Author Archives: Monica Lichti

WORSHIP SERVICE FOR August 8, 2021–––YOU WILL HAVE TO PRESS READ MORE TO SEE THE LINK

Worship Service for August 8

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH

August 8, 2021

Prelude—Concerto in G Major (Ernst/J.S. Bach)— Allegro – Grave – Presto—Chris Shaw, organ

Christ Candle Lighting—Jim Robb

Land Acknowledgement

Call to Worship and Prayer

Hymn—When in Our Music God is Glorified—VT 83

Children’s Conversation—Jill Robb

Scripture Reading—Philippians 3:4b-8a, 10-16

Sermon—A New Community—Nathan Koontz

Hymn—I Come with Joy—VT 478

Prayers of God’s people—Jim Robb

Hymn—God Be with Us—VT 613

Benediction—Nathan Koontz

Postlude—When in Our Music God Is Glorified  (arr. Robert Hobby)

VT = Voices Together

Worship leader—Jim Robb

Children’s conversation—Jill Robb

Organist—Chris Shaw

Audio visual—Francis Toews

Pastors—Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Dawn Yoder Harms

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT for BCMC

Compiled by Florence Schloneger from words by Mark Charles and VT #878 Feb 2021

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.   

Announcements for August 8-15, 2021

Bethel College students will soon be arriving!
They will be encouraged to leave parking spaces open around the church on Sundays for BCMC parking.  In addition, on Sunday mornings parking is available for BCMCers in 1) the Fine Arts Center parking lot, and 2) the grassy parking lot just south of the paved Warkentin Courts lot. If you can easily walk this distance, we encourage you to use those spaces in consideration of those with mobility issues.

Pastor Dawn will be out of town Aug 6-9.

Thank you to our BCMC family for your support during this past year after losing our daughter and sister, Nancy Jo.  Thank you for your cards and emails, for celebrating Nancy’s life with us, whether in person at her memorial service or via live-streaming. Thank you to the pastors, staff and volunteers who helped us with the memorial service and, in the process, helped us feel cared for.  We now walk the rest of the way without Nancy (and Maddox), but we know we have your arms to lean on when we lose heart.  –Jim, Melanie and Becky Mueller

We, the family of Miner Seymour, are so grateful for this community that has held Miner and us so steadfastly these past months/years.  We appreciate the caring, gifts of food, and many other thoughtful gestures of kindness.  Thank you!  Valetta, Kate, Todd and Roo.

There will be a celebration of life service for Kristin Schmidt’s husband, Archie, on August 14, 2021, at Tabor Mennonite Church at 2:00 pm. (Kristin Schmidt is employed at Bethel College.)  A brain tumor ended Archie’s life on January 17, 2021. For the service, masks are required, and social distancing will be observed.  
Please continue to offer sympathy and support to Kristin and her family, as they share memories and continue to grieve. Ada Schmidt-Tieszen, Emeritus Professor of Social Work, is Archie’s sister and Wes Schmidt-Tieszen his brother-in-law.
You will find the obituary at this link.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/thekansan/name/archie-schmidt-obituary?pid=199668070

Upcoming memorial service:  Rosalind Andreas:  Saturday, Aug 21, 1:30 pm, BCMC Sanctuary
You are welcome to attend this service in-person. It will also be recorded and live streamed.  You can access the live stream by going to the Bethel College Mennonite Church website and clicking on the green live stream button at the right hand side of the page.  Click here to get to the website:  BCMC Website

Library News from BCMC
The Library Theme for the next couple of months is Creation Care/Nature. We have many wonderful books to browse through/read. Please come check out our display behind the  desk and on the cart in front of the desk. The children’s section’s books are displayed on the book trays on the south side of the room, while the Junior Section have their books displayed around their shelving area. We didn’t pull all of the books on this subject (there are many!), so feel free to look this subject up on our library website. You may just find one that you would like to read.

Play Bells!
Are you interested in participating in Chancel Bell Choir this fall?  If so, complete the brief survey here. Both new and experienced players are welcome!  Rehearsal time has not yet been set.  Please complete the survey by August 8.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
The next Work Day is August 28 with all sorts of fun projects!  Meet at the Maintenance shed at 8:30am and bring your lunch and a water bottle. Come for a partial day, if that’s what works!  Call us at 620-297-3290 or email office@campmennoscah.org!  You are important to Camp Mennoscah’s ministry!
The Mental Health Spiritual Retreat held over Labor Day Weekend will take a hiatus to review and reflect upon mission.  There will be no retreat in the fall of 2021.

Kauffman Museum exhibit, “Vapes: Marketing an Addiction” 
This new exhibit examines what is known about e-cigarettes, and includes selections from a previous Kauffman Museum exhibit, “Better Choose Me: Collecting and Creating with Tobacco Fabric Novelties, 1880-1920.” “Vapes” has been on display at NMC Health in Newton since the beginning of June and moves to Kauffman Museum July 29-Jan. 9, 2022.

The 2021 issue of Mennonite Life, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with articles and reviews by Brad Born, Rachel Epp Buller, Peter Goerzen, Raylene Hinz-Penner, Mark Jantzen, Jim Juhnke, Nate Kroeker, Alec Loganbill, Jacob Miller, Bethany Powls, Rich Preheim, Darrin Snyder-Belousek, Tara Schwartz, Anne Marie Stoner-Eby and Melanie Zuercher.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website at https://mennowdc.org/ to read the latest news, stories and announcements!

Mennonite Central Committee Newsletter “In Touch” – click here
Mennonite Mission Network – Replanting Peace Churches – click here
Mennonite Central Committee Action Alert – click here
Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond – click here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
#BeTransformed
At the close of MennoCon21, Glen Guyton, executive director of Mennonite Church USA, announced the new theme for this biennium: “Be Transformed.” Read more about what Guyton had to say here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/guyton-call-for-change.

A new video from Mennonite Church USA  shows how the Justice Fund is supporting peace and justice work across the denomination through mutual aid. See how Justice Fund grants are helping  congregations dismantle racism, uplift the oppressed and promote peace: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/justice-fund-video.

Menno Snapshots
It is too easy for churches to adopt traditions and policies that pull us away from our foundation. In his blog, “The Rock,” Mennonite Church USA Executive Director Glen Guyton urges readers to “set our feet firmly on the rock that is Jesus.” Read his blog here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/the-rock/.

Menno Snapshots
In his blog, “The hyphenated Anabaptist and the hyphenated college,” Brad Kohlman explains that in Mennonite colleges, it is common to find students who come from other church traditions. He shares how being able to marry people’s faith traditions with their Anabaptist education creates value for the church and the individual’s faith formation. Read more of Kohlman’s thoughts here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/hyphenated-anabaptist-college/.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:   This month, the Bokgoni Sporting Club in Botswana is showcasing opportunities for at-risk teenage girls to participate in life-skills training and sports. Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for increased community participation in this program.
Western District Conference Prayer Request:   Give thanks for WDC members who have been affirmed for conference leadership roles this coming year, and pray for God’s guidance as they serve in this way.

Announcements for August 1-8, 2021

Worship Service for August 1 
There will be no worship at BCMC on Sunday, August 1, so that everyone can participate in the Western District Conference Assembly worship at Faith Mennonite Church, 10:30 am. You can participate in the worship service in-person or virtually.  Following is the link for the livestreamed service.  Click on the words, YouTube Live.
10:30 am – Worship (On-site or YouTube Live)

Thank you to BCMCers serving as delegates at the Western District Conference Assembly this weekend:  
Ada Schmidt-Tieszen, Arlo Kasper, Austin Prouty, Brad Kohlman, Dale Schrag, Dawn Yoder Harms, Dick Koontz, Elaine Prouty, Elaine Schurr, Jim Mininger, Marlene Faul, Renee Reimer, Roger Juhnke, Susie Swartley, Tim Hodge.  

Western District Conference Annual Assembly
Friday worship, July 30 at 7 pm followed by sno-cones outside at 8 pm.  July 31, Saturday 7-8 pm enjoy storytelling under the tent with fresh popcorn.  Invite your friends to Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N Anderson Ave, Newton, KS, for some summer fun.  Storytelling also inside and online!   See the WDC Assembly flier here.
Western District Conference invites you to visit their website at https://mennowdc.org/ to read the latest news, stories and announcements!

Staff Absences and Pastor On Call

  • Pastor Dawn Yoder Harms will be out of the office July 28 – August 3.
  • Pastor Nathan Koontz will be out of the office August 1-3.
  • Pastor Renee Reimer will be the pastor on call for August 1-3.  Her cell phone is:  605-212-0081

Here are links to recent services at BCMC:

  • Nancy Mueller’s memorial service on July 24:  Press here for the link to the service.
  • Worship Service for Sunday, July 25:  Press here
  • Hartzel Schmidt’s memorial service on July 25:  Press here
  • Miner Seymour’s memorial service on July 28:  Press here

Upcoming memorial service:  Rosalind Andreas:  Saturday, Aug 21, 1:30 pm, BCMC Sanctuary
You are welcome to attend this service in-person. It will also be recorded and live streamed.  You can access the live stream by going to the Bethel College Mennonite Church website and clicking on the green live stream button at the right hand side of the page.  Click here to get to the website:  BCMC Website

Library News from BCMC
The Library Theme for the next couple of months is Creation Care/Nature. We have many wonderful books to browse through/read. Please come check out our display behind the  desk and on the cart in front of the desk. The children’s section’s books are displayed on the book trays on the south side of the room, while the Junior Section have their books displayed around their shelving area. We didn’t pull all of the books on this subject (there are many!), so feel free to look this subject up on our library website. You may just find one that you would like to read.

Play Bells!
Are you interested in participating in Chancel Bell Choir this fall?  If so, complete the brief survey here. Both new and experienced players are welcome!  Rehearsal time has not yet been set.  Please complete the survey by August 8.

Budget Updates
As of the end of June 2021, expenses exceed contributions by $29,302.48.  Contributions received stand at 42% of the amount expected for the year, and expenses are at 47% of the budget.  Please keep this information in mind as we begin the second half of the year.

Living Stones II update:  Currently the amount contributed to Living Stones II is $13,712.61 short of covering the costs of the kitchen/fellowship hall renovations.  Please continue to keep this in mind during the second half of the year.

Offering at BCMC for July 11:  General Fund $8,086; Plant Fund $120; Living Stones $93.33; Hartzel Schmidt Memorial $125; Mission Quilters $942; Miner Seymour Memorial $100.  
Offering at BCMC for July 25:  General Fund $2,467; Living Stones $505; Women’s Fellowship $50; Elevator Repair $10.  

Mennonite Central Committee in North Newton Sent an update on the Colorado Peaches
Get your Colorado Peaches this summer and support MCC at the same time. Beth-El Mennonite Church in Colorado Springs is organizing a fundraiser to cover expenses related to the annual Rocky Mountain Relief Sale, which is being planned for October 15-16 in Rocky Ford, Colorado. Peaches are available in 10-pound boxes for $25 and 18-pound boxes for $35. Deadline for orders/payment is Monday, August 2 (payment must be made before the end of day on August 2 or your order will be canceled). Checks or cash are accepted, checks are made payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “Peaches” in the memo line. Please contact Patsy Dirksen at MCC Central States Office for orders/payments at patsydirksen@mcc.org or 316.283.2720. Pick-up date for peaches is tentatively scheduled for Monday, August 23 at the MCC Central States in North Newton.  

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
What a great summer we’ve had!  Summer Youth Camps will be ending on July 30 and the tents and bunks need to be taken down in preparation for fall groups. Volunteers are needed for both July 30 and 31 to lower the tents and break down the bunks for storage.  On Friday, July 30, work will begin at approx. 1:30pm (after the end of Senior High Camp) and go until 6:30pm.  We’ll begin again on Saturday at 8:30am and work until we’re done.  A simple noon meal will be offered on Saturday.  There is the option of staying overnight between the two work days–make it a service holiday!  Let us know you are coming for one or both days so we can plan accordingly!  Contact us at 620-297-3290. 
The next Work Day is August 28 with all sorts of fun projects!  Meet at the Maintenance shed at 8:30am and bring your lunch and a water bottle. Come for a partial day, if that’s what works!  Call us at 620-297-3290 or email office@campmennoscah.org!  You are important to Camp Mennoscah’s ministry!
The Mental Health Spiritual Retreat held over Labor Day Weekend will take a hiatus to review and reflect upon mission.  There will be no retreat in the fall of 2021.

Kauffman Museum exhibit, “Vapes: Marketing an Addiction” 
This new exhibit examines what is known about e-cigarettes, and includes selections from a previous Kauffman Museum exhibit, “Better Choose Me: Collecting and Creating with Tobacco Fabric Novelties, 1880-1920.” “Vapes” has been on display at NMC Health in Newton since the beginning of June and moves to Kauffman Museum July 29-Jan. 9, 2022.

The 2021 issue of Mennonite Life, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with articles and reviews by Brad Born, Rachel Epp Buller, Peter Goerzen, Raylene Hinz-Penner, Mark Jantzen, Jim Juhnke, Nate Kroeker, Alec Loganbill, Jacob Miller, Bethany Powls, Rich Preheim, Darrin Snyder-Belousek, Tara Schwartz, Anne Marie Stoner-Eby and Melanie Zuercher. 

DATE CORRECTION
The first notice had the wrong October date.
Kansas Mennonite Disaster Service Unit sponsoring two Learning and Service Trips to McAllen Texas
Dates of two trips:
October 16 – October 23 (corrected)
February 19 – 26
Participants will leave Kansas on Saturday morning traveling to San Antonio, TX, staying overnight. Visiting San Antonio Mennonite Church on Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon traveling to McAllen TX for the MDS project.
Costs: Lodging and meals on the two traveling weekends. MDS will cover the remainder of the expenses.
Reservations: To make your reservations or for more information contact Cleo Koop at cleohkoop@gmail.com or call 316-282-0797.
If you are interested in volunteering at McAllen, TX on different weeks than what is in this announcement please call the volunteer coordinator at 800-241-8111.

For Mennonite Disaster Service Volunteer Update press here

For Mennonites Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Mennonite Central Committee Action Alert press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
You are invited to participate in the Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) churchwide Journey Forward study through Springtide Research Institute. The survey results will be used to help inform the direction of MC USA, as we Journey Forward together. It is important that the denomination hears from a variety of voices, so please take part in the survey today: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/MC-USA-Member-Survey

Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) held its first online Delegates Assembly on July 10. During the assembly, delegates voted on changes to the MC USA bylaws, confirmed nominees for churchwide boards and heard reports from the Resolutions Committee and racial ethnic and constituency groups. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/virtual-delegate-assembly.

MennoCon21
Good news! It’s not too late to purchase your virtual content pass for MennoCon21! The cost of the pass has been reduced to $25. Access to the MennoCon21 virtual convention will continue to be available through August 10. Sign up here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/mennocon21_virtual_access.

Menno Snapshots
Joy Cotchen has been volunteering at conference in some capacity since 2000. In her blog, “The Joy of volunteering,” she shares what she finds most enjoyable about the volunteer experience. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/joy-of-volunteering.

WORSHIP SERVICE FOR July 25, 2021–––YOU WILL HAVE TO PRESS READ MORE TO SEE THE LINK

July 25 Worship Service

 BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 25, 2021
Philippians

Prelude—From All That Dwells Below the Skies  (Burkhardt)

                Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (Burkhardt)—Karen Unruh, organ

Christ Candle Lighting—Lois Preheim

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn– For We Are Strangers No More—VT 409

Children’s Conversation—Kathy Stucky

Scripture—Philippians 2:1-11

Sermon—Meeting you on your trail—Renee Reimer

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

Prayers of God’s people—Lois Preheim

*Hymn—God Be With Us—VT 613

Benediction—Renee Reimer

Postlude—A Rejoicing (Fedak)—Karen Unruh, organ

VT = Voices Together

Worship leader—Lois Preheim

Children’s conversation—Kathy Stucky

Audio visual—Ben Lichti

Pastors—Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Dawn Yoder Harm

Announcements for July 25-August 1, 2021

MC USA Convention Report:  Brad Kohlman, Dale Schrag, Renee Reimer and Dawn Yoder Harms participated in the MC USA Convention in Cincinnati, July 6-10 and served as delegates for BCMC.  You can hear their reflections about the experience by following this link:  https://youtu.be/h8iqcC_xTEM

There will be no worship at BCMC on Aug 1, so that everyone can participate in the Western District Conference Assembly worship at Faith Mennonite Church, 10:30am. You can participate in the worship service in-person or virtually. A link for the livestreamed service will be posted on the WDC Assembly webpage next Wednesday, July 28.

Thanks to those responding to the chancel choir survey! You’ve provided helpful information that allows us to plan for the fall choir season. More details will follow in mid-August.

Play Bells!

Are you interested in participating in Chancel Bell Choir this fall?  If so, complete the brief survey here. Both new and experienced players are welcome!  Rehearsal time has not yet been set.  Please complete the survey by August 8.

Current BCMC Covid guidelines can be accessed on the BCMC website here.

Budget Updates
As of the end of June 2021, expenses exceed contributions by $29,302.48.  Contributions received stand at 42% of the amount expected for the year, and expenses are at 47% of the budget.  Please keep this information in mind as we begin the second half of the year.

Living Stones II update:  Currently the amount contributed to Living Stones II is $13,712.61 short of covering the costs of the kitchen/fellowship hall renovations.  Please continue to keep this in mind during the second half of the year.

Upcoming memorials services are being planned to remember these loved ones among us:

Nancy Mueller:  Saturday, July 24, 3 pm, BCMC Sanctuary
Hartzel Schmidt:  Sunday, July 25, 2 pm, BCMC  Sanctuary
Miner Seymour:  Wednesday, July 28, 10 am, BCMC Sanctuary
Rosalind Andreas:  Saturday, Aug 21, 1:30 pm, BCMC Sanctuary

You are welcome to attend these services in-person. Services will also be recorded and live streamed.  You can access the live stream by going to the Bethel College Mennonite Church website and clicking on the green live stream button at the right hand side of the page.  Click here to get to the website:  BCMC Website
We will send out links to the services on Monday, July 26, for viewing on the BCMC YouTube Channel.

Mennonite Central Committee in North Newton Announces that the Peaches are Coming
Colorado Peaches are coming to MCC in North Newton! Get your Colorado Peaches this summer and support MCC at the same time. Beth-El Mennonite Church in Colorado Springs is organizing a fundraiser to cover expenses related to the annual Rocky Mountain Relief Sale, which is being planned for October 15-16 in Rocky Ford, Colorado. Peaches are available in 10-pound boxes for $25 and 18-pound boxes for $35. Deadline for orders/payment is Monday, August 2. Checks or cash are accepted, checks are made payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “Peaches” in the memo line. Please contact Patsy Dirksen at MCC Central States Office for orders/payments at patsydirksen@mcc.org. Pick-up date for peaches is tentatively scheduled for Monday, August 23 at the MCC Central States in North Newton.  

Western District Conference Annual Assembly
Remember to register for the WDC Annual Assembly at:  mennowdc.org/2021.  Friday worship, July 30 at 7 pm followed by sno-cones outside at 8 pm.  July 31, Saturday 7-8 pm enjoy storytelling under the tent with fresh popcorn.  Invite your friends to Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N Anderson Ave, Newton, KS, for some summer fun.  Storytelling also inside and online!   See the WDC Assembly flier here.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website at https://mennowdc.org/ to read the latest news, stories and announcements!

Camp Mennoscah Announcement
Summer Youth Camps will end on July 30 and the tents and bunks need to be taken down in preparation for fall groups. Volunteers are needed in abundance for both July 30 and 31 to lower the tents and break down the bunks for storage. On Friday, July 30, work will begin at approx. 1:30pm (after the end of Senior High Camp) and go until 6:30pm. We’ll begin again on Saturday at 8:30am and work until we’re done. A simple noon meal will be offered on Saturday. There is the option of staying overnight between the two work days–make it a service holiday! Let us know you are coming for one or both days so we can plan accordingly! Contact us at 620-297-3290.

Thursday, July 29 – Grand Open House for the new Kauffman Museum exhibit, “Vapes: Marketing an Addiction,” 2-6 p.m. This new exhibit examines what is known about e-cigarettes, and includes selections from a previous Kauffman Museum exhibit, “Better Choose Me: Collecting and Creating with Tobacco Fabric Novelties, 1880-1920.” “Vapes” has been on display at NMC Health in Newton since the beginning of June and moves to Kauffman Museum July 29-Jan. 9, 2022.

The 2021 issue of Mennonite Life, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with articles and reviews by Brad Born, Rachel Epp Buller, Peter Goerzen, Raylene Hinz-Penner, Mark Jantzen, Jim Juhnke, Nate Kroeker, Alec Loganbill, Jacob Miller, Bethany Powls, Rich Preheim, Darrin Snyder-Belousek, Tara Schwartz, Anne Marie Stoner-Eby and Melanie Zuercher. 

The August 2021 Mennonite Mission Network PRAYER VINE is now available for download. The PDF is posted in the prayer resources section of our website and can also be downloaded directly by clicking the link below:
Download this month’s Prayer Vine (PDF)

Mennonite Mission Network “News from Around the World” click here
Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” click here

The link to the August issue of Prayers for Mennonite Education is below.
Prayer requests from Mennonite schools – August 2021

For the Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” click here.

The Kansas Mennonite Disaster Service Unit  is sponsoring two Learning and Service Trips to McAllen Texas
Dates of two trips:
October 30 – November 6
February 19 – 26
Participants will leave Kansas on Saturday morning traveling to San Antonio, TX, staying overnight. Visiting San Antonio Mennonite Church on Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon traveling to McAllen TX for the MDS project.
Costs: Lodging and meals on the two traveling weekends. MDS will cover the remainder of the expenses.
Reservations: To make your reservations or for more information contact Cleo Koop at cleohkoop@gmail.com or call 316-282-0797.
If you are interested in volunteering at McAllen, TX on different weeks than what is in this announcement please call the volunteer coordinator at 800-241-8111.

Christian Peacemaker Teams invites you to a webinar on Colombia
To Work the Land is to resist: Farmer’s Voices in Defense of the Land – click here for information

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:   This month, Mary Raber is bringing closure to her 11 years of ministry with Mennonite Mission Network in Ukraine. Pray that Mary will find ways to maintain relationships, even as she says goodbye to students and colleagues at Odessa Theological Seminary and the churches where she worshiped.
Western District Conference Prayer Request:   Pray for WDC’s Annual Assembly next weekend, as we share the new experience of a hybrid (in-person and online) gathering! 
Mennonite World Conference Prayer Request:  Pray for peace and stability of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. We strongly request your prayers for our brothers and sisters in Tigray and Metekel areas. They need our support to heal from the trauma and rehabilitate. Pray for brothers and sisters who are persecuted because of their faith in some parts of the country. Pray for funds to rehabilitate people affected by natural and human-made crisis in different parts of the country.
—Meserete Kristos Church

WORSHIP SERVICE FOR July 18, 2021–––YOU WILL HAVE TO PRESS READ MORE TO SEE THE LINK

July 18 Worship Service

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 18, 2021

Prelude             The Spacious Firmament on High (arr. H. DeCou)

                             “Little” Prelude & Fugue in C Maj (J.S. Bach)

                                                                                                   Will Friesen, organ

Lighting the Christ Candle           Dale Horst

Welcome

Prayer

*Hymn of Praise            Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee                            VT 103

Children’s Conversation                                                                Carol Flickinger

Scripture Reading                                                                      Philippians 1:1-11

Sermon                               What Lies Beneath                     Dawn Yoder Harms

*Hymn of Response                God of the Bible                                        VT 420

Prayers of God’s people

*Sending Hymn                         God, Be with Us                                        VT 613

Benediction                                                                              Dawn Yoder Harms

Postlude (please remain seated)       All Creatures of Our God and King                                                                              (arr. D. Hustad)         Will Friesen                                        ______________________________________________

VT = Voices Together

Flowers—Judy Friesen

AV technician—Ken Lamp

Pastors—Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Dawn Yoder Harms

Announcements for July 18-July 25, 2021

BCMC Offering for July 4, 2021:  General Fund $6,654; MCC Sale $200; Living Stones $835; Women’s Fellowship $250.  Attendance was 97.
BCMC Offering for July 11, 2021:  General Fund $8,683.30; Living Stones $155; Women’s Fellowship $130; Hartzel Schmidt Memorial $75.  Attendance was 93.

Budget Update
As of the end of June 2021, expenses exceed contributions by $29,302.48.  Contributions received stand at 42% of the amount expected for the year, and expenses are at 47% of the budget.  Please keep this information in mind as we begin the second half of the year.

Interested in singing in Chancel Choir this fall? If so, please complete this short survey by following this link.  Your participation in the survey will help choir directors plan for the coming year.

WOVEN INTO GOD’S STORY

The WDC Annual Assembly will be held July 30-August 1. This will be a “hybrid” event – some parts will be only virtual, other parts will be only on-site, and much of it will be hybrid with people on-site and virtual sharing together. The on-site parts will be held at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 North Anderson, Newton, KS.The Assembly theme will be “Woven Into God’s Story” using Scripture themes from Colossians 2:2-7. Michele Hershberger, Bible and Ministry Professor Hesston College, will be the keynote speaker and storyteller. Other storytellers will be sharing throughout the weekend, as well. For more Assembly info, go to:  https://mennowdc.org/2021-wdc-annual-assembly/.

BCMC is urgently seeking delegates for the WDC Delegate Session (held virtually) on Saturday, July 31, 8:30-10:30am.  If you would be willing to represent our congregation at this meeting, please contact Dale Schrag. Registration fees will be covered by BCMC. 

Upcoming memorials services are being planned to remember these loved ones among us:

Nancy Mueller:  Saturday, July 24, 3 pm, BCMC Sanctuary
Hartzel Schmidt:  Sunday, July 25, 2 pm, BCMC  Sanctuary
Miner Seymour:  Wednesday, July 28, 10 am, BCMC Sanctuary
Rosalind Andreas:  Saturday, Aug 21, 1:30 pm, BCMC Sanctuary

You are welcome to attend these services in-person. Services will also be recorded and/or live streamed. 

A memorial for Robert Waltner’s wife, Barbara, who died March 7, 2021,  will be Saturday, July 24,  11 am.   They are members of Lorraine Avenue Church, but the service will be held at the First Church of the Brethren, 1103 Jefferson in Wichita. (The air conditioning at Lorraine Avenue is not working).  Robert is John Waltner’s brother. 

The Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble will be in concert Sunday, August 1, 3 pm at the First Prebyterian Church, 900 Columbus, Newton.  See the poster here.

Everence to hold Gifts that give back webinar
Tuesday, August 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Many make charitable gifts to support their favorite causes and organizations. Some choose to extend their charitable giving further by designating dollars for charity in their end-of-life plans. But did you know there is another type of gift plan that generates income for the donor and then sends a gift to charity at a later date? Come to this workshop to learn more about “Gifts that give back” and whether it is a strategy for you!  This webinar will be hosted by Mitch Stutzman, Everence Stewardship Consultant. 
This webinar is free. Please register by contacting our office at 877-467-7294, 316-283-3800 or central.kansas@everence.com.   
Advisory services and securities may be offered through a third-party registered investment advisor or registered broker-dealer that is not affiliated with Everence Trust Company. Investments and other investment-related and/or securities products are not NCUA or otherwise federally insured, may involve loss of principal and are not guaranteed.

The 2021 issue of Mennonite Life, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with articles and reviews by Brad Born, Rachel Epp Buller, Peter Goerzen, Raylene Hinz-Penner, Mark Jantzen, Jim Juhnke, Nate Kroeker, Alec Loganbill, Jacob Miller, Bethany Powls, Rich Preheim, Darrin Snyder-Belousek, Tara Schwartz, Anne Marie Stoner-Eby and Melanie Zuercher.

Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond link

For news from the Western District Conference go to this link

For the Mennonite Central Committee Washington E-Memo press here

WORSHIP SERVICE FOR July 11, 2021–––YOU WILL HAVE TO PRESS READ MORE TO SEE THE LINK

July 11, 2021 Worship Service

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 11, 2021
The Story of Ruth

Prelude—Pat Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting—Dorothy Nickel Friesen

Welcome and Prayer

Hymn—*Song Mountain of God—VT 11

Children’s Conversation—Megan Kohlman

The Story of Ruth

Chapter 1

Women (when prompted): “Can this be Naomi?”

Song— Come Ye Disconsolate—VT 643

Chapter 2

Everyone (when prompted): “The Lord bless you!”

*Song—Come, Ye Thankful People—VT 123

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

The elders (when prompted): “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah.”

Women (when prompted): “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”

Women (when prompted): “Naomi has a son!”

Prayers of God’s people—Dorothy Nickel Friesen

*Song—The Lord Bless You and Keep You—VT 846

Benediction—Dorothy Nickel Friesen

Postlude—Pat Friesen

VT = Voices Together

*All who are able are invited to stand

Today’s skit was adapted by Sophia Austin and edited by Michelle Curtis

Skit participants: Tim Hodge, Jill Robb, Sara Dick, Adam Robb, Doug Harms, Renee Reimer, and Ben Gering

Worship leader—Dorothy Nickel Friesen

Children’s conversation—Megan Kohlman

Audio visual—Ben Lichti

Pastors—Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Dawn Yoder Harms

Announcements for July 11-July 18, 2021

Interested in singing in Chancel Choir this fall? If so, please complete this short survey by following this link.  Your participation in the survey will help choir directors plan for the coming year.

Pastor Renee Reimer at Camp Mennoscah
Renee will be leading input at Camp Mennoscah July 11-15
Pastor Nathan Koontz will be gone from July 11-19.

WOVEN INTO GOD’S STORY

The WDC Annual Assembly will be held July 30-August 1. This will be a “hybrid” event – some parts will be only virtual, other parts will be only on-site, and much of it will be hybrid with people on-site and virtual sharing together. The on-site parts will be held at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 North Anderson, Newton, KS.The Assembly theme will be “Woven Into God’s Story” using Scripture themes from Colossians 2:2-7. Michele Hershberger, Bible and Ministry Professor, Hesston College, will be the keynote speaker and storyteller. Other storytellers will be sharing throughout the weekend, as well. For more Assembly info, go to:  https://mennowdc.org/2021-wdc-annual-assembly/.

BCMC is urgently seeking delegates for the WDC Delegate Session (held virtually) on Saturday, July 31, 8:30-10:30am.  If you would be willing to represent our congregation at this meeting, please contact Dale Schrag. Registration fees will be covered by BCMC. 

Upcoming memorials services are being planned to remember these loved ones among us:

Nancy Mueller:  Saturday, July 24, 3 pm, BCMC Sanctuary
Hartzel Schmidt:  Sunday, July 25, 2 pm, BCMC  Sanctuary
Rosalind Andreas:  Saturday, Aug 21, 1:30 pm, BCMC Sanctuary

You are welcome to attend these services in-person. Services will also be recorded and/or live streamed. Following the services, cookies will be served outdoors (or indoors in case of inclement weather).

The 2021 issue of Mennonite Life, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with articles and reviews by Brad Born, Rachel Epp Buller, Peter Goerzen, Raylene Hinz-Penner, Mark Jantzen, Jim Juhnke, Nate Kroeker, Alec Loganbill, Jacob Miller, Bethany Powls, Rich Preheim, Darrin Snyder-Belousek, Tara Schwartz, Anne Marie Stoner-Eby and Melanie Zuercher.

Bluestem Communities will host its annual community dementia forum, Innovations in Living with Dementia, as an online webinar on Wednesday, July 21, at 6:30 p.m. The presentation is entitled, “I Already Told You…Don’t You Remember?: Understanding Memory Loss, Dementia and Dementia Communication,” and is presented by national-known dementia educator Erin Bonitto. The webinar is free, and one credit of CEUs approved by the State of Kansas is available as an option for $15. Whether you’re a professional caregiver or someone caring for a loved one living with dementia, this learning session will help participants focus on what the person with Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia needs you to know. Register at bluestemks.org/dementiaforum. Registration is required. Spaces are limited.

The Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble will be in concert Sunday, August 1, 3 pm at the First Prebyterian Church, 900 Columbus, Newton.  See the poster here.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website at https://mennowdc.org/ to read the latest news, stories and announcements!

Western District Conference Announcements
1.  Shaking up the WDC Assembly worship Saturday evening (July 31)!  Virtual participants, grab your supper at home, and onsite participants, get your supper from a food truck (at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton, KS), then join us for a time of worship and communion around the supper table.  We hope you’ll join us for this and other creative worship times, seminars/webinars, and more July 30-August 1 as part of the WDC Annual Assembly.  For more Assembly information, go to:  https://mennowdc.org/2021-wdc-annual-assembly/.

2.  WDC Assembly Sunday Worship:  How can we join August 1 Assembly worship?  Join us in-person at 10:30 am at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N Anderson, Newton, KS.  Or worship via YouTube Live at 10:30 am wherever you are.  Or watch the recording on our WDC YouTube channel at Western District Conference (MC USA) whenever it is convenient for you.  Join us for Friday (July 30) worship at 7 pm in any of these ways, too!

3.  Storytelling opportunity!  WDC’s Annual Assembly theme is “Woven into God’s Story.” StoryCorps has invited WDC to partner with their storytelling project, One Small Step, to share and record our own stories within WDC. OneSmall Step is an initiative to facilitate online conversations between people of different viewpoints and life experiences. (Facilitators are bilingual, so conversations may be either in Spanish or English).  Thank you to those who have registered to participate in this initiative!  We are still seeking additional registrants to meet the number needed for the project, so StoryCorps has rescheduled WDC’s virtual recording days for October 7-9 (instead of July).  With this change in dates, participants will be matched with a conversation partner from the WDC community OR from the StoryCorps national community, to make sure everyone has an opportunity for a conversation. This means you still have time to sign up!  To register, go to https://onesmallstep.storycorps.org/wdc/.  To learn more, see these examples of One Small Stepstories.

Mennonite Central Committee’s monthly newsletterIn Touch can be read here.

Mennonite Disaster Service’s Volunteer Update can be viewed here.

Camp Mennoscah announcements
1.  Family Weekend at Camp Mennoscah on July 17-18!  If you’re looking for a weekend to escape, this retreat offers a smorgasbord of camp activities for you to choose from and plenty of time to be with your family and friends.  Register at campmennoscah.org and contact 620-297-3290 with questions!

2.  Extra help needed for summer youth camps!  Camp Mennoscah has paid and volunteer positions for grounds, maintenance and custodial positions.  Volunteer kitchen staff is needed for July 18-24; willing hands and the ability to follow directions is all that is needed.  Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.  You will make camp an amazing experience for everyone!

3.  August 28 is the next Work Day at Camp Mennoscah!  We’ll remind you again, but save the date. You make camp great!

Everence to hold Medicare webinar: Tuesday, July 13
Everence will host its popular workshop, Make Medicare an easy step, as a webinar on Tuesday, July 13 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about the various Medicare plans and what they cover; plans that supplement Medicare; and enrollment details and deadlines. This webinar is free. Please register by contacting our office at 877-467-7294, 316-283-3800 or central.kansas@everence.com.  
*Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare.
Securities offered through ProEquities Inc., a registered broker-dealer, member FINRA and 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 ProEquities, Inc., or its affiliates.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:   In Bangladesh, India and Nepal, Community Health Evangelists (CHEs) have received special permission from their governments to work, despite COVID-19 travel restrictions. Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the CHEs, who care for the sick and share the good news of God’s love throughout Asia.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:   Pray for the WDC Ministerial Leadership Commission as they meet this week, and offer support and accountability for ministerial leadership in the conference.

WORSHIP SERVICE FOR July 4, 2021–––YOU WILL HAVE TO PRESS READ MORE TO SEE THE LINK

July 4, 2021 Worship Service

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 4, 2021
The Story of Jonah

Prelude—The Ninety and Nine, (arr. N. Johnson) and On Jordan’s Stormy Banks, (arr. D. Bish)-Will Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting—Dianne Epp

Land Acknowledgement

Welcome and Prayer

Hymn—Great Is Thy Faithfulness—VT 419

Children’s Conversation—Doug and Dawn Yoder Harms

Scripture Reading—Jonah 4—Dianne Epp

Sermon—Anger in flesh, word, and heart—Renee Reimer

Hymn—Beauty for Brokenness—VT 712

Prayers of God’s people—Dianne Epp

Hymn—Lead Me, Guide Me—VT 601

Benediction—Renee Reimer

Postlude— Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten, (J.S. Bach)—Will Friesen

VT = Voices Together

Worship leader—Dianne Epp

Children’s conversation—Doug and Dawn Yoder Harms

Audio visual—Francis Toews

Pastors—Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Dawn Yoder Harms