February 12, 2023
Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County is still in green status indicating
low risk for COVID. You are invited to choose whether you wear a mask or social distance. Both are optional.
To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/SbMedCfbgpo?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
February 12, 2023
Prelude—Angel Eyes (Brickman); Der Friedensfürst (G. Meyer)- Erich Boschmann, piano
Christ Candle Lighting
Welcome and Prayer— Dorothy Nickel Friesen
*Hymn—Jesus Calls Us—VT 30—Verlene Garber, piano; Suzanne Burch, guitar
Children’s Conversation— Crystal Gaeddert
Anthem – Prelude on Holy Manna (arr. Marker)–Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director
Kin_dom Report – Bill Swartley
Scripture Reading—Jeremiah 1:1, 4-8; Mark 1:9-11, 16-20—Roger Juhnke and Lucy Burch
Sermon—A Culture of Call— Roger Neufeld Smith
*Hymn—Listen, God is Calling—VT 765
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Christ Be in Your Senses— VT 721
*Benediction— Roger Neufeld Smith
Postlude— Lift Every Voice and Sing (arr. Smith)–Chancel Bells
* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Audio visual— John Thiesen
Pastor–Roger Neufeld Smith
This Week at BCMC: February 12-February 19, 2023
Sun., Feb. 12, 2023
9:30 am Worship Service
10:30 am Pastoral Search Committee meeting in the Agape House
YouTube Link for this Sunday is: https://youtube.com/live/SbMedCfbgpo?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:30 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall; High School – Room 24
Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21)
Seekers (Rm 28) [They will be doing a “Ecclesiastes study” presented by Weldon Schloneger]
Mon., Feb. 13, 2023
6:30 pm Community Playschool Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
7 pm Newton Chorale rehearsal in the sanctuary
Wed., Feb. 15, 2023
9 am Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm Menno Ringers Rehearsal in Room B7
7 pm Youth Group meets
7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Feb. 16, 2023
4:30 pm Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
6:30 pm Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 pm Newton Chorale rehearsal in the Sanctuary
7 pm Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in Fellowship Hall
Fri., Feb. 17, 2023
11:30 am Sojourners Sunday School Class Lunch in Fellowship Hall
Sat., Feb. 18, 2023
1 pm Memorial Service for Marilyn Loeffler in the Sanctuary
Sun., Feb. 19, 2023
9:30 am Worship Service with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Choir
10:30 am Faith Formation
After the worship service Sunday the members of the Junior High Club will be selling an assortment of Super Bowl snacks. Snacks will be sold by donation. Donations go toward the Junior High Fund which is used to support activities like Snow Camp.
From the Board:
· Worship Commission:
At the beginning of the current program year, the Worship Commission
took a hiatus for reconsideration of the function and process of their work. The board formed the Worship Commission Task Group to explore the past experiences and future possibilities for the Commission. The BCMC board has now approved the Task Group’s recommendation that the Worship Commission be reestablished for the next program year. The Gifts Discernment Committee will seek nominees for the Worship Commission to be approved at our April congregational meeting. Thanks so much to the Task Group (Dorothy Nickel Friesen, Dale Schrag, Patty Shelly, and Adam Robb) for their thoughtful, thorough, and timely work and recommendation!
· Credentialing for Elizabeth Schmidt:
Those who have experienced Elizabeth’s ministry gifts along with Elizabeth’s own sense of calling lead her to seek licensure for specific ministry by the Western District Conference. This licensing grants all the privileges and responsibilities accorded to an ordained person but is focused on a specific role or ministry and does not lead to ordination. Elizabeth has met for discernment with Patty Shelly, Dorothy Nickel Friesen, and Nathan Koontz who offer much affirmation for her skills, characteristics, and motivation for licensing. The board, as representatives of the congregation, unanimously and joyfully affirmed the recommendation that Elizabeth pursue the process of licensing through Western District Conference for specific ministry in the role of Congregational Care Coordinator. Elizabeth Schmidt and Ada Schmidt-Tieszen, Moderator, are open to questions, comments, or affirmations. Elizabeth requests continued support as she seeks God’s guidance.
Welcome to Fernando Pérez and Rebeca González, who will join us in worship Sunday as guests from Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania, where they are serving as a couple in a shared transitional pastoral role during the coming year. Rebeca and Fernando are visiting from Mexico, bringing a rich experience in Spanish-speaking Anabaptist education and church-related ministries. Thank you to BCMC members for your support for Casa Betania during this transitional time!
Roger’s Whereabouts – Roger is traveling back to Topeka today. He will return to Newton on Friday, February 24, and will preach on Sunday, February 26.
BCMC Offering for February 5, 2023: General Fund $10,289.33; Sr Hi Youth $561; Living Stones $300; Kitchen Fund $14; Women’s Fellowship $50; Screen Project $1,245.
December was a wildly successful in terms of giving, January not so much. The income for January was $9,925 less than expenses. According to the church treasurer’s records, this is the sixth slowest start in the last 8 years. Please remember this as you make plans for your February giving.
– Finance Committee
To our BCMC family, We thank you for the cards and words of sympathy we received both preceding and following the death of Kathy’s brother, Jimmy Jackson. We are grateful that we have such a supportive church community. Your love and kindness provide us needed strength during this time of acceptance of God’s master plan. With our gratitude, Frank and Kathy
The Women’s Fellowship Executive Board will meet Wednesday the 15th in Fellowship Hall at 9:00 a.m.
Upcoming memorial services planned at BCMC:
· Memorial service for Marilyn Loeffler, Saturday, Feb. 18 at 1 pm
· Memorial service for Grace Schroeder, Saturday, March 25 at 11 am
February 26 has been designated as “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”
Sunday! “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 will match people who sign up as hosts with people who sign up as guests. Guests: You will receive your food assignment next Sunday, February 19. Hosts: Next Sunday, February 19, you will receive the number of guests you will host.
Come to Men and Boys Retreat, Mar. 31-Apr. 2 , at Camp Mennoscah, a long-standing, guys-only retreat. Enjoy time fishing, canoeing, worshiping, sitting by the fire, or visiting with friends in fellowship. The official beginning to the weekend is Saturday morning, but many arrive on Friday. There will be a worship service on Sunday morning. Meals can be purchased for Saturday night, Sunday morning and lunch. No pre-registration. Registration and payment will take place upon arrival. More information contact Kevin Neufeld at 316-322-5515.
There will be a volunteer training at New Hope Shelter Feb. 23, 7 p.m.
Volunteers are trained for what is expected of them on evenings from 5-11 p.m. Anyone who wishes to be a volunteer must be trained by a New Hope staff member beforehand, and this orientation gives one that preparation. Please consider becoming a New Hope volunteer and let Valetta Seymour know if you have questions. seymour2314@gmail.com, 620-217-7536.
Life Enrichment for Feb. 16—Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center, Bethel College
9:30 am “Let’s Hop Over the Gate!”, Jennifer Isaacs, assistant director, Wren House, Valley Center
10:50 am “Writing East of Liberal: Broadening My Perspective of the Land,” Raylene Hinz Penner, North Newton, lecturer emeritus, Department of English, Washburn University
Bethel College Announcements
· Sun., Feb. 19 – KIPCOR Film Series presents No Time to Waste: The Urgent Mission of Betty Reid Soskin, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. The film’s subject will be present via Zoom for the talkback following the film. No Time to Waste looks at the legendary 101-year-old park ranger’s inspiring life, work and determination to restore critical missing chapters of America’s story. Free and open to the public, with a freewill offering taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.
· Tues., Feb. 21 – Bethel College Chamber Orchestra concert, directed by Kristopher Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Thurs., Feb. 23 – Greer Lecture with ceramicist Stacey Stanhope Dundon, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel, followed by a reception for the artist and her exhibit “Farm to Table” at the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center, Bethel College. Exhibit closes Fri., Feb. 24. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, 2-4 p.m. Sundays.
· Sun., Feb. 26 – Bethel College Concert Choir Tour Send-off Concert, directed by Dr. Henry Waters, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall (please note the change in date from some previously printed calendars)
SAVE THE DATE! Come join the fun at 15th annual MCC Comforter Blitz on March 6, 7 and 8 on the Journey Yoder Campus, one mile north of Yoder, KS. Times are Monday and Tuesday 9-5 and Wednesday 9-4. No sewing skills are required, we will teach you. Lunch is available by donation each day, or you may bring your own sack lunch. Bring snacks to share during the workday. This event is hosted by Kansas Friends of MCC to make comforters for relief to be sent to refugees or places after natural disasters. Please contact the MCC Central States office with questions at #316-283-2720, or check the Comforter Blitz Facebook Page, “Kansas MCC Comforter Blitz”.
· Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is seeking a Donor Relations Associate: This role is responsible for assisting in the implementation of the donor relations strategy for MCC Central States by stewarding major donors involving face-to-face contact to meet the budgeted income goals and generate the necessary resources to accomplish the mission of MCC. This is a full-time position; office location is flexible. Apply online by February 24 at mcc.org/donor-relations-associate. For more information contact Amber Falcón at 574-534-4133 or amberfalcon@mcc.org.
· MCC Central States annual meeting, March 4 from 1-3 p.m. at MCC in North Newton, Kansas. This will primarily be an in-person event, but if you would like a link to join via Zoom please email tinaschrag@mcc.org for the link.
Mennonite Central Committee is accepting donations to support people affected by the Feb. 6 earthquake in Türkiye (Turkey) and Syria. MCC is working with long-term partners in Aleppo and surrounding areas to provide emergency food, shelter, hygiene, sanitation supplies and trauma counseling. In a country already vulnerable from years of conflict, this was a devastating blow. You can share God’s love and compassion with our global neighbors by providing a gift online at mcc.org/earthquake, by calling (888) 563-4676 or by sending a check earmarked for “Syria and Türkiye earthquake” to MCC, PO Box 500, Akron PA 17501.
MCC and MCUSA are partnering in a new webinar series, Beyond incarceration: A hard look at dismantling the prison system and building healthy communities. Join us to learn about the ways the faith community is actively understanding and working against these complex systems of confinement. The webinars will take place on Feb. 7, Feb. 21, March 7, and March 21 at 6:30 p.m. CST/5:30 p.m. MST. They will be followed by learning tour opportunities in different parts of the U.S. Registration link: mcc.org/beyond-incarceration-webinars
· Newton Et Cetera Shop is hosting a Women’s Clothing Extravaganza Feb. 16-18! We have an overflow of clothing donations, thanks to our generous donors, and want to pass along the generosity to our customers. On the week of Valentine’s Day, this event is a way for us to show our love for our community by sharing generously what we’ve been given, to show love for the earth by shopping second-hand and reducing our carbon footprint, and to show love for those in need by raising funds for our Local Giving grants and Mennonite Central Committee. During this special event, all women’s clothing items in bins on the sales floor will be $3 each. This includes women’s tops, pants, skirts and dresses. The store is located at 619 N. Main St. in Newton. Special business hours for the event are 10-7 Thursday, Feb. 16, and their usual business hours 10-5:30 Friday, Feb. 17, and Saturday, Feb. 18. Shoppers should note that because of the volume of clothing, the dressing rooms will not be available for this special sale. They will need to plan to try on items over their own clothing.
· Newton Et Cetera Shop invites you to become a volunteer! Help us to share God’s love with all creation by volunteering in clothing, clerking, recycling, linens, housewares or one of our other departments. If you’d like to join us, please stop by, call us at 316.283.9461, or attend one of our upcoming volunteer orientations to tell us what interests you: Thurs., 2/16/23 5-6 p.m. or Thurs. 3/09/23 5-6 p.m.
· Newton Et Cetera Shop welcomes your donations at our back door Tues.-Fri. 9:30-5:00 and Sat. 9:30-3:00. We’re happy to help you find new homes for your gently-used clothing, furniture, home goods, toys, books, movies, small electronics, and more. Please call us with any questions if you’re wondering what we’ll accept: 316-283-9461. Your donations help to support people in need in our community and around the world through the work of our local partners and Mennonite Central Committee!
Everence® webinar: Social Security and retirement income
Everence® will hold an informative Social Security and retirement income webinar on Thursday, Feb. 23, starting at 6:30 p.m. Specifics will include, Social Security strategies, including when to begin taking benefits, risks that can impact your retirement savings plus strategies to help your income last throughout retirement. There will also be time for questions.
Information will be presented by staff from the Everence offices in Central Kansas. To register contact Everence at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.
Securities offered through Concourse Financial Group Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Investments and other products are not NCUA or otherwise federally insured, may involve loss of principal and have no credit union guarantee.
Products and services offered through Everence Trust Company and other Everence entities are independent of and are not guaranteed or endorsed by Concourse Financial Group Securities, or its affiliates.
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Youth Volunteer Weekend is March 24-25! Youth in Grades 6-12 are invited to come to this retreat focused on worship and service. The retreat begins on Friday at 7pm with registration followed by snacks, games, and campfire. Rachel and Isaac, the Senior High program directors, will lead activities. Register in the Summer Youth Camp section by adding a person or session, if you have already registered for camp.
Other events and happenings:
- Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. 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!
- Interviews for Summer Staff In Progress!We are seeking stunning summer staff to fill the following leadership positions for the 2023 summer: crafts, lifeguard, music, nature, office, and grounds. These positions are typically filled by college-age students, are summer-long and receive a stipend. Lifeguards and grounds are especially needed. It’s a summer of fun, service and faith formation!
- Spring Scrapbook and Craft Retreat registration is open!Online registration can be found here. Croppers and crafters of all skill levels are welcome. Participants at the Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats will have lodging in the Retreat Center and work space at the Dining Hall. Grade 3 and above are welcome with an accompanying adult. Further details available on the website or at 620-297-3290. See you in March!
- Help us Plan for the Future! A seven-question survey will help us know how camp is used and what you would like to see in the future. This survey will close at the end of February. Click here to tell us what you think!
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!
The Western District Resource Commission is offering Mustard Seed Grants for up to $500 to WDC congregations who are seeking to share the good news of Jesus in their communities. This is seed money for creative ideas for connecting with neighbors, so relationships can be strengthened and the reconciling love of God can be shared. The hope is that these grants will empower congregations to examine ways to link good news and good works together in a way that is authentically Anabaptist. The grants are available through January 31, 2024.
Criteria for the Mustard Seed Grant include:
- an identifiable connection to the surrounding community
- a way to build relationships with fellow church members as well as the broader community
- congregational buy-in to the program (matching fund/sweat equity)
- applicants must be from a WDC congregation
- if awarded grant, a short report about the impact this has made on your congregation and community will be shared with WDC
Go to https://mennowdc.org/wdc-mustard-seed-grant-application-2/ to apply.
Blessings as you ponder ways to embolden individuals to share the good news so that God’s healing and hope may flow through you and out into the world.
Community Health Assessment Survey
A survey may be completed by anyone age 18+ and who lives or works in Harvey County.
The assessment is completed every three years. Paper surveys are located at each library in the county. The survey is open through Friday, February 24. Collective survey information along with data points will be shared with stakeholders who will help to prioritize three to five health issues to focus on over the next three years.
Take the health survey to tell us what are the health issues in Harvey County.
English survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CHNA2023
Spanish survey: https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/CHNA2023ES
For a letter and Biodegradable Containers Policy from Jim Robb, Chair of Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale press here.
For Mennonite Mission Network Making our way press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Menno Snapshots
What happens when you hold a Mennonite Church USA conference ministers retreat in San Francisco, California? Lots of chocolate (Ghirardelli, of course), conversation and connection! Connie Zehr, moderator and acting conference minister of New York Mennonite Conference, reflects on her experience at her first conference minister’s retreat. Read more of her reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/connections-chocolate
For Frank Scoffield Sánchez, a speaker at Mennonite Church USA’s recent Hope for the Future conference for BIPOC leaders, his example of faith as he was growing up was full of contradictions. When he and his wife became Mennonite, about seven years ago, he began to ask questions about these contradictions. Read more of his thoughts here: mennoniteusa.org/time-as-this
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Christy Harrison and Peter Sensenig and their three children are engaged in ministry in Chad, jointly serving with Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM) and Mennonite Mission Network. Pray for them as they share Jesus’ love in their daily lives — Peter, as he teaches at Shalom Faculty of Evangelical Theology; Christy, as she works at a hospital; and their children, as they interact with classmates and neighbors.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC chaplains, pastors and congregational care teams who offer support to church and community members living with mental, emotional, and physical health challenges.
For the 2023 Lent Devotion press here
Copies are also available in the Gathering Place at BCMC
