BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
March 20, 2022
From Earning to Receiving
Seeking God’s Ways
Prelude— Lonesome Valley (arr. Francis Jackson)—Verlene Garber, organ
Herzlich Tut Mich Verlangen (J.S. Bach)
Introit—Calm Me Lord [VT 680]—Chancel Choir, William Eash, director; Verlene Garber, accompanist
Christ Candle Lighting—Dave Linscheid
Call to Worship
Leader: Together we seek the way of God,
People: whose ways are not our ways, whose thoughts are beyond our thoughts.
Leader: Today we accept God’s invitation to the feast,
People: where there is water in the desert and delightful food to share.
Leader: As we worship, we receive the abundant gifts of God
People: without money and without price.
All: So let us praise God and sing for joy.
Lenten Prayer of Confession
Leader: Holy One, we seek you while you may be found.
People: We call upon you while you are near.
Leader: Have mercy on us, O God, for our thoughts are not your thoughts and our ways are not your ways.
People: Forgive us for acting as if we must earn your love. Open us to receiving your love as a gift.
Leader: As we walk with Christ on the Lenten journey, let us see your way more clearly
All: and follow your way more faithfully.
*Hymn—My Hope is Built—VT 621
Children’s Conversation—Jim Robb
Worship Music—Do Not Be Afraid (Philip W. J. Stopford)—Chancel Choir
Scripture Reading— Isaiah 55:1-9 and Luke 13:1-9—Jon and Justin Zerger
Sermon— A Year of Grace—Renee Reimer
*Hymn—Precious Lord, Take My Hand— VT 610
Prayers of God’s People—Dave Linscheid
*Hymn—You Shall Go Out with Joy—VT 847
Benediction—Renee Reimer
Benediction Response—We are Tossed and Driven [VT 311]—Chancel Choir
Postlude—Our God, Our Help in Ages Past (arr. Fleischer)—Verlene Garber
* You are invited to stand VT = Voices Together
Audio visual—Ben Lichti
Pastors—Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Todd Schlosser
Staff Absences
- Pastor Nathan Koontz will be gone from March 14-20.
- Pastor Renee Reimer will be gone from March 21-25.
BCMC Offering for March 13, 2022
General Fund $4,717; Library Reserve Fund $5; Living Stones $138.33; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $500; Women’s Fellowship $50.
This week at BCMC
Remember to check your emails for changes/updates for events
Sunday, March 20, 2022—3rd Sunday of Lent
9:30 am Worship Service (in person and live streamed)
There will be no children and youth Sunday School on March 20 due to spring break. Koinonia (college students welcome!) – The Agape House
The Agape Class will meet in Room B8
Adult Classes (If meeting): Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5);
Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Mosaic (Rm 20); Open Circle (Room 21); Seekers (Rm 28); Sojourners (Chapel)
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
9-11 am Community Playschool
4 pm Lent Prayers by Zoom
Wednesday, March 23, 2022—BCMC Pictorial Picture Taking—2 pm-9 pm
7 pm Youth Group in Gathering Place
7 pm Wednesday Night Club for 3rd to 8th Graders
7:30 pm Chancel Choir in the Sanctuary
Thursday, March 24, 2022—BCMC Pictorial Picture Taking—2 pm-9 pm
4 pm Witness Commission in Room 14
4 pm Lent Prayers by Zoom
6:15 pm Chancel Bells in Room B7
Friday and Saturday, March 25 and 26, 2022—BCMC Pictorial Picture Taking
Sunday, March 27—4th Sunday of Lent
9:30 am Worship Service (in person and live streamed)
10:30 am Faith Formation
Lent Prayers
Pastoral staff at BCMC will be facilitating prayers during lent on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 4 pm. This is a time to take a break from the day and let evening come. We will pray together via Zoom for about 15-20 minutes using the daily prayer book from the Corrymeela Community, northern Ireland’s longest running peace and reconciliation organization: Daily Prayer with the Corrymeela Community by Padraig O Tuama.The next prayer times will be March 22 and 24.
Below is the link for our lent prayers via zoom using Daily Prayer with the Corrymeela Community as our guide. This same link should work for each prayer time.
Bethel College Mennonite Church is inviting you to a lent prayer Zoom meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85751414152?pwd=MDN0a0x1Z2xSbUtyMU4xWHlQZFR1UT09
Meeting ID: 857 5141 4152
Passcode: 834612
Sign Up now for BCMC Pictorial Directory!
The photo sessions for the pictorial directory are filling up quickly. You can still sign-up March 23, 24, 25, and 26. ANYONE who wants to be included in the BCMC Photo Directory is welcomed to participate. Official membership is NOT required.
All photography sessions will be held in Fellowship Hall, March 23, 24, 25, and 26. The photo sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will run from 2:00 to 8:30 pm and on Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
There will be same day proofing of pictures. You will have a professional photography session, and afterwards be able to view your proofs and have the opportunity to purchase extra portraits for family and friends.
Three options for making an appointment March 23, 24, 25, or 26:
1. Click on the link below and make your appointment yourself on-line
https://instant-scheduling.com/sch.php?kn=3534502&typId=63985&step=2
2. Call Doris Whillock at (316) 283-5561 to set up your appointment date
3. Sign up before or after the worship service on Sunday.
Every family photographed for the directory will receive a copy of the directory and an 8×10 portrait at no cost. So please, sign-up today!
Not available March 23-26? If you or a family member are not able to have your picture taken, you may still submit a digital photo for publication in the directory. Please send a digital head and shoulders photo to d.whillock@cox.net
Pictures should be oriented vertically, not horizontally. Photos cannot be from another professional photographer because of copyright issues. Please list names of all people in the photo from left to right. The final deadline for this is April 2, but we would appreciate having them as soon as possible! Act quickly, no late photos can be published!! We want all BCMC members and attendees to be included!
Individuals sitting for a professional photo get a copy of the directory at no cost. If you send in a digital photo and would like a copy of the pictorial directory, we are asking for a $10.00 donation to cover the cost of printing.
Future Event to Place on your Calendars
The Memorial Service for Mary Ann Unruh Gertsen will be Saturday, April 2, 11 am, in the BCMC sanctuary. Mary Ann died October 25, 2021.
Collecting Supplies for our BCMC College Students!
Faith Formation Commission is collecting non-perishable goodies for our BCMC college students. We currently have 10 youth attending colleges in Virginia, Kansas, Minnesota, and Missouri. We would love to share our love and support with them in their final months of the year and are asking for donations of snacks, fast food gift cards, microwavable food (i.e. ramon, mac n cheese, popcorn, etc,), chewing gum, chapstick, hand sanitizer and masks, or cash. We invite people to bring 10 items for each of our students and place them in their Fed Ex boxes that will be located on a table in The Gathering Place foyer on Sunday March 20th and March 27th. We will mail the boxes on March 28th.
There will be a Mentor and Mentee event on Sunday, April 24th from 4-6pm at the North Newton pickleball court. Faith Formation will lead some Bible minute to win it games, there will be yard games and snacks available, and hopefully some fun pickleball games for all to enjoy. Reach out to your mentor or mentee and come and spend some quality time together!
The Land Acknowledgement Sunday School session after worship on March 6th sprouted interest for many individuals to dig a bit deeper into new learnings in this area. Karin Kaufman Wall put together a “Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Resource” sheet for individuals or small groups to dig in deeper together. We invite you to engage some of these resources as individuals, households, or with your Sunday School classes. Here is the attached list for further learnings.
For the resource sheet press here
The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale Needs You!
In order for the Mennonite Central Committee Kansas Relief Sale to be a success it needs a lot of volunteers! A Volunteer Video has been made (with our very own Jim Robb!) to help get the word out. Click on this link to view the video. https://youtu.be/oPwcQfi1tSI
To volunteer for the sale you can go to the Kansas Relief Sale website. For the website press here
CALLING ALL BAKERS: There will be sign-up sheets at the back of the sanctuary each Sunday through April 3 for persons willing to take the time and energy to help alleviate physical suffering around the world by baking pies, Zwieback, etc., for the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale. Don’t pass up this chance to exercise your culinary skills in the service of Christ and his kin-dom.
MY COINS COUNT: In addition to the collection jars in the Sunday School rooms, you will note that jars have been placed in the back of the sanctuary by the offering plates. We don’t want to deny those of you who aren’t attending a Sunday School class the opportunity to lighten both the weight of your pockets and your feelings of guilt for not contributing regularly to the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale.
Bohne berrogie bake day for the MCC sale will be on April 2 at Moundridge High. Volunteers are needed to fill the berrogie. Shifts are at 6:45 and 9:00. Please wear a head covering. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Marla Gillmore at 620-921-0428 or at bmg@lrmutual.com. Let’s make this happen for MCC.
BETHEL COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sun., March 20 – Bethel College’s Staley Lecture Series presents Karen González, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel. González is the author of The God Who Sees: Immigrants, the Bible and the Journey to Belong (Herald Press, 2019). She will also speak in Bethel College’s convocation on Mon., March 21, 11 a.m., Memorial Hall.
Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, Susan and David Harmon, “Painterly Aesthetics: An Expressive Duet,” through April 7. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Fri.-Sun., March 25-27 – Spring musical at Bethel College, Bright Star by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Friday** and Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets at Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center, weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (316-284-5205 for credit card orders), online at https://www.bethelks.edu/fine-arts, or at the door, subject to availability. **The Friday night performance will be signed for the Deaf and hearing impaired. Adult language and themes – not intended for young audiences.
Save the date: Tues., April 5, guest artist Aaron Linscheid, trumpet, with Bethel College jazz ensembles.
HESSTON COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bel Canto Singers Home Concert: Deep Peace – March 22, 7 p.m., Hesston Mennonite Church
Hesston College Bel Canto Singers will travel east for a spring break tour with performances in Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio. The program is inspired by this year’s theme verse at Hesston College, Ephesians 4:2-3, in which Paul calls Christians to lift each other up in community. A full itinerary of their tour, beginning on March 12, along with live stream link of the home concert can be found at www.hesston.edu/music.
Where have all the Pastors Gone? – March 25 to 26, Hesston Mennonite Church and online
A Weekend College event presented by Hesston’s Center for Anabaptist Leadership and Learning (CALL) program, the seminar will explore strategies to encourage discernment and development of calls to leadership within our congregations. Discuss barriers to the pastoral call and work at strategies to remove those barriers. Explore ways the church can change to make the pastor role more attractive. Online and in-person options available. Learn more and register at hesston.edu/weekendcollege.
Sunflower Performing Arts presents: Kevin Vaughn, organ, and Stephen Lancaster, baritone – March 27, 3 p.m., Hesston Mennonite Church
In collaboration with the Andover Organ Series, enjoy a splendid musical performance that will include Five Mystical Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams joined by Bel Canto Singers. Info at sunflowerarts.org.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!
CAMP MENNOSCAH ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Camp Mennoscah Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Tammy Duvanel Unruh has accepted the position of Development Director. Tammy has a BA from Bethel College, has completed work toward a Master of Arts in Communication Studies at WSU, and work toward a Master of Divinity from Great Plains Seminary/AMBS.
Tammy is no stranger to Camp Mennoscah; she served as Co-Director for Pre-Junior camps from 1993-2016. At Mennoscah, and other venues, Tammy has led many youth and women’s programs including planning, organizing, curriculum writing, speaking, music, and dramatic performances, often of her own material. She has a long history of involvement with youth ministries, serving as Sunday School teacher and in various Youth Ministry/Coordinator positions. This has provided her the opportunity to plan and organize countless activities and service trips.
In addition, Tammy has worked in the classroom filling roles such as Debate and Forensics Coach, and Instructor in Speech and Communications. As an educator, she has taught in higher education at Hutchinson Community College and Bethel College, as well as High Schools in Moundridge, Newton and Sedgwick.
Tammy clearly has a passion for youth, their faith formation, and helping them navigate todays world. She embraces all aspects of the camping experience and will bring her gifts of communication to endorse Camp Mennoscah for all ages, backgrounds, and life situations.
Please join me in welcoming Tammy to Camp Mennoscah and congratulating her on the role of Development Director.
Jill Litwiller, President
Camp Mennoscah Board of Directors
Camp Mennoscah is also pleased to announce that Cherie Bruce has joined the year-round staff as the Office Assistant. She is a Kansas native who grew up in the Smoky Hill River Valley area. Cherie is a graduate of McPherson College and more than pleased to be using her art and communication skills to aid Camp Mennoscah in its mission. She lives in McPherson with her husband Kelly and her two cats, Tater Tot and Tater Salad. In her off time, she enjoys reading, drawing, and visiting thrift stores and niche small town museums. Welcome, Cherie! We are so glad to have you at Camp Mennoscah.
Other events and happenings:
- Youth Volunteer Weekend is April 9-10! This weekend of service and worship for grades 6-12 returns with vigor. Start your weekend of fun on Saturday at the MCC Sale in Hutchinson (on your own or with your youth group) and then bring the fun with you to Camp Mennoscah in the afternoon.Register at www.campmennoscah.org! (Registration is under Summer Camps.)
- The dam in the Ninnescah River will be replaced on March 20 beginning at 2pm. Meet by the shelter/stairs to the dam. Everyone is invited to help or watch the process. Some activities are not appropriate for young children. Kevin Neufeld will organize and direct volunteers. Questions can be directed to Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290.
- Kitchen helpersneeded for Summer Youth Camps! Your time and skill give campers a week of growing in Christian fellowship and experiencing God’s great creation. Cooks need only willing hands and the ability to follow directions. Kitchen staff is needed for June 19-23, July 3-9 and July 17-23. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org.
- Better camp discount ends April 1! Summer Youth Camp registration is open. The theme of “What’s in a Name?” focuses on how God knows us beyond any name we may be called. Don’t fret if you miss getting your registration and full payment in by April 1. After April 1, you’ll still get a good rate for an amazing week of camp. Register at www.campmennoscah.org!
- Getting ready for outside fun! Camp Mennoscah needs to replace some outdoor sports equipment, including 4-square/Gaga balls, frisbees for ultimate, inner tubes and air pump. Check out the Camp Mennoscah Wish List on amazon.com or the Wish List. Challenge your Sunday School class or youth group to help meet camp needs! We’ve got many more ideas. Contact us by replying to this email.
- New Volunteer Projects every month! This month we’ve added cleaning gutters, lubricating locks, and deep-cleaning the oven and hood–plus more!There are volunteer projects for every group size, skill set and length of project. Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer. See the Wish List for other ways to support Camp Mennoscah!
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS
MCC response in Ukraine: MCC continues to be in communication with our program partners, many of whom have reduced capacity because of the conflict. Currently, partners are responding in some regions as they are able with supplies they can secure. This includes distributing food, blankets, medications and fuel as well as other emergency supplies. The changing situations in the various cities and regions in Ukraine where there is conflict makes this work difficult and at times dangerous. MCC will continue to determine how it can support short-term needs. However, MCC’s strength continues to be mid and long-term disaster response and we are working to formulate these plans for Ukraine. MCC has been working in Ukraine for 100 years and we will continue to serve in Ukraine long after the crisis disappears from the news cycle. Donate today to support these efforts at mcc.org/ukraine
Mennonite Central Committee is hiring a full time Director of International Program. Seeking someone with international development experience who understand and supports MCC’s vision for relief, development and peace in the name of Christ. Come join our team. Apply online by March 28 at mcc.org/serve.
Make your voice heard! Join MCC in urging President Biden to pursue peaceful solutions in Ukraine. MCC asks the United States government to continue considering approaches that do not rely on military intervention or military support. Engage with your elected officials on this topic and many others through MCC today!
For the Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
From: Cleo Koop, Kansas Mennonite Disaster Service Unit chair
Date: March 17, 2022
Re: Cottonwood Complex fire in Reno County Kansas
The Kansas Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) is currently responding to the Cottonwood Complex Fire in Reno County Kansas. Each day we need 1-2 skid steer loaders, a track machine is helpful or a tractor with loader and a grapple fork is very helpful. We can use 4-6 volunteers each day to help with a cutting torch, sifting through and picking up debris. Please contact Cleo Koop at cleohkoop@gmail.com or 316-282-0797 if you are able to help.
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
MENNONITE CHURCH USA ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mennonite Church USA Executive Board reappointed Amy Gingerich for a second four-year term as executive director of MennoMedia, the denominational publishing arm. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/mennomedia-reappointed/
Mennonite Men, a constituency group of Mennonite Church USA, invites all men to join them for a week-long Oregon Eco-excursion on June 11-19. Explore wild spaces, learn about God’s creation and help with newly planted trees along the Zena Forest. For more information and to register (by April 11), visit: https://oregon-eco-excursion.mailchimpsites.com/
Menno Snapshots
For Eric Massanari, chaplain and spiritual director, writing poetry is more than a spiritual practice – it’s a leap of faith! Read his blog, “Raids on the inarticulate: writing poetry as an act of faith,” here: mennoniteusa.org/writing-poetry-faith
Menno Snapshots
Adriana Celis, writer for MenoTicias, journaled about her trip to Indiana in “MenoTicias in Indiana strengthens bonds for IBA and SeBAH biblical and theological education.” MenoTicias is the Spanish-language digital newsletter of Mennonite Church USA and Hispanic Ministries of Mennonite Education Agency. Read Celis’ blog here: mennoniteusa.org/menoticias-in-indiana
Menno Snapshots
In “An invitation to be born again,” Joanna Harader echoes Scripture’s call to repentance and encourages readers to turn toward a more life-giving way of being God’s people by celebrating the faith, the gifts and the presence of LGBTQIA people. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/invitation-born-again
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Austin Roberts, who has worked with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Northern Ireland since 2016. Pray for him as he juggles teaching locally and internationally with pursuing a mostly online doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary in California.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for the work of the WDC Immigration Task Force, as they connect and equip congregations that are offering hospitality and advocating for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
Janeen Bertsche Johnson (Director of Campus Ministries; Admission Associate; Development Associate; Alumni Director; Core Adjunct Faculty) from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) joins BCMC for worship this Sunday. Janeen will share about AMBS during the kinship time and offers the morning sermon on this upcoming first Sunday of Lent. The following is from her short biography on the AMBS website.