun stories about the week.
Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. (The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations.) Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!
Click to register! We are halfway through the summer but there is still space at remaining camps. Registrations are being accepted. The summer theme is FruitFULL Faith. Get ready to learn and sing about the Fruit of the Spirit this summer–it’s not a coconut!
Thank you for the outpouring of toilet paper rolls for summer youth camp crafts! We have enough for the rest of the summer. (If rolls are already on the way, no problem. We have other uses for them.) The toilet paper roll drive was so successful, we’re starting another one. Drop off your loose bills and spare change when you come to camp or send them in check form. They’ll be added to the Camp Life fund, which helps fund things for activities (sports equipment, replacing worn out items, etc.) and renovations. Let us do you the favor of keeping your pockets clutter-free!
From Camp Mennoscah
Thank You! Camp Mennoscah is happy to announce that money continues to come to Camp through the engagement of good people like yourselves with the M&M Project. Churches, small groups, families, and individuals are signing up to the “Fire Keepers” – $1000 givers – and as of last week, we have almost half of what we need to reach our goal of $100,000 in pledges. If you haven’t signed up, or if you don’t have the money right now – remember that the gift can be spread over several months or weeks – your choice. We know you will want to be in on this opportunity to continue our Mission at Camp. (And please let this be a reminder to those who have pledged to keep sending the checks to make sure you meet your commitment! We’re counting on you and we know your belief in the mission and ministry of Camp!)
Churches are invited to put together a fundraising event this year that would specifically benefit the M&M Project.Churches are planning events for the summer and the fall. If you would like camp representation at such an event at your church, we are more than happy to see what we can do! And we’ll advertise for you on our website and Facebook page. We know you have great ideas!
For more information, check out the Camp Mennoscah Website, or contact Tammy at the addresses below. Checks can be made to Camp with “M&M” in the memo, or you can give online.
Camp Mennoscah PO Box 65 Murdock, KS 67111 620-297-3290
Swiss Volhynian Celebration of 150 years since ancestors came to USA in 1874—150 Years since our ancestors came to the USA. 1874-2024. Let’s celebrate all year. To remember the old days with agriculture come see a “Plowing with Horses” event July 15. Glen Goering, Darrell Schrag, Nathan Graber, and the Ag Committee have invited horse and plow owners to demonstrate Sat., July 15, at a 22-acre field west of the Moundridge Museum, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Concessions will be available from Gospel Mennonite and a tent for shade. Bring a lawn chair. The Museum will also be open. There will be “Planting Turkey Red Wheat” in October. Possibly more events in 2023 with the main celebration on August 22-25, 2024 at Eden Mennonite Church in rural Moundridge.
For MennoCon23 Newsletter press here For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
#MennoCon23
Mennonite Church USA has released the seminar lineup for MennoCon23, the denominational convention being held in Kansas City, Missouri, July 3-6. Alongside daily worship services, seminars make up the bulk of the convention’s faith formation programming, with three seminar timeslots scheduled each full day of the event — one in the mornings and two in the afternoons. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/mennocon23-seminar
Follow along with the day-to-day excitement of MennoCon23, the Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit and the Delegate Assembly by subscribing to MC USA’s daily email convention newsletter, the KC Sauce, here: mennoniteusa.org/kcsauce View the online version here: www.mennoniteusa.org/kcsauce/
In case you missed it, watch the recording of part I of the Delegate Assembly: Know Before You Go webinar series. Host and panelists review the agenda and discuss the best way for conferences, congregations and delegates to prepare as well as the role of delegates in the discernment process: mennoniteusa.org/da23-webinar1
In case you missed it, watch the recording of part II of the Delegate Assembly: Know Before You Go webinar series. Leaders from MC USA, Everence and MHS Association discuss the proposed organizational resolutions for the upcoming Delegate Assembly in Kansas City: mennoniteusa.org/da23-webinar2
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for all those traveling to MennoCon, the four-day MC USA convention in Kansas City, Missouri, that begins tomorrow. Pray for Mission Network staff and partners as they present youth service opportunities and talk about the church’s response to immigrants and displaced people, violence in South Africa, and global climate change.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for delegates and other adults, youth and children from WDC attending MennoCon23 in Kansas City this week, as they join in fellowship, learning and discernment together with others from Mennonite Church USA.
Prelude—Praise Him! Praise Him! (arr. Labenske); I Sing the Mighty Power of God (arr. Labenske); Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us (arr. Rice)—Meghann Rogers
To livestream the worship service: On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service. OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/Pkq4wosFEUM?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH June 25, 2023
Prelude—Praise Him! Praise Him! (arr. Labenske); I Sing the Mighty Power of God (arr. Labenske); Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us (arr. Rice)—Meghann Rogers
* You are invited to stand VT—Voices Together Keyboard—Meghann Rogers Audio visual—John Thiesen
Offertory at BCMC As a way of acknowledging our offertory during our Sunday morning worship, the ushers will bring up the offertory trays to the communion table during the Hymn of Response. Then, as we have already been doing, the worship leader will give thanks for the offering during the Prayers of God’s People.
This Week at BCMC: June 25—July 2, 2023
Sun, June 25, 2023 9:30 a.m. Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday is: https://youtube.com/live/Pkq4wosFEUM?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation—High School (Room 24) Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
3 p.m. Program in Fellowship Hall with John Stoesz. John Stoesz will talk about the “Repair Network Project” in Mountain Lake, MN
Mon., June 26, 2023 2 p.m. Credence Report Task Group meeting in Room 14 Tue., June 27, 2023 11 a.m. Staff meeting in Room 14 Wed., June 28, 2023 7 p.m. Senior High Youth Group Sun., July 2, 2023 9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; music by Maisie Brubacher and Miles Brubacher
Congregational Care Coordinator Elizabeth Schmidt will be on vacation June 24-30.
We offer sympathy to Dale Horst and family on the death of Dale’s wife Rosie Horst. Rosie died Friday, June 16. A date for the memorial service will be announced later.
BCMC Offering for June 18, 2023: General Fund $10,736.13; Caring Fund $1,500; Living Stones $108.33; Kitchen Fund $16.
Congratulations to BCMC, May was a great month financially! For the 2nd consecutive month we have had a positive monetary balance. With continued effort in June, we will enter the 2nd half of the year in a strong financial position. Finance Committee
Roger’s Whereabouts Roger will be back at BCMC this Sunday, June 25, for worship and to attend the Casa Betania 15th Anniversary Celebration at First Mennonite Church. He will stay for the regular BCMC staff meeting on Monday, then drive back to Topeka Monday afternoon, June 26. He will be back in Newton on Thursday, June 29. Roger checks his email and phone messages regularly for messages, so feel free to contact him via email or text while he is in Topeka.
Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania invites local Mennonite congregations to a 15th anniversary service Sunday, June 25 at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Mennonite Church, 429 E. 1st St., Newton, where Casa Betania worships. After the service there will be a time of fellowship with a meal. Casa Betania will provide main dishes and an anniversary cake. Guests do not need to bring food, but those who would like to bring something are welcome to share a salad or fruit.
The Search Committee has been meeting monthly to continue the process of searching for BCMC’s next pastor. There continue to be many congregations within the conference that are experiencing transitions. We ask for your continued prayers for the committee and the congregation, as God prepares the heart of the right candidate for BCMC. The committee remains open to accepting names of possible candidates as well.
BCMC Pride Month Activities June is Pride month for LGBTQIA persons and our church plans to celebrate and raise awareness for those who identify as LGBTQIA in the following ways. -Pride banners are hung outside our church building during the month of June. Thanks to Oscar Gonzalez, Graphic Design Coordinator at Bethel College, for his design! -Nathan Koontz of BCMC represented the local Supportive Communities Network (SCN) during worship at Faith Mennonite as they celebrated joining SCN. SCN is part of the Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests. Local SCN congregations include BCMC, Shalom, New Creation, and Lorraine Avenue. -This month the Bethel College Mennonite Church Inclusion Task Group sent a letter to the Mennonite Central Committee encouraging them to eliminate their discriminatory policies towards LGBTQIA persons. To learn more about MCC’s lifestyle policy (HR 152) and our letter, please contact Karen Ediger, John Kliewer, Nathan Koontz, or Karen Penner of the Inclusion Task Group. -The congregation is invited to join in various Wichita Pride activities throughout the month of June. Go to the wichitapride.org website for more details. Of special note is the Pride Parade on June 25 at 11 a.m. The route will begin at the Old Courthouse (510 N. Main Street, Wichita) and end at Century II.
Children and Youth of BCMC: Read a book. Earn a Book. This summer, you can earn a book for the New Hope Shelter for each book checked out, read, and returned. Visit the table outside the door to the children’s room of the BCMC church library for more information. The challenge is to fill a whole shelf of books for homeless children and youth. The Library Theme for June and July are Library Committee suggestions for Everybody/Junior books for the summer reading contest. As has already been noted, this contest is for any student who checks out a book from our library, reads it independently, reads it with someone or someone reads it to a student, and then returns it. We are excited to see how many books will be purchased for New Hope Shelter. —The Library Committee
BCMC Prayer Network: The Prayer Network is an email-based prayer network comprised of Deacon Commission members and BCMC congregants. Participants make a one-year commitment to this prayer ministry which is coordinated by Pastors and the Office and Facilities Manager. Pastors respond to prayer requests and determine when and how these requests are distributed. Specific prayer requests are shared only with the permission of the person(s) involved. If you would like to join the BCMC prayer network, please email your interest to office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. Thanks to all who serve BCMC in the Prayer Network.
Care Connections Opportunity: Volunteers are needed to provide transportation for BCMCers to medical appointments, including appointments in Wichita. If you’re available and can provide loving care for one another in this way at this time, please call Elizabeth at the church office, or send an email to elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV)
The Western District Conference Annual Assembly
Join us for the Western District Conference Annual Assembly! It’s for everybody on August 11-13, 2023 at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton. We’ll worship, work, eat great, local food, enjoy local music, connect with new and old friends, experience faith formation for all ages, and have many choices of great workshops. We hope you’ll agree Annual Assembly is a great place to learn about and grow in faith in Christ, care for the broader church, and worship our God of love and justice with God’s people in Western District Conference!
BCMC NEEDS YOU TO BE A DELEGATE!
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A DELEGATE TO THE WDC ANNUAL ASSEMBLY PLEASE EMAIL THE CHURCH OFFICE – office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org Your registration will be paid by BCMC. Transportation and lodging costs are not reimbursed, but should be minimal as the WDC Assembly is at Tabor Mennonite Church..
WDC Annual Assembly Delegate Session – Agenda for delegates will include an introduction to the conference-wide Listening Process, report on the Anti-Racism Audit, recognition of the closing of Trinity Mennonite Church and the introduction of two new church plants, update on conference facilities and finances, approval of the 2024 budget, highlights from the work of WDC commissions, election of new board, commission and committee leaders, and more! Delegate materials will be posted here as they are available: https://mennowdc.org/2023-assembly-delegate-information/ —- Register at https://mennowdc.org/2023-wdc-assembly-registration/ to join others from around the conference in our work together.
Kauffman Museum is offering an intergenerational Uncle Carl’s Camp called “Pottery Possibilities,” July 10-14 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on the Bethel campus. Campers will start with hand-building before throwing on potter’s wheels, and wrap up the week with glazing and an outdoor firing (weather permitting). Completed artwork may be picked up at a later date. No previous experience is required. To sign up or to explore other Uncle Carl’s Camp offerings, stop by Kauffman Museum (27th & North Main, North Newton) to pick up a brochure or visit https://kauffmanmuseum.org/uncle-carls-camp/
A Gift for You–The Western District Conference Resource Library summer reading program for all ages includes a gift for you. Stop by the library from May 30-Aug. 10 to pick out a wrapped package and a response sheet or request one be mailed to you. The book/DVD/resource inside is yours to keep. Fill out a response sheet and return to the library for a ticket into the prize drawing (gift cards for teens/adults and a prize bag for kids). The WDC Resource Library is located at 2517 N Main in North Newton. For questions and mailing requests, email crlib@mennowdc.org Instead of a traditional Summer Story Hour, the WDC Conference Resource Library will be hosting Story Days with a self-guided, come-and-go approach with activities for ages 3-8 and their caregiver(s) on July 20 and Aug. 3 from 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Read alouds by library staff/volunteers on the hour from 9 a.m.-7p.m.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements. Staff position opening: Western District Conference seeks a quarter-time Fund Development Coordinator beginning July 2023 to cultivate donor relationships and congregational giving, promote planned giving, and generate creative fundraising initiatives. Qualifications include communication, fund-raising and development skills. Position description and application form at https://mennowdc.org/employment/. Please submit application and letter of interest to heidirk@mennowdc.org.
First Mennonite Church in Hutchinson invites you to a Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery Movie Showing & Book Signing with Mark Charles Sat., July 8, 6:30 p.m. at the church. The film, The Custodians: A Story of Ancient Echoes, explores the work of local landowners, volunteers and municipal government of Herschel, Saskatchewan, in protecting and conserving the many signs of historic Indigenous presence in the region. The book, Unsettling Truths, by author Mark Charles, is a prophetic blend of history, theology, and cultural commentary, that reveals the far-reaching, damaging effects of the “Doctrine of Discovery.” Stay after the film showing for a panel with Mark Charles and Jonathan Neufeld. FMC Hutchinson is located at 52 Rambler Road, Hutchinson.
Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton will host it’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza on July 4. Arrival is welcome after 7:30 p.m., and fireworks will begin after sundown. It is recommended that you bring your own chairs or blankets for fireworks viewing. The free outdoor event will include family fun with games, giveaways and food for purchase, including Salted Creamery ice cream. Kidron Bethel is located at 3001 Ivy Dr., in North Newton. Parking for the event will be marked.
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Thank you for the outpouring of toilet paper rolls for summer youth camp crafts! We have enough for the rest of the summer. (If rolls are already on the way, no problem. We have other uses for them.) The toilet paper roll drive was so successful, we’re starting another one. Drop off your loose bills and spare change when you come to camp or send them in check form. They’ll be added to the Camp Life fund, which helps fund things for activities (sports equipment, replacing worn out items, etc.) and renovations. Let us do you the favor of keeping your pockets clutter-free!
Other events and happenings:
Camper pick-up is 10:30am to 11:30am on the last day of camp. Friday is the last day of camp for Junior, Junior High, and Senior High camps. We had conflicting information that was sent out to parents/guardians and we want to make sure you are here to pick up your campers and hear the fun stories about the week.
Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. (The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations.) Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!
Click to register! We are almost halfway through the summer but there is still space at remaining camps. Registrations are being accepted. The summer theme is FruitFULL Faith. Get ready to learn and sing about the Fruit of the Spirit this summer–it’s not a coconut!
Just want to let you know that things will look different! The landscaping around the Retreat Center will be removed in preparation for the replacement of the HVAC system at the Retreat Center and to meet code. There is not a firm timeline when this will start. New landscaping will be determined at a later time.
For Mennonite Creation Care Network press here For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level press here For Mennonite Mission Network News from around the world press here For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
Greetings! I’m writing to share about the summer 2023 issue of Intersections: MCC Theory and Practice Quarterly, on the theme of “savings and loan groups.” It is available now on-line here. Compiled by Michael Adeola, this issue features learning from and analysis of MCC-supported savings and loan efforts in Uganda, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Nepal, India, and Cambodia. As always, we welcome any feedback you have about this or other issues of Intersections! Send any thoughts, affirmations, critiques, and counsel you might have to intersections@mcc.org. Thanks for being a loyal reader!
Warm regards, Alain Epp Weaver
Mennonite Church USA Announcements #BeTransformed When Marc Smithers, one of three delegates selected from Sojourner’s Mennonite Fellowship to participate in “A Day of Fellowship and Discernment” for the New York Mennonite Conference, he felt apprehensive. But as the event unfolded, the intentionality of the event’s planning committee was evident. Read more of his experience here: mennoniteusa.org/called-to-community
#MennoCon23 “We live in a fragmented society. Most of us have grown accustomed to spending the vast majority of our time alone and apart, even if we are in the vicinity of other people,” writes Dianne Garcia, future MennoCon23 speaker. Read her reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/creating-kingdom-community
Follow along with the day-to-day excitement of MennoCon23, the Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit and the Delegate Assembly by subscribing to MC USA’s daily email convention newsletter, the KC Sauce, here: mennoniteusa.org/kcsauce
Menno Snapshots “From the time I was very young, I wanted to write a children’s book. I spent many hours coming up with characters and interesting plotlines.” Chrissie Muecke, curriculum writer and editor for MennoMedia, a Mennonite Church USA agency, reflects on her experience editing “The Peace Table: A Storybook Bible” for children. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/preparing-peace-table
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Jae Young Lee and Karen Spicher, and their four children, as they minister in South Korea. Pray for Jae, as he serves as the executive director of Northeast Asia Regional Peacebuilding Institute (NARPI) and Korea Peacebuilding Institute, and pray for Karen as she works as NARPI’s communications coordinator.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Please pray for churches grappling with changes in these post-pandemic times. May we find ways forward that are creative, that meet people and families where they are, and which leave behind anything holding us back. May we remember that Jesus is the same, yesterday, today, and forever – even as our world changes. -WDC Church Planting Commission
Our theme is Holy (Wholly) Listening. We will focus on careful listening to God and each other, especially when we start from different perspectives. Speakers will include Jes Stoltzfus Buller with MCC and Nathan Koontz, as well as the testimonies of some of our WDC ministers who have spoken up and listened for ways to act in justice and hope for all God’s people. Register here: 