Author Archives: Monica Lichti

Announcements for October 16-23, 2022

LOOK UP EVERYONE!
Our new screen is in place. The projector, monitors, software and switching devices are all in place and working. Only one small problem…we were sent the wrong screen. The screen we ordered will descend much lower than the present one and will be installed when it arrives (in several months). Thanks to everyone for your support and patience.

This Week at BCMC: October 16—October 23, 2022
Sunday, October 16
9:30 am          Worship Service with Credence Consultation Report
Monday, October 17
7 pm                Task Group for Decolonization meeting in Room 14
Tuesday, October 18
9 to 11 am      Community Playschool
7 pm                Women’s Fellowship Meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, October 19—Wednesday Night Suppers
5:30-7 pm   Faith Formation is hosting a community building event at P and M Pumpkin Ranch Come for a hot dog meal by at the Willow campfire site located at P and M. Food and drink will be provided!

There will be Wednesday night supper at the church this week
6 pm    Wednesday Supper serving line starts at 6-6:15 pm and a welcome and blessing will be at 6:20 pm—Menu for tonight is Chicken Cordon Bleu, broccoli; mashed potatoes; and M&M chocolate brownies

7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area

Thursday, October 20
9 to 11 am Community Playschool
4 pm       Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
6:30 pm Chancel Bells rehearsal in room B7
6:30 pm Abuse Prevention and Response Committee meeting in Room 14
7 pm       Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, October 23
9:30 am         Worship with sermon by Todd Schlosser
10:15 am       Fellowship Time in the Gathering Place
10:30 am       Faith Formation

BCMC Women’s Fellowship meets Tuesday, October 18 at 7:00 pm. Weldon and Florence Schloneger will present a program of poetry accompanied by photos of nature. The South east door will be open.

Staff Absence: Monica Lichti will be on vacation from Oct. 17-21, 2022.

It’s Supper Time at BCMC! Oct. 19, 6 pm, in Fellowship Hall. Serving line starts at 6-6:15 pm and a welcome and blessing will be at 6:20 pm. To make reservations for supper, email office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org by, Oct. 17. Cost is $6/person or $18/family per meal. Please bring your own table service. Menu for Oct. 19 is Chicken Cordon Bleu, broccoli, mashed potatoes, M&M chocolate brownies

Update from the Church Board:
Worship Commission Task Group:
At the end of the last program year (May 2022), the Church Board agreed to put the Worship Commission on hiatus for one year to offer a time for discussion and reflection concerning its purpose and process. The board has appointed a task group to explore possibilities for the future. They are currently gathering information from pastors, former Worship Commission members, and others. If you’d like to offer input, you may contact Dorothy Nickel Friesen, Patty Shelly, Dale Schrag, or Adam Robb.

Interim Pastor Possibility:
Western District Conference has contacted the church board with news that there is someone who is interested in exploring an interim pastor position with our church. Within the next few weeks the church board plans to interview this person and then share more information with the congregation.

Kathy Stucky is offering 20 free tickets to the special exhibit at Botanica in Wichita, “Washed Ashore—Art to Save the Sea.” The exhibit which features “14 oversized amazing sculptures made completely by ocean debris” will be at Botanica until Oct. 23, 2022. The tickets are in Kathy Stucky’s mailbox here at the church. Feel free to help yourself. It’s an exhibit well worth seeing!

Heartfelt thanks go to all who remembered my mother, Anna Grace (Wiens) Flickinger, both for her 100th birthday celebration, and at the time of her death. It was certainly a rich, full month for our family, and the support and encouragement we received is gratefully acknowledged. A special thank you to the Prayer Network for the prayers on our behalf. Carol Flickinger and Roger Juhnke

BCMC Oct. 9 Offering: General Fund $9,714.85; Caring Fund $150; Library Reserve Fund $5; Living Stones $940; Screen Project $1,000

October 23 and October 30: What is Loss of Turtle Island? (Don’t miss it! It hasn’t been offered for three years!). Many Native People called the North American continent “Turtle Island.” In this interactive simulation event created by MCC to be held in Mem Hall at 4 p.m. on Sunday October 23 (no registration! Just show up before 4 p.m.!), you will experience a re-creation of how Native People lost their land. You will feel what it is like to be evicted from your homeland. You will learn about the Doctrine of Discovery, American and Mennonite history. You will be changed by what you learn. . . . And a week later, participants from BCMC have a unique opportunity to share together about what the experience was like on Sunday, October 30 at 5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at a Sampler of Native foods–wild rice, the Three Sisters (corn, beans, squash) as we talk about what we learned and what we can do today in acts of restorative justice and repair. BCMC Task Group for Decolonization

The Library Theme for October/November is Selected Biographies. The Library Committee chose biographies that we thought you would find interesting in both the adult and children/youth sections. As always, the adult highlighted books are shelved in back of the library desk while the Everybody/Youth books are shelved on the south wall of the children/youth room. Please come in and check these out or to see what new to you puzzles are available for a donation on the west wall of the check out room or on the cart outside of the library. Happy Reading!

Quilter’s Corner is gladly accepting donations for the Mennonite Central Committee sale which is April 14 and 15, 2023. Bring your fabric, notions, quilts and quilting supplies to the MCC Center in North Newton clearly labeled for Quilter’s Corner. If questions, contact Ann Yoder Smith at 919-604-3282.

After two years of not meeting, we are excited to announce plans for the Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association Fall banquet. It will be held at the Eden Mennonite Church near Moundridge on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Brian Stucky, a 1971 graduate of Moundridge High School and currently living in Goessel.. As a descendant of the family who operated the Alta Mill near Moundridge, he will give a program about “Mennonite Mills in Central Kansas”. Knackie’s will cater the meal. The cost to attend is $25 per person payable at the door. RSVP by texting or calling Nancy Stucky, 620-532-5693 by October 24.

The Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra presents “The Magic Flute in Concert” with Opera Kansas, today, Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. in the Newton High School Auditorium. Chris David Westover-Muñoz leads orchestra and vocal soloists on a concert adaptation of Mozart’s classic opera. Tickets are Adults $18 at the door/$15 advance; Students $7; twelve and under are free with an adult. Purchase at Faith & Life Bookstore, or online at www.nmkso.org.

The Intergenerational Sunday School class which meets in the Fellowship Hall, is in need of old or unused crayons. If you have crayons to donate, please put them in the box by the mailboxes. We will be collecting crayons until October 23.

Abuse Prevention and Response Committee (APRC) is looking for persons to volunteer as a Care Team member. If you would like more information or feel a call to serve in this roll, email Jill Robb at adamandjillrobb@gmail.com

Mennonite Central Committee Buckets of Thanks: This Thanksgiving season, show your gratitude and provide hope to those in need by collecting relief supplies for MCC. The supplies you donate will fill a Bucket of Thanks (aka an MCC relief kit) for people affected by conflict or disaster around the world. For more information, including supply lists and a ready-to-use curriculum for children, visit: mccbuckets.org.

Bethel College Announcements
TODAY (Sun., Oct. 16) & Mon., Oct. 17 – Annual Menno Simons Lectures with Brad Gregory, Reformation scholar from the University of Notre Dame, 7 p.m. both evenings, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College; overall topic is “The Radical Reformation and Religious Freedom: A Historical Retrospective.”

Thurs., Oct. 20 – The inaugural Senses & Aging Symposium, 6-8:30 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, with Karen Kendrick speaking on “Hearing Loss and Fall Prevention” and Angela Loucks Alexander presenting from Australia on “Auditory Processing Disorder in Adults.” The symposium is free but registration is requested at www.bethelks.edu/academics/convocation-lectures/senses-aging-symposium

Last week to see “Environmental Exposure,” sculpture by Glen Ediger, in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, through Fri., Oct. 21. The gallery is closed Oct. 16-18 for Bethel’s fall break, and open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Sun., Oct. 23 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program with oral historian Ina Navazelskis from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, 4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College (note change from usual time and location). Followed by the museum’s annual Living Endowment Dinner, featuring Justina Neufeld and Janine Wedel, for which reservations are required by Oct. 18; e-mail kauffman@bethelks.eduor call 316-283-1612.

Fri.-Sat., Nov. 4-5 – “Old Books Made New – The Surprising Wisdom of Erasmus for Today,” an intercollegiate symposium honoring the Mennonite Library & Archives at Bethel College and libraries everywhere. Keynote address by Greta Kroeker, Ph.D., Friday, Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Saturday events in Krehbiel Auditorium and via technology at Conrad Grebel University College, Eastern Mennonite University and Goshen College. See marpeck-fund.bethelks.edu/events/old-books-made-new/

Everence^® to hold Social Security and retirement income workshop in October

Everence will hold the popular Social Security and retirement income workshop at its office in North Newton on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

The workshop will cover, Social Security strategies including when to begin taking benefits, strategies to help your retirement income last, and risks that can impact your retirement savings.

The in-person workshop will be held at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton. Those interested in attending should contact the Everence office 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.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!

Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, 43 13^th Avenue, Inman, will hold its annual Sausage Mission Supper on Saturday, October 22, 5:00 – 6:30. This will be a curbside pick up meal featuring our traditional menu of German sausage, mashed potatoes with gravy, creamed peas, zwiebach, applesauce and pie. Cost will be a free will offering with all proceeds going to support The Mary Magdalene House, Hutchinson. This is a ministry to taste the goodness of God and specializes in pastoral counseling with families dealing with mental illness, working through addiction, adoption issues, marital problems, etc. Check out their website at www.marymagdalenehouse.com Call or text Barb (620-543-6863) or Teresa (620-242-2357) NOW to order meals.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
There are two opportunities to get your Camp Mennoscah fix this weekend! Come out on Saturday, spend some time volunteering and then take one last kayak ride this year. Sunday is river-focused. Watch or help take out the dam. The weather looks great! See below for details.

Other events and happenings:

Work and Play Day on October 15! Share a few hours of your time for the satisfaction of improving camp grounds and enjoy some free time wandering the trails, fishing, or whatever your favorite camp activity is. The day starts at 8:30am at the maintenance shed. If you are coming from a distance, ask about an overnight stay. Let us know you’re coming, so we can plan for you and your friends. Bring a lunch and water bottle. Call 620-297-3290 or email olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org!
We’re taking out the dam on October 16 at approx. 2:30pm! Everyone is welcome to join in or to watch. Gather at the shelter. (The actual removal of the boards is not for young ages.) The event will go forward, whatever the weather, unless deemed unsafe. Call Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290, if uncertain.
There are a great many things for volunteers to do–come be one! Any of the following are great options for groups of one or more: cutting firewood, cleaning after groups, weekend hosting, being a committee member, mowing or other maintenance/grounds tasks, making a meal for a volunteer group, or recruiting people to volunteer at camp. These are just some of the possibilities! Call us at 620-297-3290 for more information.
Camp Mennoscah will be recruiting at Mennonite colleges in November! We’ll have a booth at Goshen on Nov. 4, and Hesston, Tabor, and Bethel on November 7, 8, and 9 respectively. Stop by in the morning and say howdy. Booths are located in the Connector (Goshen), the Larks Nest (Hesston) and by the cafeteria (Tabor and Bethel). Summer staff applications will be available when recruiting starts. See you there!
Camp Mennoscah is considering moving camps to a Sunday to Friday schedule. We’d be interested in hearing your thoughts–parents, campers, weekend groups, everyone! Please reply to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp News
See The RMMC News & Stories From September

Take a look at the latest/greatest happenings here at RMMC. This month marks the official transition from our traditional monthly newsletter to individual posts over the course of the month which are shared on the following platforms:

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

For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Dear Bethel College Mennonite,

If you’re connected to the world of welcoming refugees, asylum seekers or other newcomers, you have probably heard the word “empowerment” tossed around. But what does empowerment look like in practice?

Join us for this month’s virtual Newcomer Hospitality Network meeting where we will discuss how to welcome in a way that promotes growth, confidence and self-agency. This will be an interactive time for us to learn about some practical adult learning principles, share experiences and brainstorm about tricky situations that may come up as we welcome!

What is the Newcomer Hospitality Network?
The Newcomer Hospitality Network is a virtual meetup for those welcoming newcomers to connect with one another in a small group setting where they can share their experiences and discuss topics relevant to welcoming refugees and asylum seekers in their communities.

When?
To accommodate welcomers with different work schedules, we offer the same meeting twice – once in the morning and once in the evening:

If you’d like to join us, register for the day and time that works best for you!

Peace,
Charity Stowell
Newcomer Connections Coordinator
MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries

Mennonite Mission Network Announcements
MennoMedia is working on creating the first Anabaptist Bible in time for the 500^th anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025. The project’s advisory group gathered for a retreat in August to kick off the project. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/anabaptism-at-500-project

#BeTransformed
While gearing up for the creation of the Anabaptist Bible, John D. Roth, the project director for MennoMedia’s “Anabaptist at 500” initiative, wrote the blog, “The transformative Anabaptist hermeneutic.” In this blog, he reflects on how he became acquainted with the difficulty of biblical interpretation and how it affected the trajectory of his faith. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/anabaptist-hermeneutic

Menno Snapshots
Seattle (Washington) Mennonite Church had a dream of creating sustainable and affordable housing for their community, and that dream is finally coming to fruition. Read Pastor Amy Epp’s blog, “Seattle Mennonite Church partners to create affordable housing,” to learn more. mennoniteusa.org/snapshots/affordable-housing

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Deb Byler has concluded her Mennonite Mission Network ministry with the Kekchi Mennonite Church in Guatemala, where she worked since 2018. (Previously, she served with Eastern Mennonite Missions from 1984-1996.) Praise God for Deb’s ministry of walking alongside the women leaders of the church. Ask God to strengthen the Kekchi women, and pray for Deb as she retires at Greencroft Communities, a retirement community in Goshen, Indiana.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for the WDC Resource Library, and pray for congregations, members and leaders to experience growth in faith and ministry through use of library materials.

View the worship service for October 9, 2022

Press here for October 9 service

Fall Festival Worship Service
“You Are The Light of the World”

Prelude          Pièce d’Orgue in G Major, BWV 572     Johann Sebastian Bach

Lighting the Christ Candle

Welcome and Prayer Michael Unruh, Bethel College Campus Pastor

*Gathering Hymns              Here In This Place        Voices Together 10
You Are Salt For The Earth   VT 297

Scripture                           Matthew 5:14-16                   Gabby Fields
  Student Chaplain

Reflections              Julianna Schrag, Bethel College senior

Choral Response               O Lux Beatissima               Howard Helvey
                    Bethel College Chamber Choir; Henry S. Water, director

Reflection Tanner Wallace, Bethel College Senior

Choral Response          You Do Not Walk Alone             Dominick DiOrio
   Bethel College Concert Choir

Prayers of God’s People  Todd Schlosser
        Bethel College Mennonite Church Pastor

*Hymn           Be Thou My Vision VT 549

*Spoken Benediction Michael Unruh

*Choral Benediction    The Lord Bless You and Keep You   Peter C. Lutkin
   Concert Choir

Postlude             Nun danket alle Gott               arr. Egil Hovland
*All who are able are invited to stand

Accompanists: organ – Christopher Shaw, Class of 2005
guitar – Eli Regier, Current Bethel College junior

Choral Texts

You Do Not Walk Alone (Dominick DiOrio)

May you see the light on the path ahead
When the road you walk is dark.
May you always hear,
E’en in your hour of sorrow,
The gentle singing of the lark.

When times are hard may hardness
Never turn your heart to stone,
May you always remember
when the shadows fall –
You do not walk alone.

(Traditional Irish Blessing)

O Lux Beatissima (Howard Helvey
Translation:

O lux beatissima, O Light most blessed,
Reple cordis intima Fill the inmost heart
Tuorum fidelium. Of all thy faithful.

Sine tuo numine, Without your grace,
Nihil est in homine, There is nothing in us,
Nihil est innoxium. Nothing that is not harmful.

(From the Whitsundtide sequence Veni Sancte Spiritus
attr. Stephan Langton (d. 1228), Archbishop of Canterbury)

Bethel College Concert Choir: Director – Henry Waters, D.M.A.
Members – Elizabeth Alderfer, Phillip Balzer, Emily Brandt, Peter Buller,
Sophia Chindamo, Shayla Dao⁺, Isabela Diaz⁺, Angelika Donaldson,
Tristan England, Schyler Entz, Josie Epp⁺, Eddie Gaeddert, Caleb Garber,
Rachel Geyer, Sophie Girtz, Andrew Graber⁺, Aubry Grame⁺, Angel Hernandez, Kendall Hiebert, Hayden Honomichl⁺, Claira Janssen, Daniel Kaufman,
John Mark Koontz⁺, Halle Krehbiel, Stephany Meyer⁺, Edel Miller⁺,
Miguel Molina Chavez, April Powls, Bethany Regehr, Eli Regier⁺, Ben Rudeen, Seth Rudeen, Lizzie Schmucker, Jacob Schrag, Julianna Schrag⁺, Timothy Schrag, Kaitlyn Shima, Christopher Strecker⁺, Isaac Tice, Corbin Unruh⁺, Gabe Villegas⁺, Zach Watson, Allison Weaver⁺, Bryce Wilson⁺, Dylan Yoder
+ Indicates Bethel College Chamber Choir member

Announcements for October 9-16, 2022

October 9, 2022 – Fall Fest Sunday

Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County is 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’s worship service: https://youtu.be/yOSpkGydC04

Fall Festival Worship Service
“You Are The Light of the World”

Prelude          Pièce d’Orgue in G Major, BWV 572     Johann Sebastian Bach

Lighting the Christ Candle

Welcome and Prayer Michael Unruh,
Bethel College Campus Pastor

*Gathering Hymns              Here In This Place        Voices Together 10
You Are Salt For The Earth   VT 297

Scripture                           Matthew 5:14-16                   Gabby Fields
Student Chaplain

Reflections              Julianna Schrag, Bethel College senior

Choral Response               O Lux Beatissima               Howard Helvey
                    Bethel College Chamber Choir; Henry S. Water, director

Reflection Tanner Wallace, Bethel College Senior

Choral Response          You Do Not Walk Alone             Dominick DiOrio
   Bethel College Concert Choir

Prayers of God’s People  Todd Schlosser
        Bethel College Mennonite Church Pastor

*Hymn           Be Thou My Vision VT 549

*Spoken Benediction Michael Unruh

*Choral Benediction    The Lord Bless You and Keep You   Peter C. Lutkin
   Concert Choir

Postlude             Nun danket alle Gott               arr. Egil Hovland

*All who are able are invited to stand

This Week at BCMC: October 9—October 16, 2022

Sunday, October 9—Fall Fest Sunday
10 am Worship Service planned by Bethel College and the Bethel College Campus Ministries. There is no Sunday school today.

Monday, October 10—Projector and screen will be installed in the sanctuary
9 am   Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, October 11—Projector and screen work in sanctuary
9 to 11 am      Community Playschool
12 pm              Mid Kansas Investment Club meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, October 12—Wednesday Night Suppers Start!
6 pm    Wednesday Supper serving line starts at 6-6:15 pm and a welcome and blessing will be at 6:20 pm.
6:30—7:30 pm   Wednesday Night Club
7:00 pm          Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm          Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thursday, October 13
9 to 11 am     Community Playschool
4 pm               Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
6:30 pm         Chancel Bells rehearsal in room B7
Friday, October 14
9-11 am          Schowalter Villa Gathering in Day Spring Room, Water’s Edge
Sunday, October 16
9:30 am          Worship Service with Credence Consultation Report

Wednesday night suppers start! October 12. Serving line starts at 6-6:15 pm and a welcome and blessing will be at 6:20 pm. The suppers will be October 12 to November 16. Cost: $6 per person or $18 per family. Bring your own table service.
It is time to please RSVP to the church office so that we can get a count to know how much food to make. Email: office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org or call 316-283-3667. We hope to see you on October 12 at the first Wednesday night supper!

Menu for the first supper, October 12 is:
Taco bar with all the fixings…
Cake

We’re still on a roll! For 3 months we have had positive income balances. Wow! and a great big thank you for all your effort!! The harsh realities are that while we raised $7,000 more than our expenses last month we are still $22,000 short for the year plus being several months behind in paying our benevolent accounts. While we are so grateful for your efforts and we hate to keep asking for more, we must. Facts are that we have lived 75% of the year but only raised 65% of the budget. That means we are still in a hole but the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter. Keep up the good work! – Finance Committee

The BCMC Task Group for Indigenous Justice encourages members of the congregation to take advantage of the chance to participate in the Loss of Turtle Island experience on Sunday, October 23, 4 p.m. in Memorial Hall, Bethel College, a unique learning experience demonstrating how Native people lost the land. The Task Group will be hosting a follow-up discussion on October 30 at 5:30 p.m. to sample Native foods, talk about what we learned, and think about how we go forward. You are welcome to come whether you were able to attend Loss of Turtle Island or not.

Credence Consultation Process Update…The time of interviews and information gathering has largely come to an end for our consultants and it is time for us to see some of the results and provide some final feedback. Over these last many months, Credence has reviewed the congregational surveys we sent in, completed one-on-one interviews with 35 of our church members, spent time talking with staff and various external individuals, and examined pages and pages of congregational documents. The goal has been to gain a better understanding of who we are as BCMC, what we wish to work on together as a congregation, and the type of pastoral leadership model that fits us best. Credence has shared they have a “meaty” report awaiting us. This upcoming week the BCMC Reference Group, Church Board, and some of the leadership from various commissions and committees will hear an overview of what Credence has found. On October 16th Credence will share with the congregation and ask for our feedback. Following the October 16th time together, Credence will prepare a final report to be delivered to BCMC in November. We ask you to keep BCMC in your prayers as we engage this period of time together and explore God’s direction and purpose for us as a congregation.

Faith Formation is hosting a community building event at P and M Pumpkin Ranch, October 19 from 5:30-7 pm. Come for a hot dog meal by at the Willow campfire site located at P and M. Food and drink will be provided! Please RSVP by October 18 to Jill Robb (jill@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org)

The Intergenerational Sunday School class (meets in the Fellowship Hall ) is in need of old or unused crayons. If you have crayons to donate, please put them in the box by the mailboxes. We will be collecting crayons until October 23.

The Library Theme for October/November is Selected Biographies. The Library Committee chose biographies that we thought you would find interesting in both the adult and children/youth sections. As always, the adult highlighted books are shelved in back of the library desk while the Everybody/Youth books are shelved on the south wall of the children/youth room. Please come in and check these out or to see what new to you puzzles are available for a donation on the west wall of the check out room or on the cart outside of the library. Happy Reading!

Quilter’s Corner is gladly accepting donations for the Mennonite Central Committee sale which is April 14 and 15, 2023. Bring your fabric, notions, quilts and quilting supplies to the MCC Center in North Newton clearly labeled for Quilter’s Corner. If questions, contact Ann Yoder Smith at 919-604-3282.

After two years of not meeting, we are excited to announce plans for the Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association Fall banquet. It will be held at the Eden Mennonite Church near Moundridge on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Brian Stucky, a 1971 graduate of Moundridge High School and currently living in Goessel.. As a descendant of the family who operated the Alta Mill near Moundridge, he will give a program about “Mennonite Mills in Central Kansas”. Knackie’s will cater the meal. The cost to attend is $25 per person payable at the door. RSVP by texting or calling Nancy Stucky, 620-532-5693 by October 24.

The Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra presents “The Magic Flute in Concert” with Opera Kansas, on Sunday, Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. in the Newton High School Auditorium. Chris David Westover-Muñoz leads orchestra and vocal soloists on a concert adaptation of Mozart’s classic opera. Tickets are Adults $18 at the door/$15 advance; Students $7; twelve and under are free with an adult. Purchase at Faith & Life Bookstore, or online at www.nmkso.org.

Bethel College Announcements
Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Environmental Exposure,” sculpture by Glen Ediger, through Fri., Oct. 21. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 16 & Mon., Oct. 17 – Annual Menno Simons Lectures with Brad Gregory, Reformation scholar from the University of Notre Dame, 7 p.m. both evenings, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College; overall topic is “The Radical Reformation and Religious Freedom: A Historical Retrospective.”

Thurs., Oct. 20 – The inaugural Senses & Aging Symposium, 6-8:30 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, with Karen Kendrick speaking on “Hearing Loss and Fall Prevention” and Angela Loucks Alexander presenting from Australia on “Auditory Processing Disorder in Adults.” The symposium is free but registration is requested at www.bethelks.edu/academics/convocation-lectures/senses-aging-symposium

Sun., Oct. 23 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program with oral historian Ina Navazelskis from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, 4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College (note change from usual time and location). Followed by the museum’s annual Living Endowment Dinner, featuring Justina Neufeld and Janine Wedel, for which reservations are required; e-mail kauffman@bethelks.eduor call 316-283-1612.

Registration is now open for “Joining Voices Together,” Bethel College’s Worship and the Arts Symposium, Sat., Nov. 12, on campus, featuring resource people Bradley Kauffman, Rachel Epp Buller, Katie Graber, SaeJin Lee, Cynthia Neufeld Smith, Adam Tice and Isaac Villegas. Register at www.bethelks.edu/worship-arts-registration-2022; discount for 3 or more people from the same congregation. In addition, the public is invited to a Community Evensong service, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall, which will consist entirely of congregational singing from the Voices Together hymnal, arranged around the 12 artworks found in the hymnal.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!

After two years of not meeting, we are excited to announce plans for the Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association Fall banquet. It will be held at the Eden Mennonite Church near Moundridge on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Brian Stucky, a 1971 graduate of Moundridge High School and currently living in Goessel.. As a descendant of the family who operated the Alta Mill near Moundridge, he will give a program about “Mennonite Mills in Central Kansas”. Knackie’s will cater the meal. The cost to attend is $25 per person payable at the door. RSVP by texting or calling Nancy Stucky, 620-532-5693 by October 24.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Work and Play Day on October 15! Share a few hours of your time for the satisfaction of improving camp grounds and some free time wandering the trails, fishing, or whatever your favorite camp activity is. The day starts at 8:30am at the maintenance shed. If you are coming from a distance, ask about an overnight stay. Let us know you’re coming, so we can plan for you and your friends. Call 620-297-3290 or email olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org!
We’re taking out the dam on October 16 at approx. 2:30pm! Everyone is welcome to join in or to watch. Gather at the shelter. (The actual removal of the boards is not for young ages.) The event will go forward, whatever the weather, unless deemed unsafe. Call Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290, if uncertain.
There are a great many things for volunteers to do–come be one! Any of the following are great options for groups of one or more: cutting firewood, cleaning after groups, weekend hosting, being a committee member, mowing or other maintenance/grounds tasks, making a meal for a volunteer group, or recruiting people to volunteer at camp. These are just some of the possibilities! Call us at 620-297-3290 for more information.
Let us know if your camper/you have not received the summer youth camp photos and address sheets for your camp week. The summer is a busy time and sometimes things are missed.
Camp Mennoscah is considering moving camps to a Sunday to Friday schedule. We’d be interested in hearing your thoughts–parents, campers, weekend groups, everyone! Please reply to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.

For Mennonite World Conference click here
For Mennonite Central Committe “In Touch” click here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” click here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network Connections Fall 2022 click here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board has changed how it will divide donations directed to “Mennonite Church USA” among its agencies and affiliated Racial/Ethnic Council groups. The changes to the denominational unified giving formula were implemented to address evolving ministry needs. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/giving-formula

Learn, Pray, Join: Mass Incarceration
In her blog, “Mass incarceration and restorative justice,” Loraine Stutzman Amstutz, Mennonite Church USA denominational minister of Peace and Justice, writes, ”Restorative justice principles hold transformation as a value — transformation of people, systems and structures that oppress.” Read the rest of her blog here: mennoniteusa.org/snapshots/restorative-justice

Menno Snapshots
When our beliefs feel like they are unraveling, it may feel like we are losing our faith in God altogether. Sherill Hostetter, a spiritual director with the Mennonite Spiritual Directors Network, shares how her crisis of faith led her to explore her spiritual journey through writing. Read her blog, “Knowing and unknowing,” here: mennoniteusa.org/snapshots/knowing-unknowing

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Tomorrow is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Mennonite congregations around the world are growing in their awareness of the need for healing, both in white settler communities and in Indigenous communities. Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer that this awareness will lead to action that addresses the wounds of all who live with injustice.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for boards, councils, elders and other church leadership teams in WDC congregations, and pray for God’s guidance as they care for their communities of faith.

Don’t forget to sign up for the Wednesday night meal at BCMC! Click on this email link:

office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org

View the worship service for October 2, 2022

Press here for Oct. 2 Service

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 2, 2022
Worldwide Communion Sunday

Prelude—Holy Manna (arr. Stearns/Cherwien/Held)—Verlene Garber

Christ Candle Lighting/Land Acknowledgement—Elizabeth Schmidt

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn— Here in this Place—VT #10

Children’s Conversation— Carolyn Penner and Wes Schmidt-Tieszen

Kin-dom Report—Credence Consultation Reference Group—Megan Kohlman

Chancel Choir—Do Not Be Afraid (Philip Stopford)—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Verlene Garber, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Luke 17:1-10—Readers’ Theatre

Sermon—Faith and the Mustard Seed—Todd Schlosser

*Hymn—I’m Gonna Eat at the Welcome Table—VT #801

Service of Communion—Nathan Koontz and Elizabeth Schmidt

*Hymn—The Love of God—VT 162

Prayers of God’s People—Elizabeth Schmidt

Choral Benediction—Amen –(John Rutter)—Chancel Choir

Benediction— Todd Schlosser

Postlude—Sent Forth by God’s Blessing (Wold)—Verlene Garber

* You are invited to stand

VT = Voices Together

Audio visual—Ben Lichti

Pastors— Nathan Koontz, Todd Schlosser

Announcements for October 2-9, 2022

October 2, 2022

Worldwide Communion Sunday
October 2, 2022
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH

Prelude—Holy Manna (arr. Stearns/Cherwien/Held)—Verlene Garber

Christ Candle Lighting/Land Acknowledgement—Elizabeth Schmidt

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn— Here in this Place—VT #10

Children’s Conversation— Carolyn Penner and Wes Schmidt-Tieszen

Kin-dom Report—Credence Consultation Reference Group—Megan Kohlman

Chancel Choir—Do Not Be Afraid (Philip Stopford)—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Verlene Garber, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Luke 17:1-10—Readers’ Theatre

Sermon—Faith and the Mustard Seed—Todd Schlosser

*Hymn—I’m Gonna Eat at the Welcome Table—VT #801

Service of Communion—Nathan Koontz and Elizabeth Schmidt

*Hymn—The Love of God—VT 162

Prayers of God’s People—Elizabeth Schmidt

Choral Benediction—Amen –(John Rutter)—Chancel Choir

Benediction— Todd Schlosser

Postlude—Sent Forth by God’s Blessing (Wold)—Verlene Garber

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Audio visual—Ben Lichti
Pastors— Nathan Koontz, Todd Schlosser

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

Do Not be Afraid lyrics by Philip Stopford
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name; you are mine.
When you walk through the waters, I’ll be with you;
you will never sink beneath the waves.
When the fire is burning all around you,
you will never be consumed by the flames.
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name; you are mine.
When the fear of loneliness is looming, then remember I am at your side.
When you dwell in the exile of a stranger,
remember you are precious in my eyes.
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name; you are mine.
You are mine, O my child, I am your Father,
and I love you with a perfect love.
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name; you are mine.

This Week at BCMC: October 2—October 9, 2022

Sunday, October 2—World Communion Sunday
9:30 am          Worship Service with sermon by Todd Schlosser; music by Chancel Choir; communion will be served; The church nursery is staffed during worship
10:30 am      Faith Formation—Children’s Sunday school classes meet in
Fellowship Hall
Adult Classes: Agape Class (Church Nursery); 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)
Monday, October 3
12 to 1 pm      Bethel College Concert Choir rehearsal in sanctuary
7 pm                Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, October 4—On Oct. 4 and 5, Marlene Faul is hosting an event for a group of which she is a member—they will be meeting at times in Fellowship Hall and the Sanctuary
9 to 11 am      Community Playschool
Wednesday, October 5
12 to 1 pm      Bethel College Concert Choir rehearsal in sanctuary
6:30—7:30 pm   Wednesday Night Club
7:00 pm          Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm          Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thursday, October 6
9 to 11 am     Community Playschool
12 to 1 pm     Bethel College Concert Choir rehearsal in sanctuary
6:30 pm         Chancel Bells rehearsal in room B7
7 pm               Church Board meeting in Room 14
Friday, October 7
12 to 1 pm      Bethel College Concert Choir rehearsal in sanctuary
Saturday, October 8—Fall Fest at Bethel College
Sunday, October 9—Fall Fest Sunday
10 am              Worship Service planned by Bethel College and the Bethel College Campus Ministries. Everyone is invited! Please note that the worship service begins at 10 am.

We offer sympathy to the family of James D. Yoder who died September 22 at Kidron Bethel Village. The memorial service for James will be Friday, October 7, 11 a.m. at BCMC and will be live streamed.

We offer sympathy to Vernabelle Stayrook (Kermit Gingerich) and Mary Ann (Hugo) Boschmann on the death of Vernabelle’s sister and Mary Ann’s sister-in-law, Marilyn Faye (Siemens) Krehbiel on Sept. 23. The funeral service was Sept. 27 at Journey @South Hutchinson.

We offer sympathy to Carol Flickinger and Roger Juhnke and family on the death of Carol’s mother, Anna Grace (Wiens) Flickinger, Sept. 28, at 100 years old, Pleasant View Homes, Inman. The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 1, 2022 at Bethel Mennonite Church, Inman. Services can be livestreamed at www.bethelinman.org. Private graveside services will be held at Inman North Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 30, at the church, with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Memorial gifts may be given to MCC or Pleasant View Home in care of Buhler Mortuary, PO Box 589, Buhler, KS 67522. For the obituary click here

Fall Fest Sunday is October 9 at BCMC. The worship service will begin at 10 am and is being planned by Bethel College and the Bethel College Campus Ministries. Everyone is invited!

Al, Nadine, Nathan and Esther are excited to host many of you for a BCMC fall party Sunday, October 2, at 5:30. We will provide some seating, but if you’d like, bring a lawn chair. Also consider carpooling or walking to make parking easier.

Caring Fund Contribution Opportunity Sunday October 2. The Caring Fund is an above budget benevolent fund administered by the Deacon Commission for the purpose of assisting our congregation’s members and community persons in need. The fund is generated by above budget offerings made payable to Bethel College Mennonite Church and designated “caring fund.” Everence also provides some matching funds each year. Besides the financial help that can be provided to our own members, in the past year contributions from the Caring Fund have been made to our local Salvation Army, New Hope Shelter, Safe Hope, Harvest of Love, the Community Playschool, and several individuals to help with housing rent and utilities. Please consider making a donation to the Caring Fund Sunday morning October 2.

BCMC Sept. 25 Offering: General Fund $5,485; Caring Fund $500; Library Reserve Fund $5; Living Stones $55; Kitchen Fund $26; Women’s Fellowship $377; Orletta Wiebe Memorial $50.

The Senior High Youth Group sends a “thank you” to Susie and Bill Swartley for hosting a pool party at their home last Sunday afternoon. We learned a lesson on hospitality as we experienced community with one another and the Swartleys. Thank you for an awesome time!

The Intergenerational Sunday School class (the class meets in Fellowship Hall) is in need of old or unused crayons. If you have crayons to donate, please put them in the box by the mailboxes. We will be collecting crayons until October 23.

Wednesday night suppers are coming back to BCMC! Mark your calendars for the first Wednesday night supper on October 12. Serving line starts at 6-6:15 pm and a welcome and blessing will be at 6:20 pm. The suppers will be October 12 to November 16. Cost: $6 per person or $18 per family. Bring your own table service.
Closer to the start of the suppers you will be asked to RSVP to the church office so that we can get a count to know how much food to make. We hope to see you on October 12 at the first Wednesday night supper!

Menus

October 12
Taco bar with all the fixings…
Cake

October 19
Chicken Divan with Broccoli
Mashed potatoes
M&M chocolate brownies

October 26
BBQ meatballs
Macaroni and Cheese
Carrots
Applesauce
Rice Krispies

November 2
Jambalaya
Tropical fruit
Pudding dessert bar

November 8
Lasagna
Salad
Garlic bread
Apple crisp

November 15
Turkey pot pie
Peaches
Pumpkin cheesecake bars

Bethel College Women’s Association will appreciate donations of homemade baked goods for Market-in-the-Round and Pie-By-the-Slice at Fall Festival. Zwieback, cinnamon rolls, fruit pies and poppyseed rolls are especially needed. Please bring to Room 141 in Luyken Fine Arts Center 2-5 pm on Friday Oct 7, or 7-9 am on Saturday Oct 8. Pies may be delivered to Seminar A in Schultz Student Center. Email bcwa@bethelks.edu with questions.

Bethel College Announcements
No Life Enrichment on October 6 due to BC Fall Fest week

Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Oct. 6-9, with most activities taking place Saturday, Oct. 8, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football, Children’s Park, the play Quiet in the Land by Anne Chislett and the STEM Symposium honoring Professor Emeritus of Psychology Paul Lewis. See www.bethelks.edu/alumni/events/fall-festival for the complete schedule.

Call for Fall Fest Volunteers – The Bethel College Alumni Association is looking for volunteers to help with Taste of Newton and Fall Fest. Shifts are 1.5-2 hours long and need to be filled on Thursday, Oct. 6, 5-9 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact Brad Schmidt at 316-285-5252 or bschmidt@bethelks.edu for more information.

Fri., Oct. 7 – Artist reception for “Environmental Exposure,” sculpture by Glen Ediger, 6-8 p.m., Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. The exhibit is open through Fri., Oct. 21. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m. (extended hours Sat., Oct. 8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.).

Sat., Oct. 8 – Kauffman Museum bird walk, 8 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets (2801 N. Main St., North Newton 67117). Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).

Sat., Oct. 8 – As part of Fall Festival, Larry Dunn and Christine Crouse-Dick will present “Grieving, Celebrating and Loving Seth: Exploring Unexpected Paths and Connections on the Mysterious Journey of Remembering,” poetry reading and reflections, 10:30 a.m., on the lawn south of Luyken Fine Arts Center. Seth Dunn died in an accident in 2011 right before starting his senior year at Bethel College.

Sun., Oct. 16 & Mon., Oct. 17 – Annual Menno Simons Lectures with Brad Gregory, Reformation scholar from the University of Notre Dame, 7 p.m. both evenings, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College; overall topic is “The Radical Reformation and Religious Freedom: A Historical Retrospective.”

Thurs., Oct. 20 – The inaugural Senses & Aging Symposium, 6-8:30 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, with Karen Kendrick speaking on “Hearing Loss and Fall Prevention” and Angela Loucks Alexander presenting from Australia on “Auditory Processing Disorder in Adults.” The symposium is free but registration is requested at www.bethelks.edu/academics/convocation-lectures/senses-aging-symposium

Sun., Oct. 23 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program with oral historian Ina Navazelskis from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, 4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College (note change from usual time and location). Followed by the museum’s annual Living Endowment Dinner, featuring Justina Neufeld and Janine Wedel, for which reservations are required; e-mail kauffman@bethelks.eduor call 316-283-1612.

Registration is now open for “Joining Voices Together,” Bethel College’s Worship and the Arts Symposium, Sat., Nov. 12, on campus, featuring resource people Bradley Kauffman, Rachel Epp Buller, Katie Graber, SaeJin Lee, Cynthia Neufeld Smith, Adam Tice and Isaac Villegas. Register at www.bethelks.edu/worship-arts-registration-2022; discount for 3 or more people from the same congregation. In addition, the public is invited to a Community Evensong service, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall, which will consist entirely of congregational singing from the Voices Together hymnal, arranged around the 12 artworks found in the hymnal.

Voices of Conscience: Peace Witness in the Great War, a traveling exhibit developed and toured by Kauffman Museum at Bethel College, is on display at the McPherson Museum and Arts Foundation, 1111 E. Kansas Ave. in McPherson, through Nov. 19. This exhibit lifts up the prophetic insights and the personal courage of peace protesters during World War I and suggests parallels to the culture of war and violence in our world today. Museum hours are Mon.- Sat., 1-5 p.m., and admission is free. For more information, visit VoicesOfConscienceExhibit.org

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

“We Own This Now” is coming to Kansas for several showings! This Ted & Company play will be performed at several dates and locations. Created in partnership with the Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition, “We Own This Now” is a benefit for the Kanza Heritage Society. This play looks at love of land and loss of land. What does it mean to “own” something? What is the relationship between “owning” and “taking” — and what is the relationship between “ownership” and (taking) responsibility? Click here for more information about the showings.

“Chief Lucy,” a one-woman show by Pauline Sharp about her grandmother, “Chief Lucy” Tayiah Eads, the first female Kaw tribal chief, is also being presented at 3pm on Sunday, Oct 2, at Unity of Lawrence, 900 Madeline Ln #2630, Lawrence, KS 66049. Freewill offering received for Kanza Heritage Society. Please note that the Oct 6 showing at Hope Mennonite Church in Wichita has been cancelled.

Among other congregations, several WDC churches in Kansas are sponsoring these events, including Hope Mennonite Church, Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church, Mennonite Church of the Servant, and Peace Mennonite Church. The WDC Resource Commission also encourages you to attend and join the conversation about justice for Native Americans.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Visit the Camp Mennoscah Fall Fest booth on October 8! Stop by, say hi, and enter a drawing for a tee shirt. We’re ready for some good visits and fun times!
Let us know if your camper/you have not received the summer youth camp photos and address sheets for your camp week. The summer is a busy time and sometimes things are missed.
There are a great many things for volunteers to do–come be one! Any of the following are great options for groups of one or more: cleaning after groups, weekend hosting, being a committee member, mowing or other maintenance/grounds tasks, making a meal for a volunteer group, or recruiting people to volunteer at camp. These are just some of the possibilities! Call us at 620-297-3290 for more information.
Work and Play Day on October 15! Share a few hours of your time for the satisfaction of improving camp grounds and some free time wandering the trails, fishing, or whatever your favorite camp activity is. The day starts at 8:30am at the maintenance shed. If you are coming from a distance, ask about an overnight stay. Let us know you’re coming, so we can plan for you and your friends. Call 620-297-3290 or email olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org!
We’re taking out the dam on October 16 at approx. 2:30pm! Everyone is welcome to join in or to watch. Gather at the shelter. (The actual removal of the boards is not for young ages.) The event will go forward, whatever the weather, unless deemed unsafe. Call Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290, if uncertain.
Camp Mennoscah is considering moving camps to a Sunday to Friday schedule. We’d be interested in hearing your thoughts–parents, campers, weekend groups, everyone! Please reply to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.

For Mennonite Mission Network Zoom Bible Study “Meeting Jesus in Sacred Spaces” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Learn, Pray, Join: Mass Incarceration
Mennonite Church USA launched the “Learn, Pray, Join: Mass Incarceration” initiative in September. This initiative, in conjunction with the “For Justice in the U.S. Criminal Legal System” resolution, seeks to raise awareness of injustices in the U.S. criminal legal system, especially those that disproportionately affect people of color and people without financial security. The initiative will continue through the end of October. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/lpj-mi

Menno Snapshots
Several years ago, when the congregants of College Mennonite Church in Goshen, Indiana, agreed to follow strategic priorities that included embracing diversity and practicing active inclusion, they knew they were taking a big step, but they didn’t know how deeply it would affect their church. Read Marty Lehman’s blog, “The dangers of strategic planning,” to learn more about how these priorities led to a robust immigrant resettlement ministry in their community. mennoniteusa.org/dangers-strategic-planning

#BeTransformed
Like most other Americans alive on Sept. 11, 2001, Drew Strait has strong memories attached to the tragedies that occurred that day. This day set him down a path toward Anabaptism, nonviolence and a professional focus on combatting Christian nationalism. Read his story here: mennoniteusa.org/neverforget

#MennoCon23
MennoCon23, Mennonite Church USA’s largest faith formation gathering, will be held July 3-8, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. There will be programming for all ages, including a one-day Climate Summit for youth and young adults. See the tentative block schedule here: mennoniteusa.org/mennocon-schedule

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Today, the women’s leadership conference led by African American women and co-sponsored by Mennonite Women USA and Mennonite Mission Network, concludes with worship in Elkhart, IN. Pray that all participants will receive new tools to work for diversity, equity and inclusion in the church.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for God’s wisdom and strength for WDC staff members as they work to sustain ministry leaders, resource congregations and nurture church-planting partnerships.

View the worship service for September 25, 2022

Press here for Sept. 25 Service

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 25, 2022

Prelude—Great Is Thy Faithfulness (arr. Moklebust)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Bill Swartley

*Hymn— What Is This Place—VT 22

Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz

Scripture Reading—Luke 16:19-31—Michael Claassen

Sermon—Moses and the Prophets—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Will You Let Me Be Your Servant—VT 778

Prayers of God’s People

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

People with September birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal

*Birthday Blessing & Benediction—Nathan Koontz

Postlude—Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (arr. Wagner)—Chancel Bells

* You are invited to stand

VT = Voices Together

Keyboard—Verlene Garber

Audio visual—John Thiesen, Francis Toews

Pastors—Nathan Koontz, Todd Schlosser

View the worship service for September 18, 2022

Press here for the Sept. 18 service

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 18, 2022
Peace Sunday

Prelude—Earth and All Stars (Wold); I Come with Joy to Meet My Lord (Moore)—Verlene Garber, organ

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—VT 1040—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Jesus Calls Us—VT 30

Children’s Conversation—Lois Brubacher

Anthem— An Hour of Hallowed Peace (Steve Danyew)—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director

Scripture Reading—Amos 8:4-7; Luke 16:1-13—Elaine Schurr

Scripture Reflection—Nathan Koontz

Meditations—Bethel College Community for Justice and Peace—Josué Coy Dick,

Vanessa Torres, Co-Presidents; John Mark Koontz, Becca Schlosser

*Hymn—Wade in the Water—VT 454

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Go Now in Peace, Worship Continues—VT 829

*Benediction—Nathan Koontz

Choral Postlude—Amen (John Rutter)—Chancel Choir

* You are invited to stand

VT = Voices Together

Audio visual— Ken Lamp

Pastors—Nathan Koontz, Todd Schlosser

Announcements for September 25–October 2, 2022

September 18, 2022

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 25, 2022

Prelude—Great Is Thy Faithfulness (arr. Moklebust)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Bill Swartley

*Hymn— What Is This Place—VT 22

Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz

Scripture Reading—Luke 16:19-31—Michael Claassen

Sermon—Moses and the Prophets—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Will You Let Me Be Your Servant—VT 778

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Sing a New World into Being—VT 809
People with September birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal

*Birthday Blessing & Benediction—Nathan Koontz

Postlude—Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (arr. Wagner)—Chancel Bells

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Keyboard—Verlene Garber
Audio visual—John Thiesen, Francis Toews
Pastors—Nathan Koontz, Todd Schlosser

Harvey County United Way Chili Cook-Off is this Saturday, Sept. 24 from 11 am-1:30 pm at 6th and Main. Tickets are $8 at the gate. Community Playschool will have a booth. Come taste our great chili and vote for best booth, chili, and feel free to make a donation at the Community Playschool booth. Proceeds of this event provides grants to non-profits in our community, including Community Playschool. Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you there.
Visit harveyunitedway.org/chili-cook-off for more information.
– Jeanette Leary and Kasey Newell, Community Playschool co-directors

And — more from the Community Playschool directors……

Community Playschool would like to say a huge “Thank You!” to the youth group and their sponsors for helping clean up the playground area before school started several weeks ago! George Leary worked on trimming dead branches from the trees and the BCMC youth group made quick work of getting them picked up and loaded onto a trailer to be hauled away. We appreciate the efforts they put forth for picking up even the smallest of sticks keeping them out of the hands of our students! What a great bunch of youth we have here at BCMC!
– Kasey Newell and Jeanette Leary co-directors

This Week at BCMC: September 25—October 2, 2022
Sunday, September 25
9:30 am        Worship Service with sermon by Nathan Koontz
10:15 am      Fellowship time with coffee and water in the Gathering Place
10:30 am      Faith Formation—Children’s Sunday school classes meet in
Fellowship Hall
Adult Classes: Agape Class (Rm B8); 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)

Monday, September 26
10 am              Library Committee meeting in Room 14
12 to 1 pm      Bethel College Concert Choir rehearsal in sanctuary
Tuesday, September 27
9 to 11 am      Community Playschool
Wednesday, September 28
12 to 1 pm      Bethel College Concert Choir rehearsal in sanctuary
6:30—7:30 pm   Wednesday Night Club
7:00 pm          Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm          Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thursday, September 29
9 to 11 am     Community Playschool
12 to 1 pm     Bethel College Concert Choir rehearsal in sanctuary
6:30 pm       Chancel Bells rehearsal in room B7
7 pm            Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
Friday, September 30
12 to 1 pm      Bethel College Concert Choir rehearsal in sanctuary
Saturday, October 1—Leadership Retreat by Zoom—9:30 am to 11:30 am
Leadership Retreat is a special annual retreat for those involved with commissions, committees, or the Board. This year, we will hear the report from Credence and Company Consultants and have time to process its meaning for our work together.
Sunday, October 2—World Communion Sunday
9:30 am          Worship Service with sermon by Todd Schlosser; music by Chancel Choir; communion will be served

Fall Fest Sunday is October 9 at BCMC. The worship service will begin at 10 am and is being planned by Bethel College and the Bethel College Campus Ministries. Everyone is invited!

You are welcome to participate in the Wichita Pride Parade on Sunday, September 25. We will have pizza at 11:30 and carpool to the event at noon, leaving from the south doors at BCMC. The parade begins at 1 from the Old County Courthouse in Wichita. Contact Pastor Nathan to let us know how much pizza to order and for carpooling.

You are invited to a fall church party hosted by Al and Nadine Peters and Nathan and Esther Koontz in the Koontz backyard (1 Jasper Court, North Newton) Sunday, October 2 at 5:30 pm. We will provide Nuway sandwiches and chips. If you’d like, you can bring a side dish or dessert to share. Please RSVP to Nadine or Al at 316-804-7141 or 38aldene39@gmail.com

Credence Consultation Process Update…The time of interviews and information gathering has largely come to an end for our consultants and it is time for us to see some of the results and provide some final feedback. Over these last many months, Credence has reviewed the congregational surveys we sent in, completed one-on-one interviews with 35 of our church members, spent time talking with staff and various external individuals, and examined pages and pages of congregational documents. The goal has been to gain a better understanding of who we are as BCMC, what we wish to work on together as a congregation, and the type of pastoral leadership model that fits us best. Credence has shared they have a “meaty” report awaiting us. This upcoming week the BCMC Reference Group, Church Board, and some of the leadership from various commissions and committees will hear an overview of what Credence has found. On October 16th Credence will share with the congregation and ask for our feedback. Following the October 16th time together, Credence will prepare a final report to be delivered to BCMC in November. Next Sunday (October 2nd), the Reference Group will offer a kin-dom report to give more specifics regarding what to look forward to on October 16th. We ask that you mark that special date on your calendar. We also ask you to keep BCMC in your prayers as we engage this period of time together and explore God’s direction and purpose for us as a congregation.

Bethel College Announcements
Tues., Sept. 27 – Bethel College Chamber Orchestra concert, directed by Kristopher Hilding, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall

Starting Fri., Sept. 30, “Environmental Exposure,” sculpture by Glen Ediger, is on display in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri., 2-4 p.m. Sunday.

Registration is now open for “Joining Voices Together,” Bethel College’s Worship and the Arts Symposium, Sat., Nov. 12, on campus, featuring resource people Bradley Kauffman, Rachel Epp Buller, Katie Graber, SaeJin Lee, Cynthia Neufeld Smith, Adam Tice and Isaac Villegas. Register at https://www.bethelks.edu/worship-arts-registration-2022; discount for 3 or more people from the same congregation. In addition, the public is invited to a Community Evensong service, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall, which will consist entirely of congregational singing from the Voices Together hymnal, arranged around the 12 artworks found in the hymnal.

Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Oct. 6-9, with most activities taking place Saturday, Oct. 8, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football, Children’s Park, the play Quiet in the Land by Anne Chislett and the STEM Symposium honoring Professor Emeritus of Psychology Paul Lewis. See https://www.bethelks.edu/alumni/events/fall-festival for the complete schedule.

The Kauffman Museum October bird walk will be on the second Saturday to coincide with Fall Festival (Sat., Oct. 8, 8 a.m. start time).

Sat., Oct. 8 – As part of Fall Festival, Larry Dunn and Christine Crouse-Dick will present “Grieving, Celebrating and Loving Seth: Exploring Unexpected Paths and Connections on the Mysterious Journey of Remembering,” poetry reading and reflections, 10:30 a.m., on the lawn south of Luyken Fine Arts Center. Seth Dunn died in an accident in 2011 right before starting his senior year at Bethel College.

Voices of Conscience: Peace Witness in the Great War, a traveling exhibit developed and toured by Kauffman Museum at Bethel College, is on display at the McPherson Museum and Arts Foundation, 1111 E. Kansas Ave. in McPherson, through Nov. 19. This exhibit lifts up the prophetic insights and the personal courage of peace protesters during World War I and suggests parallels to the culture of war and violence in our world today. Museum hours are Mon.- Sat., 1-5 p.m., and admission is free. For more information, visit VoicesOfConscienceExhibit.org

Bethel College Women’s Association will appreciate donations of homemade baked goods for Market-in-the-Round and Pie-By-the-Slice at Fall Festival. Zwieback, cinnamon rolls, fruit pies and poppyseed rolls are especially needed. Please bring to Room 141 in Luyken Fine Arts Center 2-5 pm on Friday Oct 7, or 7-9 am on Saturday Oct 8. Pies may be delivered to Seminar A in Schultz Student Center. Email bcwa@bethelks.edu with questions.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Buy your Camp Mennoscah merch today! http://camp-mennoscah-store.square.site/ The Camp Mennoscah online store has been refreshed and is ready for you to fill your need for that newest Camp Mennoscah tee shirt or water bottle. We suggest wearing camp gear to every event and outing! Only water bottles and stickers will be at Bethel College’s Fall Fest.

Other events and happenings:

Visit the Camp Mennoscah Fall Fest booth on October 8! Stop by, say hi, and enter a drawing for a tee shirt. We’re ready for some good visits and fun times!
Let us know if your camper/you have not received the summer youth camp photos and address sheets for your camp week. The summer is a busy time and sometimes things are missed.
There are a great many things for volunteers to do–come be one! Any of the following are great options for groups of one or more: cleaning after groups, weekend hosting, being a committee member, mowing or other maintenance/grounds tasks, making a meal for a volunteer group, or recruiting people to volunteer at camp. These are just some of the possibilities! Call us at 620-297-3290 for more information.
Work and Play Day on October 15! Share a few hours of your time for the satisfaction of improving camp grounds and some free time wandering the trails, fishing, or whatever your favorite camp activity is. The day starts at 8:30am at the maintenance shed. If you are coming from a distance, ask about an overnight stay. Let us know you’re coming, so we can plan for you and your friends. Call 620-297-3290 or email olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org!
We’re taking out the dam on October 16 at approx. 2:30pm! Everyone is welcome to join in or to watch. Gather at the shelter. (The actual removal of the boards is not for young ages.) The event will go forward, whatever the weather, unless deemed unsafe. Call Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290, if uncertain.
Camp Mennoscah is considering moving camps to a Sunday to Friday schedule. We’d be interested in hearing your thoughts–parents, campers, weekend groups, everyone! Please reply to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.

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

SAVE THE DATE: On Nov. 4-5, Bethel College will host “Old Books Made New: The Surprising Wisdom of Erasmus for Today.” an intercollegiate symposium with a keynote address by Dr. Greta Kroeker, University of Waterloo, Ontario, on Nov. 4. This will also be accessible virtually. The WDC Historical Committee invites you to attend. More details coming soon.

“We Own This Now” is coming to Kansas for several showings! This Ted & Company play will be performed at several dates and locations. Created in partnership with the Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition, “We Own This Now” is a benefit for the Kanza Heritage Society. This play looks at love of land and loss of land. What does it mean to “own” something? What is the relationship between “owning” and “taking” — and what is the relationship between “ownership” and (taking) responsibility? Click here for more information about the showings.

Among other congregations, several WDC churches are sponsoring these events, including Hope Mennonite Church, Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church, Mennonite Church of the Servant, and Peace Mennonite Church. The WDC Resource Commission also encourages you to attend and join the conversation about justice for our Native American kin.

For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
For Mennonite Mission Network November is Mission Month press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News From Around the World press here
For Mennonite World Conference press here

Mennonite Healthcare Fellowship (MHF) invites healthcare providers in all disciplines, including allied health, and all interested in the intersection of health and faith to our Annual Gathering at MCC’s Welcoming Place in Akron, PA, October 14th-16th, 2022. The theme is: Coming Together at the Well – Renewal Through Exploring the Five Life Standards. Participants will have the opportunity to explore and discuss the Five Life Standards from More-With-Less and how they apply to health and healing as well as hear from keynote speaker Malinda Elizabeth Berry, PhD, professor at AMBS. Commuter registration is available for local participants. Registration information at mennohealth.org/annual-gathering-2022/.

Greetings!
I’m writing with the news that the fall 2022 issue of Intersections: MCC Theory and Practice Quarterly is available now on-line here and here. Compiled by Paul Shetler Fast, the issue is centered on the theme of “Community-led maternal and child health care groups in Africa.” MCC staff and partner representatives write about their experiences with using the care groups model to improve maternal and child health outcomes, with articles examining projects in Kenya, Tanzania, Somaliland, Burundi, and Nigeria.
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 Central Committee Announcements
Nov 6-11: Puerto Rico Peace Camp: Young adults are invited to join MCC on November 6-11 on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico as we discover new ways to live and proclaim the gospel of peace. This week-long experience will be filled with practical learning about deconstructing oppressive systems, building community, participating in spaces of healing and commitment to hospitality. This experience will be facilitated in Spanish; a minimum of conversational Spanish is expected from all participants. Registration fee is $200; sign up now at mcc.org/campamento-de-paz. More information about peace camps: mcc.org/peace-camps. Our prayers are with the people of Puerto Rico after the devastation from Hurricane Fiona this past weekend. After speaking with peace camp organizers on the ground there, we are glad to know that they are managing okay, and that the peace camp location was not impacted. As of today, we expect the peace camp to take place as planned.

Jan 2-7, 2023: Peace for the Weary at Camp Deerpark: Calling young adults living in metropolitan areas to take a break from daily life and join MCC for a transformational week of connection and learning. During this experience, you will gain tools for understanding trauma and develop strategies for self-care and healing through the lens of restorative justice to bring back to your city. Registration fee is $200; sign up now at mcc.org/peace-for-the-weary. More information about peace camps: mcc.org/peace-camps.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board will be meeting Sept. 29-Oct. 1 in San Antonio, Texas. Pray for God’s guidance, wisdom and support in their discussions and decision making.

Menno Snapshots
Mental health issues affect a large portion of the population, and Christians are not exempt from this reality. Carlene Hill Byron, author of “Not Quite Fine: Mental Health, Faith, and Showing Up for Each Other,” explores how church goers can be more involved in supporting one another’s mental health in her blog, “Not quite fine.” Read it here: mennoniteusa.org/not-quite-fine

#MennoCon23
As we look ahead to MennoCon23 (Kansas City, July 3-8, 2023), please consider contributing to the Convention Scholarship fund. Scholarships to attend MennoCon are available for groups, individuals or families who are unable to raise enough funds to cover all convention expenses. Donate here: mennoniteusa.org/give/mennocon-scholarships

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Praise God for the new partnership program created by Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS), Meserete Kristos Seminary and Mennonite Mission Network, which offers a master’s level curriculum in theology to Ethiopian students. Pray for the students, as well as for Henok Mekonin and Joe Sawatzky, who are jointly supported by AMBS and Mission Network, as they provide leadership.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Please pray for Summit Street Church, our church replant in Beatrice, NE, as we come up to our 1-year anniversary of replanting. May we continue to prayerfully re-imagine what it means for us to follow Jesus’ call to become something new. We are especially thankful for the 10 people who participated in our new members class this summer.
-Pastor Tim Amor

Announcements for September 18–25, 2022

September 18, 2022

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 18, 2022
Peace Sunday

Prelude—Earth and All Stars (Wold); I Come with Joy to Meet My Lord (Moore)—Verlene Garber, organ

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—VT 1040—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Jesus Calls Us—VT 30

Children’s Conversation—Lois Brubacher

Anthem— An Hour of Hallowed Peace (Steve Danyew)—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director

Scripture Reading—Amos 8:4-7; Luke 16:1-13—Elaine Schurr

Scripture Reflection—Nathan Koontz

Meditations—Bethel College Community for Justice and Peace—Josué Coy Dick,
Vanessa Torres, Co-Presidents; John Mark Koontz, Becca Schlosser

*Hymn—Wade in the Water—VT 454

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Go Now in Peace, Worship Continues—VT 829

*Benediction—Nathan Koontz

Choral Benediction—Amen (John Rutter)—Chancel Choir

Postlude—Verlene Garber, organ

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Audio visual— Ken Lamp
Pastors—Nathan Koontz, Todd Schlosser

Peace Sunday is hosted by the Witness Commission. Our guest speakers are from the Bethel College Community for Justice and Peace. This group is a recently formed group of students at Bethel College, with sponsors from the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR). They hope to present their vision and process for justice and peace in this community and how BCMC can be involved. We invite you to listen and interact with our neighbors who seek the peace of this place.

BCMC Women’s Fellowship will meet Tuesday, September 20 at 7:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. The topic is on ‘transitions’. After a summer break we look forward to reconnecting. Our offering is for ministries as budgeted. Good things are happening.

This Week at BCMC: September 18—25, 2022
Sunday, September 18—Peace Sunday
9:30 am        Worship Service planned by the Witness Commission; music by Chancel Choir
10:15 am      Fellowship time with coffee and water in the Gathering Place
10:30 am      Faith Formation—Children’s Sunday school classes start
Adult Classes: Agape Class (Rm B8); 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)
YouTube link for today’s worship service:  https://youtu.be/ehA78pPGqm8

Tuesday, September 20
9 to 11 am      Community Playschool
7 pm                Women’s Fellowship Meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, September 21
6:15 pm          Task Group for Indigenous Justice meeting in Room 14
6:30—7:30 pm   Wednesday Night Club Starts Tonight
7:30 pm          Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
7:30 pm          Senior High Youth Group
Thursday, September 22
9 to 11 am     Community Playschool
2 pm               Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm         Chancel Bells rehearsal in room B7
7 pm               Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
Sunday, September 25
9:30 am          Worship Service with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Bells; September birthday recognition

BCMC Sept. 11 Offering: General Fund $2,971; Living Stones $55.

Wow! More money in than we spent two months in a row! The Finance Committee shouts a giant Congratulations and Thank You!! While our progress is remarkable, we still face the glaring reality that income for the year is $29,000 less than expenses and we have deferred some of our contributions of support to places like MCUSA & WDC due to that shortage. We have used 67% of our year to raise 56% of our budget. That’s a big gap and a big challenge but with extra effort we can do it.

Updates on Credence and Company Consultants:
BCMC has contracted with Credence to help us assess congregational strengths and challenges and review our current leadership structures as we consider the future with new pastors. The consultants are currently finishing the process of analyzing survey and interview results and writing the report. The reference group of David Linscheid, Lois Preheim, Megan Kohlman, Ada Schmidt-Tieszen, and Todd Schlosser has been offering feedback to the consultants and will meet with them for a very preliminary hearing of results on September 26. The preliminary report will also be shared at a leadership retreat on October 1 and shared for congregational discernment on Sunday morning, October 16. Both worship and Sunday School time will be taken for this process on October 16. Although this will mean missing adult Sunday School on that day, it appeared to be the best time to have most of the congregation present. We look forward to the final report on November 13.

The Celebration of Life service for Marty Warkentine will be Saturday, September 24, 10 am at Hope Mennonite Church in Wichita, 868 N. Maize Road. Marty was a member of BCMC for her entire life. She died July 28, 2022.

Please mark your calendars to participate in the Wichita Pride Parade on Sunday, September 25. We will have pizza at 11:30 and carpool to the event at noon, leaving from the south doors at BCMC. The parade begins at 1 from the Old County Courthouse in Wichita. Contact Pastor Nathan to let us know how much pizza to order and for carpooling.

Commissions, Committees, and Board Retreat:
Please set aside Saturday morning, October 1, for a special annual retreat for those involved with commissions, committees, or the Board. This year, we will hear the report from Credence and Company Consultants and have time to process its meaning for our work together. More information about specific time and other details will be coming soon.

You are invited to a fall church party hosted by Al and Nadine Peters and
Nathan and Esther Koontz in the Koontz backyard (1 Jasper Court, North Newton) Sunday, October 2 at 5:30 pm. We will provide Nuway sandwiches and chips. If you’d like, you can bring a side dish or dessert to share. Please RSVP to Nadine or Al at 316-804-7141 or 38aldene39@gmail.com

The Board approved moving forward with naming a Search Committee for our new pastors. The Committee’s substantive work will be informed by the report from Credence Consultants, committee members, orienting the committee, and completing preliminary work so that the Committee can begin work efficiently when Credence’s report is received.

Congratulations to Sara Dick and Eric Buller who were married Saturday,
September 17, at a ceremony here at BCMC! Their address in Inman is:
608 S. Pine Street, PO Box 625, Inman, KS, 67546.

The Central Kansas Master Chorale will begin its second season on Sunday, September 18 with a 3 p.m. performance at Hesston Mennonite Church. Under the direction of Dr. Joel Garber, the chorale will be featuring a concert hymn festival focusing on creation, highlighting the creation of the world, creation of the church and creation of music. Guest organist will be Christopher Shaw, of Plymouth Congregational Church in Wichita and Vocal Music director at Goddard High School.
In its second year, the Central Kansas Master Chorale is a collection of select vocalists from around the area committed to advancing the art of choral music by performing great works of the past and present, fostering music education, and enriching and inspiring the culture of our broad community. Even though all participants bring special talents and gifts, art is achieved only through continual dedication and hard work.
Admission is free to the event but donations will be accepted.

New Hope Shelter Food and Supply Drive on September 21
September 21-Meridian Grocery and Dillon’s South 9AM-Noon
Dillon’s North and Wal Mart 1-4PM
Buy these Items, Fill the Truck
Food
Mac and Cheese, Canned Fruit, Canned Goods, Salad Dressings,
Miracle Whip, Ketchup, Mustard, Velveeta, Ramen Noodles, Fruit and Granola Bars, Bar B Q Sauce, Peanut Butter, Jelly and Jam, Tuna
Supplies
Laundry Pods and Laundry Soap, Hand Dishwashing Soap, Napkins, Pine-Sol, 13 and 38 Gallon Trash Bags, Sandwich Bags, Bathroom Cleaner, All-Purpose Cleaner, Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Masking Tape, and Toilet Bowl Cleaner

The New Hope Shelter is a Faith-Based Homeless Shelter serving Homeless Men, Women and Families from Harvey, Butler, Marion and McPherson Counties. Information Call Brian Bisbee at 316-283-7711

Bethel College Events
· Life Enrichment: Place and time: Krehbiel Auditorium, 9:30 am. Sept. 22
9:30 am Astronomical Imaging in the Bethel College Mabee Observatory, Roger Reimer
10:15 am Coffee Break
10:35 am The Hidden gem: Carriage Factory Art Gallery, Mary Lee-McDonald and Diana Torline
11:30 am Songs of the Flint Hills—From Wildflowers to Wild Horses, Annie Wilson

(Sun., Sept. 18) – “Decommissioned Missile Silo Sites: Reminders of Our Past and Future,” a program by Nate Hofer, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum. Following the museum’s brief annual business meeting, Hofer, Overland Park, a “Peace Photo Award” winner, will discuss making photographs of decommissioned nuclear missile silos. The project included finding and traveling to the sites, talking with landowners, and considering why he takes the photos and whether he considers himself a legitimate photographer. Hofer’s exhibit, “One and a Half Acres: Images from America’s Decommissioned Missile Silos,” can be viewed in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center on the Bethel campus before the museum program (gallery opens at 2 p.m.).

Mon., Sept. 19 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble concert, “Classic Forms,” directed by Joel Boettger, 7 p.m., featuring music by Erickson, Balmages, Sousa and more, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center

Thurs., Sept. 22 – Artist reception for Nate Hofer and “One and a Half Acres: Images from America’s Decommissioned Missile Silos,” 6-8 p.m., Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Exhibit closes the same evening. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.

Tues., Sept. 27 – Bethel College Chamber Orchestra concert, directed by Kristopher Hilding, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall

Registration is now open for “Joining Voices Together,” Bethel College’s Worship and the Arts Symposium, Sat., Nov. 12, on campus, featuring resource people Bradley Kauffman, Rachel Epp Buller, Katie Graber, SaeJin Lee, Cynthia Neufeld Smith, Adam Tice and Isaac Villegas. Register at https://www.bethelks.edu/worship-arts-registration-2022; discount for 3 or more people from the same congregation. In addition, the public is invited to a Community Evensong service, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall, which will consist entirely of congregational singing from the Voices Together hymnal, arranged around the 12 artworks found in the hymnal.

Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Oct. 6-9, with most activities taking place Saturday, Oct. 8, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football, Children’s Park, the play Quiet in the Land by Anne Chislett and the STEM Symposium honoring Professor Emeritus of Psychology Paul Lewis. See https://www.bethelks.edu/alumni/events/fall-festival for the complete schedule.

Bethel College Women’s Association will appreciate donations of homemade baked goods for Market-in-the-Round and Pie-By-the-Slice at Fall Festival. Zwieback, cinnamon rolls, fruit pies and poppyseed rolls are especially needed. Please bring to Room 141 in Luyken Fine Arts Center 2-5pm on Friday Oct 7, or 7-9am on Saturday Oct 8. Pies may be delivered to Seminar A in Schultz Student Center. Email bcwa@bethelks.edu with questions.

Western District Conference Announcements
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!

September Final Thursday Book Discussion – “Jesus ministered to the poor, Jesus was poor. If both are true of our Savior, both can be true of us too.” Explore this idea in Kevin Wiebe’s book “Faithful in Small Things: How to Serve the Needy When You’re One of Them.” Copies available at the WDC Resource Library. Join the Zoom discussion on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 7pm. Register by emailing the library at crlib@mennowdc.org

Hog Roast Fundraiser – Grace Hill Mennonite Church, Whitewater, KS invites you to their 6th Annual Community Hog Roast on Sunday, September 25 at the church, 10218 SE 12th St, Whitewater. Free will donations will be accepted for area food banks. Food will be served from 5-7pm and there will be entertainment until 8pm. Contact Pastor Weldon Martens with questions at 402-202-9276.

Theater Presentation – First Mennonite Church, Hillsboro, KS is one of the sponsors for the presentation of “Home,” Wednesday, November 2, 10 am, Shari Flaming Center for the Arts, Tabor College, 400 S Jefferson St, Hillsboro, KS 67063. Theatre artists Ted Swartz & Michelle Milne (Ted & Co.) weave biblical story and personal stories in a unique blend of humor and insight. They will explore the lasting, relevant power of story, both ancient and current, around themes of justice, belonging and home.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Camp Mennoscah’s Annual Meeting and Dedication of the Renovated Campfire Amphitheater is this Sunday, September 18! Join us at Camp Mennoscahat 6:30pm for an evening of song, popcorn, and generic pop, as well as updates and information on the year at Camp Mennoscah. It’s like a mini-Camp Sing! Bring your friends for a happy sing-along and an evening of fellowship.

Other events and happenings:

Work and Play Day on October 15! Share a few hours of your time for the satisfaction of improving camp grounds and some free time wandering the trails, fishing, or whatever your favorite camp activity is. The day starts at 8:30am at the maintenance shed. If you are coming from a distance, ask about an overnight stay. Let us know you’re coming, so we can plan for you and your friends. Call 620-297-3290 or email olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org!
We’re taking out the dam on October 16 at approx. 2:30pm! Everyone is welcome to join in or to watch. Gather at the shelter. (The actual removal of the boards is not for young ages.) The event will go forward, whatever the weather, unless deemed unsafe. Call Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290, if uncertain.
Camp Mennoscah is considering moving camps to a Sunday to Friday schedule. We’d be interested in hearing your thoughts–parents, campers, weekend groups, everyone! Please reply to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.

For Mennonite Creation Care Network press here

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

For Mennonite Mission Network Mustard Seeds press here

For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

Mennonite Church USA Church Vitality office, in partnership with Everence, has updated its compensation guidelines for pastors and conference ministers for 2022-2023. A pastor salary worksheet and other resources are available to help pastors, churches and recent seminary graduates during salary negotiations. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/pastor-salaries

Menno Snapshots
Abortion has always been a contentious topic among Christians. Nancy Heisey, a retired Eastern Mennonite University professor, writes that regardless of our views on abortion, we, as people of faith, should focus on caring for people experiencing crisis pregnancies. Read her blog, “How are we to be the church?” here: mennoniteusa.org/how-to-be-church

Menno Snapshots
In his youth, Doug Hostetter, the peace pastor at Evanston (Illinois) Mennonite Church, enjoyed using guns to hunt for food, but after serving with Mennonite Central Committee in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, he decided to abstain from using guns ever again. In his blog, “Reflection on guns and security,” he explained how the war and his peace witness affected his view on guns. mennoniteusa.org/reflection-on-guns

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network recently appointed Andi Santoso as regional administrator for Asia and the Middle East. Pray for Andi as he immerses himself in building relationships in this region.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for elected leaders and staff of WDC as they meet for Reference Council next Saturday and reflect on what it means to “Witness and invite others to faith in Jesus Christ,” one of the themes in the WDC mission statement.

View the worship service for September 4, 2022

Press here for Sept. 4 service

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH

September 4, 2022

Prelude—All Glory be to God on High (Bach; Walther)—Verlene Garber

Christ Candle Lighting—Tim Hodge

Land Acknowledgement

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn—Let’s Walk Together—VT 6

Children’s Conversation—Glen Ediger

Scripture Reading—Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 1—Nathan Koontz

Sermon—Todd Schlosser

*Hymn—Lord, I am Fondly, Earnestly Longing—VT 555

Prayers of God’s People—Tim Hodge

*Hymn—Longing for Light—VT 715

Benediction—Todd Schlosser

Postlude—Verlene Garber

* You are invited to stand

VT = Voices Together

Audio visual—

Pastors— Nathan Koontz, Todd Schlosser