BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR 
January 7, 2024

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:45, 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 below that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”.   Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button.  Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”.  That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel.  You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service. 
OR – click on this link for this Sunday:  https://youtube.com/live/VuqUJRWBAbQ?feature=share
 

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
January 7, 2024
Epiphany
 
Christ Candle Lighting
 
Centering Music—We Three Kings (D. Bish)–Will Wiebe-Friesen
 
Land Acknowledgement
 
Welcome and Prayer—Dale Schrag
 
*Hymn—Arise, Your Light Is Come!—VT 273
 
Children’s Conversation—Trent Voth
 
Anthem—See Whose Glory Fills the Skies (George Elderkin)–Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
  
Scripture Reading—Malachi 4:1-5; Mark 1:1-11—Addie Zerger
 
Sermon— Epiphanies with David, Mark, and Jesus—Trent Voth
 
*Hymn—Spirit of the Living God—VT 740
 
Prayers of God’s People
 
*Hymn—O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem—VT 275
 
Benediction
 
Postlude—Nun ist sie erschienen (S. Vincent)–Will Wiebe-Friesen
 
* You are invited to stand
 
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—John Thiesen

Welcome Guest Speaker Trent Voth
We extend a warm welcome to Trent Voth as he preaches and facilitates the children’s conversation on January 7. Trent just completed his first semester as professor of Bible and Religion at Bethel College. He grew up in the Halstead area but he and his wife, Stephanie, and two sons, Devereaux (De-Ver-Row) and Darien moved back to the area from Toronto, Ontario, where Trent completed his PhD at the University of Toronto. Trent has a particular interest in The Gospel of Mark, anabaptist theologies, vocational discernment, and indigenous justice.

Preparing for Worship
As we gather for worship each Sunday in the sanctuary, the Worship Commission invites and encourages us to become quiet as we light the Christ Candle.  Prelude music has now been changed to Centering Music.  The Worship Commission invites your feedback as we experiment with a new order of worship.

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.   

This Week at BCMC:  January 7—14, 2024
Sunday, January 7, 2024—Epiphany
9:30 a.m.    Worship   Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/VuqUJRWBAbQ?feature=share
 
10:45 a.m.   Faith Formation
1:30 p.m.  Memorial Service for Jim Banman and Judy Coover in the
Kidron Bethel Hall
Memorial Service for Jim Banman and Judy Coover
 Please remember in your prayers Jim’s children, Steven, Susan, Christine, and T.J., and their families as they mourn the death of Jim on December 9.  A joint memorial service for Jim and his wife, Judith Coover, who died in 2020, will be held on January 7, 2024, 1:30 p.m. at Kidron Hall, Kidron Bethel Village.
4 p.m.  Service of Remembrance in the sanctuary—All are invited
YouTube Link for the Service of Remembrance: 
https://youtube.com/live/-xBnxGYqLTU?feature=share

Service of Remembrance
In order to recognize and mourn the loss of our loved ones from 2023, Bethel College Mennonite Church is hosting a Service of Remembrance  today, Jan. 7, at 4 p.m., in the BCMC sanctuary.
 
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 am  Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in  Fellowship Hall;   High School – Room 24    Adult Classes:  Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5);  Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21)  Seekers (Rm 28)

Monday, January 8, 2024
7 p.m.  Facilities Committee meeting in the fellowship hall 
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
9 a.m.  Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meets in Room 14
7:00 p.m.  Finance Committee meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
7:30 p.m.  Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Friday, January 12, 2024
11 a.m.      Memorial service of Nancy Hilty in the sanctuary followed by a light lunch in fellowship hall
Sunday, January 14, 2024
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation

We offer sympathy to the family of Nancy Hilty.  Nancy died Dec. 30, 2023.  Nancy fell and suffered a massive brain bleed.  The memorial service will be at Bethel College Mennonite Church Fri., Jan. 12, 11 a.m. followed by a light lunch.  Remember in your prayers Nancy’s son Daniel, Daniel’s wife Kristen, and their children along with extended family.
 

Interested in becoming a member of Bethel College Mennonite Church?
If you are interested in becoming a member, or transferring membership, or learning more about  membership at BCMC, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Pastor of Congregational Care.  She will be happy to visit with you!
 
Roger’s Whereabouts :  Roger will be back in Newton on Wednesday, January 10. Whether he’s in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone call (785-220-1968).
  
BCMC Offering for December 31, 2023:  General $9,684.29; Memorial Fund $25; Plant Fund $50; Library Reserve Fund $55; Kitchen Fund $13; Solar Fund $1,000.

A Thank You from Beaty and Jim Robb
We wish to thank the congregation for helping us celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary.  We appreciate the many kind words expressed in
person or in the sentiments expressed on cards.  It was good to share cake and punch with our congregational family being a part of the BCMC
congregation for 41 of our 50 years of marriage.  The connections and friendships we have made run deep and we cherish our time with you.
Thanks need to go specifically to Adam and Jill for their efforts planning  and carrying out this event. Getting together with you all on Sunday morning in the Gathering Place was a great way to celebrate.
With love and good will...Beaty and Jim Robb

From the Board:
Congregational Meeting:
Our next congregational meeting will be held at 12:45 p.m. on January 28, 2024.  The following two items will be on the agenda:

Welcome Statement:
The BCMC board has approved a recommendation from the Inclusion Task Group to revise our congregation’s welcome statement which is in the church’s constitution.  This announcement constitutes the required 30 day notice for a vote on a constitutional change.  The revised version follows: 
Bethel College Mennonite Church is an open and affirming congregation centered in the life and teachings of Jesus. Embracing the divine within each person, we warmly welcome any and all  into fellowship without regard to race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital status and age.

Change in Moderator Model:
The Board has proposed a bylaws change to shift church officer positions from Moderator Elect and Moderator, each serving two-year terms with a total commitment of four years, to Moderator Elect, Moderator, and Past Moderator.  In the new model, each position would be held for one year with the Moderator Elect moving on to Moderator and Past Moderator in the following years, thus serving a three-year commitment.  In summary, the new model shortens the term of commitment by one year and establishes a three-person leadership team. 
The proposal and rationale can be accessed here. 

Pastoral News:
The Board has renewed Roger Neufeld Smith’s half-time contract for an additional year (or less if a new regular pastor is found).  We are so grateful for his willingness to continue offering his fine work, administrative and communication skills, and wisdom to our congregation in this transitional time. 
The Board has also renewed Elizabeth Schmidt’s half-time contract for an additional year.  Since she is now credentialed, her title has been changed to Pastor of Congregational Care.  Her job description, although revised, remains fundamentally the same.  Feedback from those working most closely with her was overwhelmingly positive and confirmed her pastoral gifts, organizational skills, and caring concern for congregants.  Thank you, Elizabeth!

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Call for Prayer and Action for Peace and Justice in Israel and Palestine.   Witness Commission 

On Dec. 19 Mennonite Action brought together nearly 2000 Mennonites and interfaith allies across North America to call for an immediate cease fire.  Some of our members joined other Kansas Mennonites at the offices of Senators Moran and Marshall in Wichita and Topeka.  Members can read Bob Atchison’s article in the Jan. 2 issue of the Newton Kansan.  Atchison chairs the Mennonite Palestine Israel Network and the Western District Task Force.  On Jan. 16, Mennonite Action, see online, is organizing action in Washington D.C.  Members  might also consider registering on zoom for the “Emergency Summit for Gaza” Jan. 12-13 in Chicago organized by the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR).    The Witness Commission urges: 1. Support for the MCC humanitarian relief effort in Gaza; 2. Prayer for President Biden and other political leaders to support an immediate and permanent cease fire in Gaza; 3. Phone calls to the Wichita offices of Senators Moran and Marshall.  
  

Newton Community for Racial Justice is hosting its annual anti-racism training workshop from January 12 – 14 at the Newton Rec Center.  If you are willing to provide snacks, help setup and serve Sunday lunch, or monitor the coffee pot for 2 hours, please click here  to sign up.  Thank you, Margaret Toews for NCRJ
 

Bethel College Announcements
·  (Sun., Jan. 7) – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum, “The Western Meadowlark: The State Bird, but Not the Only Exceptional Bird in Kansas,” with local birding expert Gregg Friesen, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum at Bethel College.
· Sun., Jan. 21 – Bethel College Music Department Honors Recital, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel, featuring freshman, sophomore and junior vocal and instrumental students who performed exceptionally during the fall 2023 semester. 
· Bethel College’s Faculty Speaker series begins Friday, Jan. 26, and continues through April 19. During that time, seven different Bethel faculty members will discuss how listening opens up opportunities for learning as well as pathways for building, renewing and repairing relationships. All lectures are from 11 a.m.-noon in Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton, and are open to the public. Watch for further details!

Footsteps of Paul in Greece + 3-Night Cruise May 27 – June 6, 2024. Led by Pastor Weldon Martens, Grace Hill Mennonite Church; Whitewater, KS. This is a 11-Day Tour & Cruise to Athens, Thessalonica, Philippi, Corinth, Crete, Patmos, Ephesus, Mykonos & Santorini. Cost: $3,219 + flights. Registration: Due by January 18, 2024.  Contact Pastor Weldon Martens at: weldon.martens@gmail.com / 402-202-9276. Complete tour information & registration at www.tourwithweldon.com

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp 
RMMC Scrapbook Retreat, Jan. 26-28 – Creating paper or digital photo books and sharing ideas and conversation is just another day for scrapbook participants.  You still have time to register and spend the weekend documenting life memories and fellowshipping with others. Register at rmmc.org!

Everence^® January Workshop: Social Security and retirement income
Everence^® will hold an informative Social Security and retirement income workshop on Thursday, January 25, starting at 6:30 p.m. Topics will include, Social Security strategies, including when to begin taking benefits, risks that can impact your retirement savings plus strategies to help your income last throughout retirement. There will also be plenty of time for questions.
The in-person workshop will be at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton, KS. Information will be presented by staff from the Everence offices in Central Kansas. To register contact Everence at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here
For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here 
 

Greetings!

I’m writing to share about the Winter 2024 issue of Intersections: MCC Theory and Practice Quarterly, on the theme of “education for displaced children.” It is available now on-line here. Compiled by Lynn Longenecker, this issue features learning from and analysis of MCC’s support for children who are either refugees outside their country or are internally displaced within it. Authors reflect on the contextualized ways MCC works at education for displaced children in DR Congo, Guatemala, Uganda, Canada, Lebanon and Egypt.

As always, we welcome any feedback you have about this or other issues of Intersections! Send any thoughts, affirmations, critiques, and counsel you might have to intersections@mcc.org. Thanks for being a loyal reader!

Warm regards,

Alain Epp Weaver

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Safe Church, Mennonite Church USA’s newly formed abuse prevention ministry, now has a webpage available on the MC USA website. The webpage offers resources, including the updated Circle of Grace curriculum, to help faith communities keep children, youth and vulnerable adults safe from all abuse. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/safechurch
 
Menno Snapshots

Mennonite Action, a grassroots movement, united more than 800 Mennonites representing 250 congregations across the U.S. and Canada in a mobilizing call for peace, on Tuesday, Nov. 28, on Zoom. The “Call to Action” served as a resounding demand for a ceasefire, an end to the U.S.- and Western-funded occupation of Palestine, and a push for lasting peace. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/mennonite-action

Join us for Hope for the Future in Dallas, Texas on February 9-11, 2024. Hope for the Future is an annual gathering that brings together Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) leaders connected to Mennonite Church USA from across the nation. View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/slide/hftf23-savedate Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/hopeforthefuture

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

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Lora Nafziger and Mitch Rhodes, who began a three-year assignment in September with United Mission to Nepal (UMN), working from the United States. Pray for this family, as Lora, Mitch and two of their four sons take up residence in Kathmandu, Nepal, this month. Lora is serving as UMN’s staff support and counseling advisor, and Mitch serves as the expatriate coordinator.


Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC and all its congregations as we begin a new year, remembering that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, and God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning!  

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR 
December 31, 2023

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:45, 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 below that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”.   Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button.  Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”.  That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel.  You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service. 
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/eiX9SC9zi6U?feature=share
 
 

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
December 31, 2023
First Sunday After Christmas
 

Prelude—Go Tell it on the Mountain—Verlene Garber & Ben Lichti
 
Welcome and Prayer —Roger Neufeld Smith
 
Hymn—Come Away from Rush and Hurry—VT 9
 
*Advent Candle Hymn—Hope Is a Candle, verses 1-5 VT 211

Advent Candle Lighting—Elizabeth, Gabby, Jake, Jill & Adam Robb

*Advent Litany—Christ—VT 916
 
*Hymns—O Come, All Ye Faithful (Verses 1, 3, 4)—VT 241
                  Hark! The Herald Angels Sing—VT 247
 
Scripture Reading—Isaiah 11:1-6—Roger Neufeld Smith
 
Hymns—What Child is This—VT 267 and Helpless and Hungry—VT 268
                 Holy Night, Blessed Night—VT 262
 
Scripture Reading—Luke 2:22-40
 
Children’s Conversation based on Luke 2:22-40—The Robb Family
 
*Hymn—Come, Join in Mary’s Prophet-Song—VT 246
 
Meditation—Roger Neufeld Smith
 
*Hymn—Joy to the World—VT 240
 
Prayers of God’s People
 
*Hymn—Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light—VT 269–People with December birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal
 
Benediction—VT 1064  
 
Postlude— In Dulci Jubilo  (VT 261)–Verlene Garber and Ben Lichti
 
*You are invited to stand
Audio-Visual—Francis Toews
Keyboard—Verlene Garber
Trumpet—Ben Lichti
 

Sunday, December 31, the worship service will begin at 10 a.m.  We will sing a lot of Christmas hymns so come prepared to sing and rejoice!  There will be no Sunday School.

The congregation is invited to join Jim and Beaty Robb in celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with a cake and punch
reception after worship Sunday, December 31. Please join the Robb family in the Gathering Space for fellowship time as we celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, which was on December 28. All are welcome!
 

Roger’s Whereabouts :  Roger will be driving back to Newton on Sunday, December 31. He will be back in Newton on Wednesday, January 10.
Whether he’s in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone call (785-220-1968).

BCMC Offering for December 24, 2023:  General $29,197.61; MCC $25; Gen Fund 2024 $1,500; Library Reserve Fund $10; Living Stones $900; Women’s Fellowship $513; Caring fund $1,020.16.
 

This Week at BCMC:  December 31, 2023—January 7, 2024
Sun., Dec. 31, 2023—First Sunday After Christmas
10 a.m. Worship  No Sunday School
Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/eiX9SC9zi6U?feature=share
 
Mon., January 1, 2024—Happy New Year!
Church will be locked; church office closed for the holiday
Wed., Jan. 3, 2024
7:30 p.m.  Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thurs., Jan. 4, 2024
6:30 p.m.   Chancel Bells Rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.         Church Board meets in Room 14
Sun., Jan. 7, 2024—Epiphany
9:30 a.m.    Worship with sermon by Trent Voth; music by the Chancel Choir
10:45 a.m.   Faith Formation
Trent Voth is Bethel College’s Assistant Professor of Bible and Religion. He grew up near Bethel’s campus (Halstead, KS) but comes to Bethel by way of Toronto, ON where he obtained his PhD in Theology in New Testament studies. His primary research interests are in the Gospel of Mark and Anabaptist Theologies.
1:30 p.m.  Memorial Service for Jim Banman and Judy Coover in the
Kidron Bethel Hall
4 p.m.  Service of Remembrance in the sanctuary—All are invited

From the Board:
Congregational Meeting:
Our next congregational meeting will be held at 12:45 p.m. on January 28, 2024.  The following two items will be on the agenda:

Welcome Statement:
The BCMC board has approved a recommendation from the Inclusion Task Group to revise our congregation’s welcome statement which is in the church’s constitution.  This announcement constitutes the required 30 day notice for a vote on a constitutional change.  The revised version follows: 
Bethel College Mennonite Church is an open and affirming congregation centered in the life and teachings of Jesus. Embracing the divine within each person, we warmly welcome any and all  into fellowship without regard to race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital status and age.

Change in Moderator Model:
The Board has proposed a bylaws change to shift church officer positions from Moderator Elect and Moderator, each serving two-year terms with a total commitment of four years, to Moderator Elect, Moderator, and Past Moderator.  In the new model, each position would be held for one year with the Moderator Elect moving on to Moderator and Past Moderator in the following years, thus serving a three-year commitment.  In summary, the new model shortens the term of commitment by one year and establishes a three-person leadership team. 
The proposal and rationale can be accessed here. 

Pastoral News:
The Board has renewed Roger Neufeld Smith’s half-time contract for an additional year (or less if a new regular pastor is found).  We are so grateful for his willingness to continue offering his fine work, administrative and communication skills, and wisdom to our congregation in this transitional time. 
The Board has also renewed Elizabeth Schmidt’s half-time contract for an additional year.  Since she is now credentialed, her title has been changed to Pastor of Congregational Care.  Her job description, although revised, remains fundamentally the same.  Feedback from those working most closely with her was overwhelmingly positive and confirmed her pastoral gifts, organizational skills, and caring concern for congregants.  Thank you, Elizabeth!

Service of Remembrance
As we are in the holiday season that brings joy with the promise of new life and love birthed into our world, there is also grief as we miss those who have passed from this world in 2023.  In order to recognize and mourn the loss of our loved ones from 2023, Bethel College Mennonite Church is hosting a Service of Remembrance on January 7, 2024 at 4 p.m., in the BCMC sanctuary.

We offer sympathy to the family of Don Kaufman.  Don died December 18 at Kidron Bethel Village.  Please pray for Don’s children, Kendra Kaufman, Galen Kaufman, and Nathan (and Jill)  Kaufman, and their families.

Memorial Service for Jim Banman and Judy Coover
 Please remember in your prayers Jim’s children, Steven, Susan, Christine, and T.J., and their families as they mourn the death of Jim on December 9.  A joint memorial service for Jim and his wife, Judith Coover, who died in 2020, will be held on January 7, 2024, 1:30 p.m. at Kidron Hall, Kidron Bethel Village.

The library’s theme for the month of December is Advent/Christmas. We have quite a number of fiction/nonfiction choices for all ages. You might want to consider checking out books for visiting family members. We have so many good choices. Also, due to the Advent/Christmas Everybody books in the children’s section of the library, all the puzzles are now located in the library on the west wall. There are some wonderful choices for holiday family time. A suggested donation of $5 for a puzzle helps support the supplies needed to run the library. 
 
Also on the west wall are a number of new books that were recently purchased through our budget and sale at Faith and Life Bookstore. Come check out the new selections in all genres. A brief write up of the new books is available by the library computer.   Happy Holiday reading!
— Library Committee

The bulletin covers for Advent are used by permission from Salt Project,
https://www.saltproject.org/

Changes for the Beginning of Worship
As we begin 2024, the Worship Commission will be experimenting with a new format to begin our time of worship. There will be no prelude, but instead worship will begin with the sound of a bell or chime and lighting of the Christ candle at 9:30 a.m., then will move into a time of gathering/centering music, and will then move to the welcome and opening prayer. As you enter the worship space, we ask that once the chime sounds and the candle is lit, you refrain from conversation so that all can prepare for our time of worship together. The Worship Commission appreciates your flexibility and openness to trying new things in the new year!
 

Questionnaire for the Solar Project is due by January 3, 2024

At the December 10, 2023 congregational meeting, BCMC approved initiating Phase I of the Solar Panel project.  As part of Phase I, BCMC is using this Questionnaire.

For the questionnaire and more information click here

Paper copies of the questionnaire are available on the ledge in the BCMC Gathering Place.  Place these completed forms in the basket on the ledge.  Envelopes have been provided.  
Contact Margaret Toews with any questions.
 

.Bethel College Announcements
· Kauffman Museum at Bethel College invites you to visit during the holidays. Open hours are Tues.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and weekends 1:30-4:30 p.m. (closed Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve). The permanent exhibits are “Of Land and People,” “Mirror of the Martyrs” and “Mennonite Immigrant Furniture,” and the museum store is also open during those hours, with books, games, art and other gift items for sale (see kauffmanmuseum.org/museum-store/).
· Sun., Jan. 7 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum, “The Western Meadowlark: The State Bird, but Not the Only Exceptional Bird in Kansas,” with local birding expert Gregg Friesen, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum at Bethel College.

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

The WDC Office and Resource Library will be closed through Jan 1. We will open again on Tuesday, Jan 2. 
 
Register now for the MCC South Texas Learning Tour, February 4-9, 2024! This immigration-focused learning tour presents a unique opportunity to engage directly with organizations making a positive impact on our neighbors. You won’t want to miss this opportunity. Details and online registration can be found at mcc.org/south-texas-lt. Deadline to sign up is Jan. 20. Please contact Abraham Diaz Alonso with questions,
abrahamdiazalonso@mcc.org.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News from around the world” press here
For Christmas and New Year’s message from Mennonite World Conference press here

From Mennonite Mission Network year end message press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Menno Snapshots

H.A Penner, war tax resister/redirector, explains the benefits of the Mennonite Church USA Church Peace Tax Fund, which offers an opportunity for Mennonites to redirect the portion of their taxes that would have otherwise supported war efforts toward peacebuilding efforts. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/war-tax-redirection 

Mennonite Church USA is helping to fuel growth and diversity with its 2023 Thrive Church Planting Grants. This year’s repeat award recipients, Brooklyn (New York) Peace Church and Community of Hope Mennonite Church, Bellingham, Washington, are building circles of community in creative, Jesus-centered ways. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/church-plants-thrive

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Although 2023 is ending with much suffering and violence around the world, join Mennonite Mission Network personnel in proclaiming our hope in Jesus, who has overcome evil and injustice. May each of us continue to “be the Gospel” wherever we find ourselves.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:  We lift up our church mission before God, seeking His divine intervention and guidance. We pray for the success of our church planting efforts, that hearts may be touched, and lives transformed by God’s love. Bless our church planters, provide resources, and strengthen the commitment of all involved. May Your light shine through our mission, bringing hope and healing to those we serve. In Jesus’ name, we present these requests. Amen. -WDC Church Planting Commission

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR 
December 24, 2023

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:45, 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 below that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”.   Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button.  Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”.  That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel.  You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service. 
OR – click on this link for this Sunday:  https://youtube.com/live/mmGsiTK1Djs?feature=share
 

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
December 24, 2023
Fourth Sunday of Advent: Joy
Children’s Christmas Service

 
Prelude—The First Noel (Tufenkjian)—Abby Koontz
                  What Child is This—Brett and Collin Gaeddert
                  Silent Night—Caleb Koontz
                  French Lullaby—Lincoln Kohlman
                  Away in A Manger—Lucy Burch and Kenna Graber
                  O Holy Night—Naomi Koontz
 
*Advent Candle Hymn—Hope Is a Candle—verses 1-4—VT 211
 
Advent Candle Lighting—Lawrence, Lincoln, Megan & Brad Kohlman
 
*Advent Litany—Joy—VT 916
 
Welcome and Prayer—Nathan Koontz
 
*Hymn—He Came Down—VT 239—5 verses:  Joy, Hope, Peace, Love, Joy
 
Children’s Christmas Service—Sing and Tell the Story
 
*Hymn—With Mary Sing Magnificat—VT 208
 
Prayers of God’s People
 
*Hymn—Angels We Have Heard on High—VT 249
 
Benediction
 
Postlude—Hark, the Herald Angels Sing—Lucy Burch and Kenna Graber
 
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ben Lichti

SING AND TELL THE STORY!
 
SCENES AND SONGS
 
Scene 1—Mary’s Home in Nazareth
Scene 2—Elizabeth’s Home in Judean Hill Country
                    Song—And My Spirit Sings
Scene 3—Joseph’s Carpenter Shop in Nazareth
Scene 4—On the Road from Nazareth to Bethlehem
                      Song—From Nazareth to Bethlehem
Scene 5—Shepherd’s Campsite near Bethlehem
Scene 6—Bethlehem
Scene 7—Everywhere!
                        Song—Go Tell It On the Mountain—VT  252
 
STORY TELLERS AND SINGERS
 
Faith Burch
Lucy Burch
Payne Claassen
Collin Gaeddert
Brett Gaeddert
Emma Gering
Emerson Gering
Adah Hodge
Lawrence Kohlman
Lincoln Kohlman
 
Abby Koontz
Ani Koontz
Naomi Koontz
Mara Oswald
Gabby Robb
Jake Robb
Lily Schloneger
Abram Wall
Mabel Wall
Addie Zerger
Justin Zerger
 
THANKS
 
Leaders:  Judy Harder, Mary Ellen Hodge, Tim Hodge, Jill Robb
Musicians:  Will Wiebe-Friesen, Suzy Burch, Tim Hodge, Susie Swartley
Back Drop Design and Builders:  Lauren Friesen, Ron Peters, Keith Harder
Props:  Judy Harder, Glen Ediger, David Kreider, Rose Haury
Intergenerational Sunday School Activities:  Deb Gering, Janet Friesen, Doug Miller, Maisie and Miles Brubacher
Others:  Ben Lichti, Audio-Visual and Monica Lichti
 
AND PARENTS!
 

LESSON AND CAROLS SERVICE FOR DECEMBER 24, 2023 AT 11 P.M.
YouTube Link for December 24, 11 p.m. Lessons and Carols Service
https://youtube.com/live/r54eKKox2BQ?feature=share

For the bulletin for the Lessons Carols Service press here

The church office will be closed during the week between Christmas and December 30. 
There will be no Wednesday email on December 27.

Sunday, December 31, the worship service will begin at 10 a.m.  We will sing a lot of Christmas hymns so come prepared to sing and rejoice!
 

Roger’s Whereabouts :  Though the church office will be closed next week, Roger will be back in Newton on Wednesday (12/27) to complete planning for the December 31 worship service and to respond to unexpected circumstances. Feel free to call him at 785-220-1968. He will be celebrating with family in Newton on Friday afternoon and Saturday, but will lead worship on Sunday. Roger will drive back to Newton Sunday afternoon Whether he’s in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone call (785-220-1968).

BCMC Offering for December 17, 2023:  General Fund $8,940.33; Plant Fund $108.33; Caring Fund $40; Living Stones $20; Flower Fund $25; Kitchen Fund $5.
 

From the Board:
Congregational Meeting:
Our next congregational meeting will be held at 12:45 p.m. on January 28, 2024.  The following two items will be on the agenda:

Welcome Statement:
The BCMC board has approved a recommendation from the Inclusion Task Group to revise our congregation’s welcome statement which is in the church’s constitution.  This announcement constitutes the required 30 day notice for a vote on a constitutional change.  The revised version follows: 
Bethel College Mennonite Church is an open and affirming congregation centered in the life and teachings of Jesus. Embracing the divine within each person, we warmly welcome any and all  into fellowship without regard to race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital status and age.

Change in Moderator Model:
The Board has proposed a bylaws change to shift church officer positions from Moderator Elect and Moderator, each serving two-year terms with a total commitment of four years, to Moderator Elect, Moderator, and Past Moderator.  In the new model, each position would be held for one year with the Moderator Elect moving on to Moderator and Past Moderator in the following years, thus serving a three-year commitment.  In summary, the new model shortens the term of commitment by one year and establishes a three-person leadership team. 
The proposal and rationale can be accessed here. 
 

Pastoral News:
The Board has renewed Roger Neufeld Smith’s half-time contract for an additional year (or less if a new regular pastor is found).  We are so grateful for his willingness to continue offering his fine work, administrative and communication skills, and wisdom to our congregation in this transitional time. 
The Board has also renewed Elizabeth Schmidt’s half-time contract for an additional year.  Since she is now credentialed, her title has been changed to Pastor of Congregational Care.  Her job description, although revised, remains fundamentally the same.  Feedback from those working most closely with her was overwhelmingly positive and confirmed her pastoral gifts, organizational skills, and caring concern for congregants.  Thank you, Elizabeth!

BCMC Programs 

Christmas Eve Sunday, December 24, 2023 – 10 a.m.  Christmas Worship Service with the children and youth in the sanctuary followed by refreshments in the gathering place :  NOTE the change of time – worship starting at 10 a.m.
No Sunday school
Congregants are welcome to bring Christmas snacks to share for our coffee time in the gathering place after the  worship service Dec. 24.  

December 24, 2023, 11 p.m.       Lessons and Carols and candle-lighting service in the sanctuary

Sunday, December 31, 2023 – 10 a.m.  First Sunday after Christmas
Christmas Hymn Sing in the sanctuary — NOTE the later time for worship
No Sunday school

Service of Remembrance
As we are in the holiday season that brings joy with the promise of new life and love birthed into our world, there is also grief as we miss those who have passed from this world in 2023.  In order to recognize and mourn the loss of our loved ones from 2023, Bethel College Mennonite Church is hosting a Service of Remembrance on January 7, 2024 at 4 p.m., in the BCMC sanctuary.

We offer sympathy to the family of Don Kaufman.  Don died December 18 at Kidron Bethel Village.  Please pray for Don’s children, Kendra Kaufman, Galen Kaufman, and Nathan (and Jill)  Kaufman, and their families.

Memorial Service for Jim Banman and Judy Coover
 Please remember in your prayers Jim’s children, Steven, Susan, Christine, and T.J., and their families as they mourn the death of Jim on December 9.  A joint memorial service for Jim and his wife, Judith Coover, who died in 2020, will be held on January 7, 2024, 1:30 p.m. at Kidron Hall, Kidron Bethel Village.

The library’s theme for the month of December is Advent/Christmas. We have quite a number of fiction/nonfiction choices for all ages. You might want to consider checking out books for visiting family members. We have so many good choices. Also, due to the Advent/Christmas Everybody books in the children’s section of the library, all the puzzles are now located in the library on the west wall. There are some wonderful choices for holiday family time. A suggested donation of $5 for a puzzle helps support the supplies needed to run the library. 
 
Also on the west wall are a number of new books that were recently purchased through our budget and sale at Faith and Life Bookstore. Come check out the new selections in all genres. A brief write up of the new books is available by the library computer.   Happy Holiday reading!
— Library Committee

The bulletin covers for Advent are used by permission from Salt Project,
https://www.saltproject.org/

Changes for your church directories:
· Note that Doug Penner’s email address is:  dougpenn@sbcglobal.net
· Andrew Thiesen’s new address:  309 Davis Street,  Garden City, KS 67846

Changes for the Beginning of Worship
As we begin 2024, the Worship Commission will be experimenting with a new format to begin our time of worship. There will be no prelude, but instead worship will begin with the sound of a bell or chime and lighting of the Christ candle at 9:30 a.m., then will move into a time of gathering/centering music, and will then move to the welcome and opening prayer. As you enter the worship space, we ask that once the chime sounds and the candle is lit, you refrain from conversation so that all can prepare for our time of worship together. The Worship Commission appreciates your flexibility and openness to trying new things in the new year!
 

Questionnaire for the Solar Project

At the December 10, 2023 congregational meeting, BCMC approved initiating Phase I of the Solar Panel project.  As part of Phase I, BCMC is using this Questionnaire.

For the questionnaire and more information click here

Paper copies of the questionnaire are available on the ledge in the BCMC Gathering Place.  Place these completed forms in the basket on the ledge.  Envelopes have been provided.  
Contact Margaret Toews with any questions.
 

.Bethel College Announcements
· Kauffman Museum at Bethel College invites you to visit during the holidays. Open hours are Tues.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and weekends 1:30-4:30 p.m. (closed Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve). The permanent exhibits are “Of Land and People,” “Mirror of the Martyrs” and “Mennonite Immigrant Furniture,” and the museum store is also open during those hours, with books, games, art and other gift items for sale (see kauffmanmuseum.org/museum-store/).
· Sun., Jan. 7 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum, “The Western Meadowlark: The State Bird, but Not the Only Exceptional Bird in Kansas,” with local birding expert Gregg Friesen, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum at Bethel College.

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

The WDC Office and Resource Library will be closed for Christmas and New Years from Dec 23 through Jan 1. We will open again on Tuesday, Jan 2. Be sure to stop by the WDC Resource Library prior to this to pick up books for your kids, your grandkids or yourself to enjoy during the holiday break!
 
Register now for the MCC South Texas Learning Tour, February 4-9, 2024! This immigration-focused learning tour presents a unique opportunity to engage directly with organizations making a positive impact on our neighbors. You won’t want to miss this opportunity. Details and online registration can be found at mcc.org/south-texas-lt. Deadline to sign up is Jan. 20. Please contact Abraham Diaz Alonso with questions,
abrahamdiazalonso@mcc.org.

For Mennonite Church USA  Christmas Greetings press here
Mennonite Church USA’s The Corinthian Plan is open for enrollment on Nov.1 through Dec. 31, 2023, for a Jan. 1, 2024 start date. The Corinthian Plan is a self-funded, health care plan for pastors and church workers, sponsored and owned by Mennonite Church USA. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/open-tcp24

Mennonite Church USA has relaunched Equipping, a quarterly, resource e-newsletter for pastors and leaders across MC USA. Read the Fall 2023 issue here: mennoniteusa.org/equipping-archive-11-2024 View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/pdf/equipping-subscribe

Menno Snapshots

Jon Carlson, moderator for Mennonite Church USA, reflects on how Mennonite Church USA is better together and how our collective participation in the church shapes us and reflects who we are as a body. Read his reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/where-mc-usa-going
 

For Mennonite Disaster Service press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On The Level” press here 
For Christmas Greetings from Mennonite Mission Network press here
For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
 

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for peace in the land where Jesus was born more than 2000 years ago. Pray, especially, for partners — Bethlehem Bible College, Nazareth Hospital and Nazareth Village — who faithfully work to peel away the layers of fear and hate that distort Jesus’ message of peace, in a time of escalating violence in Israel-Palestine.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Rejoice in the gift of Emmanuel, God-with-us! Give thanks for the many ways that WDC congregations embody Jesus’ presence in the world today.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

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 below that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”.   Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button.  Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”.  That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel.  You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service. 
OR – click on this link for this Sunday:  https://youtube.com/live/Wi3ZHcRxKYA?feature=share
 

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
December 17, 2023
Third Sunday of Advent: Love

 
Prelude—Nocturno, Op. 7  (Franz Strauss);  Allegro moderato from Horn Concerto No. 1 in C Minor (Franz Strauss)— Chris Miertschin, horn; Will Wiebe-Friesen, piano 
 
*Advent Candle Hymn—Hope Is a Candle, verses 1-3—VT 211
 
Advent Candle Lighting—Coralee Shenk, Jeanette & Steve Stucky
 
*Advent Litany—Love—VT 916
 
Welcome and Prayer—Esther Kreider Eash
 
*Hymn—O Come, O Come Immanuel—VT 210
 
Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz
 
Anthem—Christmas is Here (Dale Wood)— Chancel Choir; Riley King, director;  Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
 
Scripture Reading—John 1:1-9
 
*Hymn—The Light Shines in the Darkness—Bulletin insert
Adah Hodge, Mara Oswald, Lily Schloneger sing verses—Congregation sings chorus
 
Scripture Reading—I John 4:7-12
 
Sermon—God’s Love Revealed—Roger Neufeld Smith
 
*Hymn—Love Came Down at Christmas—VT 255
 
Prayers of God’s People
 
(Hymn Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord— VT 219)
 
*Hymn Love Has Come—VT 258
 
Benediction
 
Postlude—Toccata on Joy to the World (Brenda Portman)—Will Wiebe-Friesen
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Frances Toews

Chris Miertschin, assistant professor of music and director of bands at Bethel College, is our guest musician this Sunday. He lives in Abilene with his husband Jair and plays horn with the Salina Symphony Orchestra and Theatre Salina. 
 
 

 Used by permission from MennoMedia and Herald Press

 This Week at BCMC:  December 17—24, 2023
Sun., Dec. 17, 2023—Third Sunday of Advent
9:30 a.m.  Worship     10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/Wi3ZHcRxKYA?feature=share
   
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 a.m.  Faith Formation—Intergenerational class (fellowship hall);   High School (Room 24)    Adult Classes:  Agape (nursery); Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5);  Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21)  Seekers (Rm 28)
Tues., Dec. 19, 2023
11 a.m.      Staff Meeting
7 p.m.        Womens’ Fellowship Program in Fellowship Hall—Prairie Bronze Ensemble Bell Choir will perform Christmas music—All are invited
Wed., Dec. 20, 2023
7:30 p.m.  Chancel Choir rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thurs., Dec. 21, 2023
5:30 p.m.   Pizza followed by the rehearsal at 6 p.m.
5:30 p.m.   Rehearsal for Christmas worship service in sanctuary
Sun., Dec. 24, 2023—Fourth Sunday of Advent
10 a.m.      Christmas Worship Service with the children and youth in the sanctuary followed by refreshments in the gathering place
No Sunday school
11 p.m.       Lessons and Carols and candle-lighting service in the sanctuary

The church office will be closed during the week between Christmas and December 30.
 
 Roger’s Whereabouts :  Roger will be driving back to Topeka Sunday afternoon (12/17). He will be celebrating Christmas with his Topeka church, then back in Newton on Wed., Dec. 27, to help plan the BCMC worship service for Dec. 31. He will be available for pastoral care concerns that week. Whether he’s in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone call (785-220-1968).
 

 
The Prairie Bronze Ensemble will perform Christmas music Tues., Dec. 19, in Fellowship Hall at 7 p.m. The public is invited so please bring friends and family to enjoy the bell choir sponsored by BCMC Women’s Fellowship.
 

 
Congregants are welcome to bring Christmas snacks to share for our coffee time in the gathering place after the  worship service Dec. 24.   There will be no Sunday School on Dec. 24.

From the Board:
Thank you for your attendance and participation Sunday, December 10, in the vote indicating support for moving ahead with the solar panel project.  The vote was 68 yes, 5 no; this means that more than 93% of those voting were in favor of further exploring solar panels on our church.  Phase II will now begin.  You can expect a chance to further express interest and make a pledge within the next several weeks.  There will likely be a final vote for a more specific proposal at our next congregational meeting on January 28.  Thank you so much to the solar panel subgroup of the Creation Care Committee, to the Finance Committee, and to several board members (specially Margaret Toews and Jon Zerger) for much hard work on this project and in preparation for the presentation yesterday.  
— Ada Schmidt-Tieszen, BCMC Board Chair/Moderator

Public Witness in Wichita for Gaza Ceasefire, December 19

The BCMC Witness Commission along with the WDC Israel Palestine Task Force invites you, family, friends and allies to join Mennonite Action on Tuesday, December 19, for a public witness at Senator Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall’s offices in Wichita, KS to ask for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel. We will meet at Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church, 655 S Lorraine ST, at 10:30 am to rehearse the actions which include prayer, singing and sharing bread with congressional staffers and each other. We encourage fasting or bring your own lunch. We will drive and park near the offices of the Senators. There may be a $2-$3 parking fee. There will be a 6-block walk between Senator Moran and Senator Marshall’s offices. This is a somber event, and we encourage participants to wear black.  A script of the event will be provided, and we should be finished by 3 pm. Specific questions may be referred to Kathy Neufeld Dunn at 620-755-4331 or Bob Atchison at 785-313-2292.  Those from BCMC interested in attending are encouraged to gather on Sunday morning after worship in the front of the sanctuary to discuss plans and possible carpooling. 

Sympathy Notice
We offer sympathy to the family of Jim Banman.  Jim died December 9 at Kidron Bethel Village.  Please remember in your prayers Jim’s children, Steven, Susan, Christine, and T.J., and their families.  The funeral will be January 7, 2024, 1:30 p.m. at Kidron Hall, Kidron Bethel Village.

Service of Remembrance
In order to recognize and mourn the loss of our loved ones from 2023, Bethel College Mennonite Church is hosting a Service of Remembrance on January 7, 2024 at 4 pm, in the BCMC sanctuary.

The library’s theme for the month of December is Advent/Christmas. We have quite a number of fiction/nonfiction choices for all ages. You might want to consider checking out books for visiting family members. We have so many good choices. Also, due to the  Advent/Christmas Everybody books in the children’s section of the library, all the puzzles are now located in the library on the west wall. There are some wonderful choices for holiday family time. A suggested donation of $5 for a puzzle helps support the supplies needed to run the library. 
Also on the west wall are a number of new books that were recently purchased through our budget and sale at Faith and LIfe Bookstore. Come check out the new selections in all genres. A brief write up of the new books is available by the library computer.   Happy Holiday reading!
— Library Committee
 

New BCMC directories are available in the Gathering Place between the mailboxes and in the south entrance on the glass table.
 

It’s about over, in just two weeks we will know for sure how we did financially this year.  So if you haven’t gotten all your pledges fulfilled or if you want to give some money to the church or perhaps need an additional tax write-off, it’s time to do it.  From the Finance Committee we want to thank you for making this a great year and we urge you to help us finish well so that it can be a really great year.   Looking ahead to 2024, the financial picture is much more cloudy.  There is a big gap between the intents and the proposed budget.  We and the Church Board are looking for creative ways to deal with this problem.  You can help by making sure that you have pledged or that you have pledged your maximum.  Also your suggestions are coveted and your prayers for wisdom are coveted.  With your help 2024 can be a great year also.
— Finance Committee
 

BCMC Women’s Fellowship Birthday Calendars are available from WF Executive Board members:
Lois Brubacher  620-837-3281;  Lois Preheim     316-804-4713
Brenda Turner  316-283-8131;   Janet Voth        316-283-1922
The suggested donation price is $10. This calendar project is designed to help build community and the donation is used to support WF Ministries.
 

Registration for the upcoming Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus season is at hand.  Please consider joining.  Some of you are already on the list and we certainly encourage new members.  For further details please contact Joe Peters, BCMC contact.

 
BCMC Offering for December 10, 2023:  General Fund $20,891.75; Gen Fund 2024 $2,125; Caring Fund $100; Library Reserve Fund $50; Flower Fund $20; Kitchen Fund $17; Women’s Fellowship $110; Solar Fund $3,000; Gladys Niles Memorial $270.

The Deacons Commission is working on a “Thinking of You” campaign for people who are isolated due to health concerns. For the next few Sundays, we will have a table at the back of the sanctuary with pages for your comments to members of our church whom we haven’t been able to see for a while. Please stop by and write a short greeting or sign your name to let them know we are thinking about them. For those of you who are unable to attend worship but can stop by the church during the week, these letters will be in the gathering place during the week for anyone to write a note before we send them out. Thank you!    — Deacon Commission
 

 
Creation Care: While you are active in your Christmas shopping please remember to save plastic bags for recycling. We have collected 500 pounds with a goal of 1,000 pounds.  — Vern and Jane Goering

Bethel College/Kauffman Museum Announcements
(Sun., Dec. 17) – Kauffman Museum celebration of the 75th anniversary of the longest running community science project in the world, the Harvey County Christmas Bird Count. Come and go at the museum from 1:30-4:30 p.m. to see the progress of the special exhibit “A Day with the Birds,” with brief remarks at 3 p.m.
 
Kauffman Museum at Bethel College invites you to visit during the holidays. Open hours are Tues.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and weekends 1:30-4:30 p.m. (closed Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve). The permanent exhibits are “Of Land and People,” “Mirror of the Martyrs” and “Mennonite Immigrant Furniture,” and the museum store is also open during those hours, with books, games, art and other gift items for sale (see kauffmanmuseum.org/museum-store/).

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

Register now for the Mennonite Central Committee South Texas Learning Tour, February 4-9, 2024! This immigration-focused learning tour presents a unique opportunity to engage directly with organizations making a positive impact on our neighbors. You won’t want to miss this opportunity. Details and online registration can be found at mcc.org/south-texas-lt. Deadline to sign up is Jan. 20. Please contact Abraham Diaz Alonso with questions, abrahamdiazalonso@mcc.org.

For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

For Eastern Mennonite Seminary Shalom Collaboratory press here

For Mennonite Education Agency “Looking Ahead to 2024” press here
 

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA’s Constituency Leaders Council brainstormed strategies for strengthening youth engagement at its first meeting of the 2023-2025 biennium via Zoom on October 27, 2023. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/clc-youth-engagement

Save the date for Hope for the Future 2024, the annual gathering of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) leaders from across the country who are connected to Mennonite Church USA, on February 9-11, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/hopeforthefuture View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/hftf24-savedate

Menno Snapshots

Cyneatha Millsaps, executive director of Mennonite Women USA, reflects on how gun violence has effected the country, her community and her own family in a blog for Mennonite Church USA. Read her reflection here: mennoniteusa.org/spiritually-emotionally-bankrupt
 

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  SADRA (Southern African Development and Reconstruction Agency) Conflict Transformation is a Mennonite Mission Network partner that offers a Christian response to injustice in South Africa. Pray for the conflict mediators, who train members of their communities to de-escalate situations that could lead to violence.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Pray for generous financial support for WDC congregations, as they seek to meet annual budget goals for mission and ministry.  

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND WORSHIP SERVICE FOR DECEMBER 10, 2023
 

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box below that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”.   Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button.  Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”.  That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel.  You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service. 
OR – click on this link for this Sunday:  https://youtube.com/live/NqmMP6oZAcY?feature=share
 

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
December 10, 2023
Second Sunday of Advent: Peace

 
Prelude—O Come, All Ye Faithful (VT 214); Ding Dong! Merrily on High (Dobrinski);
Coventry Carol (Eithun),  Lucy Burch, Flute; Amen, Amen (Lamb)–Chancel Bell Choir, Verlene Garber, director; Members of the Chancel Bells:  Lucy Burch, Suzanne Burch, Ben Lichti, Marlene Ewert, Jane Schmidt, Janet Lubbers, Brenda Turner, Carol Gebrand, Nathan Garber, Ron Garber, Gyles Garber, Caleb Garber
 
*Advent Candle Hymn— Hope Is a Candle, verses 1-2—VT 211
 
Advent Candle Lighting—Lucy and Faith Burch
 
*Advent Litany—Peace— VT 916
 
Welcome and Prayer—Adam Robb
 
*Hymn—Comfort, Comfort, O My People—VT 212
 
Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz
 
Scripture Reading—Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13—Suzanne, Lucy, and Faith Burch
 
Sermon—A God of Peace—Nathan Koontz
 
*Hymn—Unexpected and Mysterious—VT 229
 
Prayers of God’s People
 
*Hymn—Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming—VT 216
 
Benediction
 
Postlude—Variations on In Dulci Jubilo (Theodore Beck)—Karen Schlabaugh
 
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Karen Schlabaugh
Audio visual—John Thiesen

There are poinsettias all around the church for this Christmas season.  To see who donated these poinsettias and who they are in honor or memory of press here.  
 

 This Week at BCMC:  December 10—17, 2023
 
Sun., Dec. 10, 2023—Second Sunday of Advent
9:30 a.m.  Worship   Brief congregational meeting after worship
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/NqmMP6oZAcY?feature=share
  
 
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 a.m.  Faith Formation—Intergenerational class (fellowship hall);   High School (Room 24)    Adult Classes:  Agape (nursery); Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5);  Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21)  Seekers (Rm 28)
Mon., Dec. 11, 2023
5:30 p.m.   Faith Formation Commission meeting at Mary Ellen Hodge’s home
Tues., Dec. 12, 2023
9 a.m.        Womens’ Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
11 a.m.      Staff Meeting
12 noon     Mid Kansas Investment Club meeting in Fellowship Hall 
7:15 p.m.   Pastoral Search Committee meeting in Room 14
Wed., Dec. 13, 2023
7 p.m.        Rehearsal for Christmas worship service in Fellowship Hall
7:30 p.m.  Chancel Choir rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thurs., Dec. 14, 2023
9 a.m.        Community Playschool Christmas celebration in Fellowship Hall
Sun., Dec. 17, 2023—Third Sunday of Advent
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith;  music by
Chancel Choir; 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation

Preparing for Worship
As we gather for worship each Sunday in the sanctuary, the Worship Commission invites and encourages us to become quiet as the prelude centers us for worship. Conversation is welcome and encouraged in the Gathering Place outside of the sanctuary during the prelude.  We invite all who are present in the sanctuary to find their seats and quietly
participate in preparing for worship.

The church board is calling a brief special congregational meeting following worship in the sanctuary, Sunday, December 10, 2023 to act on the following board recommendation:
Does BCMC approve the initiation of a pledge drive for the purpose of soliciting funds and support for the solar project? The details of a pledge drive will be worked out if an initial vote indicates significant support.
The purpose of this vote is to determine the level of support from the congregation for a roof-top solar installation on our church.  A review of the solar project as presented at the September congregational meeting and in two subsequent Sunday School hour meetings was distributed to mailboxes the week of November 27.

Roger’s Whereabouts :  Roger is currently in Topeka. He will return to Newton this coming Wednesday, December 13 and will preach at BCMC on Sunday, December 17. Whether he’s in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone call (785-220-1968).
 
The library’s theme for the month of December is Advent/Christmas. We have quite a number of fiction/nonfiction choices for all ages. You might want to consider checking out books for visiting family members. We have so many good choices. Also, due to the  Advent/Christmas Everybody books in the children’s section of the library, all the puzzles are now located in the library on the west wall. There are some wonderful choices for holiday family time. A suggested donation of $5 for a puzzle helps support the supplies needed to run the library. 
Also on the west wall are a number of new books that were recently purchased through our budget and sale at Faith and LIfe Bookstore. Come check out the new selections in all genres. A brief write up of the new books is available by the library computer.   Happy Holiday reading!
— Library Committee

BCMC Offering for December 3, 2023:  General Fund $8,964.33; Plant Fund $200; Gen Fund 2024 $25; Caring Fund $1,267; Library Reserve Fund $17; Kitchen Fund $21; Solar Fund $5,000; Gladys Niles Memorial $100.
 
Save the date, January 28, 2024 for Congregational Meeting and Soup Luncheon prior to the congregational meeting and the next fun-filled congregation and youth activity!
  
The bulletin covers for Advent are used by permission from Salt Project, https://www.saltproject.org/
 
BCMC Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meets Tuesday, December 12 at 9 a.m. in Room 14.
 
Save the Date – Sponsored by BCMC Women’s Fellowship
“Prairie Bronze Ensemble Bell Choir” will perform Christmas music at BCMC Tuesday, December 19 at 7 p.m. More details will follow next week.

BCMC Women’s Fellowship Birthday Calendars are available from WF
Executive Board members:
Lois Brubacher  620-837-3281;  Lois Preheim     316-804-4713
Brenda Turner  316-283-8131;   Janet Voth        316-283-1922
The suggested donation price is $10. This calendar project is designed to help build community and the donation is used to support WF Ministries.

Mark Stucky, daughter Marike Stucky and son Matt Stucky would like to thank the BCMC community for your support after Gladys and Gail’s passing.  Cards, emails, texts and hugs were appreciated a great deal.  Your kind words sustained us through this difficult journey.

Registration for the upcoming Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus season is at hand.  Please consider joining.  Some of you are already on the list and we certainly encourage new members.  For further details please contact Joe Peters.  BCMC Contact  call or text (316) 288-7031 or email joelilp@cox.net

Congregants are welcome to bring Christmas snacks to share for our coffee time in the gathering place after the  worship service on December 24.   There will be no Sunday School on December 24.
 
The church office will be closed during the week between Christmas and December 30. 
 
New BCMC directories are available.  There is a box in the Gathering Place between the mailboxes and two boxes in the south entrance on the glass table.

The Deacons Commission is working on a “Thinking of You” campaign for people who are isolated due to health concerns. For the next few Sundays, we will have a table at the back of the sanctuary with pages for your comments to members of our church whom we haven’t been able to see for a while. Please stop by and write a short greeting or sign your name to let them know we are thinking about them. For those of you who are unable to attend worship but can stop by the church during the week, these letters will be in the library during the week for anyone to write a note before we send them out. Thank you! 
— Deacon Commission

Creation Care: While you are active in your Christmas shopping please remember to save plastic bags for recycling. We have collected 345 pounds with a goal of 1,000 pounds.  — Vern and Jane Goering

You are invited to the Annual Christmas Brass Choir Concert at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Sundayt,  Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., 1304 K-15 Hwy, Goessel for some Good Old Fashioned Christmas Festive Music and Cheer!

Mennonite Central Committee Material Resources Center in North Newton is critically low on inventory: An MCC kit cannot be distributed until each item for the kit is assembled, but some supplies in the Material Resources Center are so low that kits cannot be processed for shipping. You can help by filling the following needs: new infant onesies and sleepers (6-12 month sizes); new bath towels (dark colored, light to medium weight); new hand towels (dark colored). Locally, MCC distributes prisoner care and returning citizen care kits, for those kits we currently need: men’s shirts (sizes XL, 2XL, 3XL — any color) and men’s underwear (sizes 2XL, 3XL — any color). Buy online and ship it to MCC or bring items to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th St, North Newton). Questions: contact brociamueller@mcc.org or 316.283.2720. A full list of MCC kit contents can be found at mcc.org/kits.

Bethel College Announcements
(Sun., Dec. 10) – 38th annual Lighting of the Green, 8 p.m. on the Bethel College campus
 
Last week to view the annual Senior Art Exhibit I in the Regier Gallery and the Drama Lab, both in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, featuring the work of Rachel Geyer (lab) and Edel Miller (gallery). Exhibit closes Thurs., Dec. 14. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. To see “Solace in the Story,” e-mail rachelegeyer@bethelks.edu for an appointment.
 
Kauffman Museum at Bethel College invites you to visit during the holidays. Open hours are Tues.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and weekends 1:30-4:30 p.m. (closed Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve). The current special exhibit is “Climate and Energy Central,” along with the permanent exhibits “Of Land and People,” “Mirror of the Martyrs” and “Mennonite Immigrant Furniture.” The museum store is also open during those hours, with books, games, art and other gift items for sale (see kauffmanmuseum.org/museum-store/).

Mennonite Action’s 2nd Mass Meeting – Tuesday, December 12th at 7pm

At Mennonite Action’s last virtual meeting, more than 850 Mennonites from Canada, the US, and across the world joined together to grieve the ongoing violence in Palestine, to call for a ceasefire and an end to the occupation of Palestine, and to prepare to take nonviolent action together. 

On December 12th, Mennonite Action will share updates about the work that has taken place since the last meeting. Participants will practice singing together in preparation for public actions on December 19th and hear from speakers who will remind us that our faith as Mennonites and Christians compels us to act.

MennoPIN and WDC Israel-Palestine Taskgroup both encourage your participation.  Mennonite Action will continue to host events into the future, and BCMC will not be giving notice for all of them.  If you want to sign up for the call on December 12 and stay connected with Mennonite Action, please sign up  here:  mennoniteaction.org/call
 

Hesston College Announcements

Melva Kauffman Lecture Series: Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery

This year the Melva Kauffman Lecture Series is pleased to host Mark Charles who will present on the topic of Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery. Charles is the son of an American woman (of Dutch heritage) and a Navajo man. He teaches with insight into the complexities of American history regarding race, culture and faith in order to help forge a path of healing and conciliation for the nation. The public is invited to hear his presentation at Hesston Mennonite Church Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Take a Bible Class at Hesston College

Interested in auditing a Bible course beginning in January? This spring semester Hesston College has opportunities to audit Biblical Literature, Jesus and the Gospels, and Peacemaking and Justice courses. Acceptance is based upon availability of open seating. If you are interested in enrolling in or auditing a Bible course, please contact amber.hett@hesston.edu before Jan. 9 to register. Spring courses are in session Jan. 10 to May 9. Be sure and ask about discounted rates for senior citizens.
 

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

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Interviews for the 2024 Summer Staff start over the Christmas/semester break!  This allows more in-person interviews, which often are a benefit to the applicant.  Complete your application for Summer Staff now, especially those who are usually out-of-town, to give Camp Mennoscah staff the best chance to talk with you while you’re in the Newton-ish area.  Summer staff must be 18 years old or older.  The staff leadership positions receiving stipends are naturalist, crafts leader, lifeguard, grounds/maintenance, music leader, and office/media.  Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. The 2024 summer camp season begins with orientation for summer-long positions on June 2 and ends August 4.  The application for 2024 Summer Staff at Camp Mennoscah can be found here.

Other events and happenings:

• Find your work gloves and boots!  The Camp Mennoscah board will be contacting volunteers to work on the Retreat Center HVAC project, likely to start early in 2024.  Having volunteers help on a daily basis will save a substantial amount in the overall cost.  The project includes not only the HVAC system, but also code deficiencies in electrical and plumbing, for example.  It’s going to be exciting!
   
• A huge thank you to the Camp Mennoscah board, staff and family members for helping remove decorations on the walls of the Retreat Center.  The walls look bare, but the atmosphere is one of anticipation for the renovation of parts of the building.  There will be more work days ahead for everyone to join in.  Keep your eyes open!

For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

Tis the season for joy, hope, and peace. As we all find the hope found in the warmth of a friendly smile or gestures of kindness and love from family, friends, and strangers, we at the Newton Et Cetera Shop are asking you and your congregation to Engage the Season by continuing the hope found in this joyous time throughout the year.  By Engaging the Season, we are encouraging your congregation to become active in volunteerism at the Newton Et Cetera Shop throughout the upcoming year. In doing this, you will share in the joy of a gentle laugh over a cup of coffee, the hope found in a new friendship, and peace in the embrace of a loving community of volunteers and staff.  Volunteerism at the Newton Et Cetera Shop can take on many forms, whether it is clerking and engaging with the customers, to processing incoming donations and experiencing the positive community of volunteers, the choice is yours on how, when, and where you serve. Even though we are a supporting organization of the Mennonite Central Committee, you do not need to be a part of the Mennonite church to serve, all denominations and faiths are accepted. Not only do we support the global efforts of MCC, we also support numerous non-profits throughout the area with donated goods and local grants to support the projects vital to our community. All that is required for service, is a heart that cares for our world, our community, and others. Take a moment to explore how you can Engage the Season and carry the hope throughout the year by putting your time and talent to work for the good of others at the Newton Et Cetera Shop! Make a difference in our world, our community, and your and others lives! Sign up to Engage the Season today! Volunteer applications can be picked up at the shop (619 N. Main, Newton) or by following the link below. Newton Et Cetera Shop Volunteer Application

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board strengthened key relationships and discussed creative strategies for convention and revitalization at the first Executive Board meeting of the biennium Oct. 18-20, 2023, in Cleveland, Ohio. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/eb-strengthens

Menno Snapshots

Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler, climate justice coordinator for Mennonite Church USA, reflects on how to respond to climate doom with resistance and resilience, after attending Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary’s Rooted and Grounded conference. Read her reflection here: mennoniteusa.org/path-through-climate-doom

Beryl Jantzi, Everence director of stewardship education, explores what “mammon” might mean in the New Testament and why Jesus states that a person cannot serve both God and mammon. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/god-and-mammon
 

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Alfonsina and José Oyanguren, who have walked alongside Toba-Qom churches and communities in the Argentine Chaco since 2004. Pray for them as they provide continuity in long-term relationships and encourage the preservation of Indigenous languages and cultures.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Pray for WDC’s Ministerial Leadership Commission as they meet this week, and as they provide support and resources for credentialed ministers in our conference.