Author Archives: Monica Lichti

Announcements for January 8-15, 2021

Newton Community for Racial Justice worked to put together a video for MLK Day of Service. Take a look to hear Newton leaders talk about antiracism and MLK. You may even recognize some BCMC folks! Click here to watch the video.

Junior High Club and Super Bowl Snack Fundraiser
This is the time of year when Jr. High Club sponsors and members start planning for the much-anticipated Super Bowl Snack fundraiser, which is held on Super Bowl Sunday. Given the current circumstances with COVID-19, we believe it is safest to cancel the annual fundraiser this year rather than try to proceed, even in a modified format. However, if you would still like to support the Jr. High Club with a financial gift, you are welcome to do so. We thank you for your continued support and will plan to be back for Super Bowl LVI in 2022!

A Message from the BCMC Visual Arts Committee
The Tempestry wall hanging, a project of BCMC’s Visual Arts Committee, was originally scheduled to be unveiled in April 2020 in the Gathering Place at BCMC.  Due to the interruption of the pandemic, it will be hung at the Et Cetera Shop in Newton for several weeks beginning mid-January 2021, and then displayed at BCMC for a longer period when we gather again.  The seven panels feature a row of knitted yarn representing the high temperature for each day in twenty year increments, from1897 (when BCMC began) through 2019.  Thanks to skilled knitters Sara Dick, Esther Kreider Eash, Deane Frey, Mary Goering, Marilyn Harrold, Peggy Souder and  Lenore Waltner who participated in creating this visual art piece. 

Mon., Jan. 18, 6:30 p.m.
Bethel College’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration will feature spoken word artist M’Vyonne Payne and former pro athlete and motivational speaker Chris Singleton. 
The event will be held in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center, with COVID protocols in place, and will also be live-streamed via YouTube at bit.ly/bethelks-mlk2021 Sponsors are the Bethel College Diversity Council, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Student Life Office, with support from the Bethel College Women’s Association. 

COVID Lighting Memorial
The Presidential Inauguration Committee will host a memorial to honor the lives lost to Covid-19 on Tuesday, January 19 at 4:30 p.m. in cities and towns across the U.S.   A Washington D.C. memorial will feature a lighting around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. It will be the first ever lighting memorial to honor lives lost.  The Inauguration Committee is inviting cities and towns across the country to join Washington D.C. in lighting buildings and ringing church bells in a national moment of unity and remembrance. 
You can participate by lighting a candle in your window. 
“In the midst of a pandemic — when so many Americans are grieving the loss of family, friends, and neighbors — it is important that we honor those who have died, reflect on what has been one of the more challenging periods in the nation’s history, and renew our commitment to coming together to end the pandemic and rebuild our nation.”

Join Mennonite Central Committee for a free webinar: The Spiritual Cost of Doctrine of Discovery. Mark Charles, a Navajo activist, speaker, and author will be presenting on The Spiritual Cost of Doctrine of Discovery. Along with Soong-Chan Rah, Mark is the author of Unsettling Truths: The ongoing, dehumanizing legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery, Intervarsity Press (2019). The free webinar will take place on Thursday, January 21, from 10-11:30 CST. Please register by January 20 at mcc.org/webinar-registration-dod to receive the webinar link. 

Congregational Meeting will be January 31 
Mark your calendars now for the upcoming Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 31, 2021, at 1pm.  The meeting will be held via Zoom and agenda includes approval of the proposed 2021 church budget. Agenda and other reports will be made available ahead of time (more details to follow).

Great news from the BCMC Finance Manager
Great news!  2020 is over, and the church ended the year with a surplus!  We were even able to send additional monies to all the organizations supported by the Witness Commission!  I have received some questions regarding the end of year contributions reports.  If you have any questions or concerns about yours, please let me know by email treasurer@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org or telephone (316-283-2660).  ~  Mike Claassen, Finance Manager
BCMC Offerings
December 24:
  General Fund $5,284; Sr Hi Youth $25; Gen Fund 2021 $4,025; Caring Fund $350; Living Stones $125; Women’s Fellowship $260; Miscellaneious $252.95
December 31:  General Fund $2,975; Caring Fund $1,175; Living Stones $2,500.
January 7, 2021:  General Fund $15,533.92; Caring Fund $1,550; Living Stones $1,315; Peace Garden $2,000; Carl Thieszen Memorial $50.

Everence to hold Medicare webinar: Tuesday, Jan. 19
Everence will host its popular workshop, Make Medicare an easy step, as a webinar on Tuesday, Jan. 19 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. 

Western District Conferece Annual Assembly Resolutions
The Assembly will be held July 30-Aug 1, in a hybrid model with the possibility of both virtual and in-person activities. WDC encourages the development of resolutions that facilitate discernment, educate, build unity, and provide an area conference understanding while acknowledging dissenting voices.  Any proposed church statement should be discerned through congregations or WDC commissions and task forces and submitted for consideration to the WDC Resolutions Committee a minimum of 120 days prior to annual conference sessions (April 2, 2021).   

Camp Mennoscah announcements
1.  Applications for Camp Mennoscah Summer Staff positions are now being accepted!  Although there is a chance positions will change to meet the needs of pandemic-impacted summer youth camps, the current leadership positions are naturalist, crafts leader, lifeguard, grounds/maintenance, music leader, office, and all-round/media. For those 21 years old or older, there is also a Director of Support opening.  Find the application and information online at www.campmennoscah.org under Summer Youth Camps!
2.  Celebrate the new year by coming to Camp Mennoscah!  Camp Mennoscah is a wonderful space for families and groups needing space to spread out!  Facilities for differently sized groups are available with a variety of gathering areas.  Trails and fields are waiting to be hiked and used for fun activities, too!  Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or office@campmennoscah.org to reserve.  You are invited to enjoy this sacred space!
3.  Thank you, Allen and Janet!  After 40 years of dedicated service as program directors at Camp Mennoscah, Allen Jantz and Janet McGillivary are retiring.  We know them in part for their wonderfully caring and carefully planned camp week and for Allen’s lunchtime skits and Janet’s lanyard-making.  We celebrate these years shared with Camp Mennoscah and wish them the best in new adventures!  See you at Camp Mennoscah again soon, Allen and Janet!

Mennonite church announcements
Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary is offering two new scholarships:

  • The Multicultural Church Scholarship is for students who are currently serving in or preparing for ministry assignments in a multicultural context and/or who belong to historically underrepresented racial or ethnic groups within the Mennonite Church. Each year, this award will provide a limited number of 100-percent tuition grants to full-time students beginning a master’s program, or a limited number of 75-percent tuition grants to part-time students beginning a master’s program.
  • The MDiv Connect Student Scholarship provides a limited number of 75-percent tuition grants to students beginning the Master of Divinity (MDiv) Connect program.

For more information:  ambs.edu/grow

Common Read
Join others across WDC to discuss I Am Not Your Enemy: Stories to Transform a Divided World by Michael T. McRay.  This Common Read is a partnership between Herald Press, MC Canada, and MC USA.  WDC-based Zoom discussions will take place on Jan. 28, 7-8pm. Join for one or both discussions. To borrow a copy of the book (limited number) or to register for the discussion, email crlib@mennowdc.org 


Sat., Jan. 30 – Kauffman Museum annual Kansas Day event, “Our Stories, Our Foods.” Starting at 11 a.m. – food trucks, local producer booths and take-it-home crafts, museum parking lot and grounds; 11 a.m. via ZoomGlen Ediger, North Newton: stories about Mennonite ethnic foods; 2 p.m. via Zoom: Jenny Masias, Newton: “The Immigrants Who Built Newton: One Spike at a Time”; walking tour to the eight “Stories Along the Trail” sites in North Newton. Please note that face coverings must be worn and distancing guidelines followed on Kauffman Museum and all Bethel College propertyTo get Zoom links, go to the Kauffman Museum Facebook page or kauffmanmuseum.org

The KIPCOR Film Series at Bethel College is serving up a second helping of Cooked: Survival by Zip Code, which focuses on the deadly 1995 Chicago heat wave to illustrate how Black, Indigenous and People of Color and low-income citizens suffer the most negative impact from natural disasters. The film is an indictment of U.S. disaster preparedness, and connects extreme weather, extreme disparity (income and other) and extreme racism. Go to kipcor.org, “Film Series,” for a link to watch Cooked for free and a link to register for the Feb. 7 virtual discussionadvance registration is required to participate in the discussion, which will be held in break-out rooms, with leaders who include Chicagoans who experienced the 1995 heat disaster.Letter from Jim Robb, Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale Chair
Please put July 2 and 3, 2021 on your church calendar for this year’s MCC Sale.  We are hoping and praying that COVID-19 will be under control by July so we can hold the MCC Sale this year. Click on this link to read the letter.   https://mcusercontent.com/6c82c57d5882e890a1945358a/files/14e4425a-12b1-40e1-8e27-62a136da1a0a/MCC_Sale_Date_Change.pdf

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request
Mennonite Mission Network praises God for DOOR’s (Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection) creative adaptation of leadership training programs in the COVID-19 era. Pray for all the young people who have engaged with the Teaching Collective series, which offer a virtual space for discussions centered around race, gender, trauma and healing. DOOR organizes opportunities to experience God in urban settings.

Western District Conference Prayer Request
Pray for God’s wisdom for WDC church leaders, as they continue to discern how best to guide congregational life during the pandemic.

WORSHIP SERVICE FOR January 17, 2021 You will have to press READ MORE to see the link

Press here for the January 17, 2021 Worship Service

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
January 17, 2021
9:30 am

Prelude—Verlene Garber

Christ Candle Lighting—Dawn Yoder Harms

Welcome and prayer—Dawn Yoder Harms

Hymn—Let justice roll like a river—STS 33                                                                                                                                       

Scripture Reading—1 Samuel 3:1-10—Barbara Thiesen

Children’s Conversation—Zona Galle

Short Film—1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom—the SALT Project

Sermon—Searching for our Lord—Renee Reimer

Hymn—Precious Lord, take my hand—HWB 575

Prayers of God’s people—Dawn Yoder Harms

Hymn—Lift every voice and sing—HWB 579

Benediction—Renee Reimer

Postlude—I Have a Dream—the SALT Project


Musicians—William Eash, Esther Kreider Eash, Renee Reimer, John Mark Koontz

                                              Dawn Yoder Harms, Ron Garber, Barbara Thiesen, Verlene Garber

Audio visual—Francis Toews and Ben Lichti

Pastors—Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Dawn Yoder Harms

WORSHIP SERVICE FOR January 10, 2021 You will have to press READ MORE to see the link

Press this link for the January 10, 2021 Worship Service

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
January 10, 2021
9:30 am

Season of Epiphany

Prelude—Verlene Garber

Welcome and prayer—Renee Reimer

You are holy—STS 34                                                      

Children’s Conversation—Dawn Yoder Harms

Scripture Reading—Mark 1:4-11—Ben Lichti

Sermon—Baptized—Nathan Koontz

Open my eyes, that I may see—HWB 517

Prayers of God’s people—Renee Reimer                                                                                          

Spirit of God! Descend—HWB 502

Benediction—Nathan Koontz


Musicians—Tim Schrag, Ben Lichti, Renee Reimer, Dawn Yoder Harms, Verlene Garber

Audio visual—Ken Lamp

Pastors—Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Dawn Yoder Harms

Announcements for January 1-8, 2021

Sun., Jan. 10, 3 p.m
Retired pastor Florence Schloneger, North Newton, and Pauline Sharp, Wichita, a Kaw tribal member and board member of the Kanza Heritage Society, will give a virtual presentation, sharing their family stories related to land ownership, economics, education and identity. This is in connection with the special exhibit at Bethel College’s Kauffman Museum, “Crossroads: Change in Rural America.” Schloneger’s ancestors immigrated to Kansas in the 1800s while Sharp’s relatives, members of the Kanza (Kaw) tribe, lived in central Kansas for centuries before the arrival of Europeans. Sign up for the Zoom link at https://kauffmanmuseum.org/event/sunday-afternoon-at-the-museum-with-florence-schloneger-and-pauline-sharp/ The event will also be on Facebook Live on the Kauffman Museum Facebook page.

A Message from the BCMC Visual Arts Committee

The Tempestry wall hanging, a project of BCMC’s Visual Arts Committee, was originally scheduled to be unveiled in April 2020 in the Gathering Place at BCMC.  Due to the interruption of the pandemic, it will be hung at the Et Cetera Shop in Newton for several weeks beginning mid-January 2021, and then displayed at BCMC for a longer period when we gather again.  The seven panels feature a row of knitted yarn representing the high temperature for each day in twenty year increments, from1897 (when BCMC began) through 2019.  Thanks to skilled knitters Sara Dick, Esther Kreider Eash, Deane Frey, Mary Goering, Marilyn Harrold, Peggy Souder and  Lenore Waltner who participated in creating this visual art piece. 

Congregational Meeting will be January 31 
Mark your calendars now for the upcoming Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 31, 2021, at 1pm.  The meeting will be held via Zoom and agenda includes approval of the proposed 2021 church budget. Agenda and other reports will be made available ahead of time (more details to follow).

Great news from the BCMC Finance Manager
Great news!  2020 is over, and the church ended the year with a surplus!  We were even able to send additional monies to all the organizations supported by the Witness Commission!  I have received some questions regarding the end of year contributions reports.  If you have any questions or concerns about yours, please let me know by email (treasurer@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org) or telephone (316-283-2660).  ~  Mike Claassen, Finance Manager

Everence to hold Medicare webinar: Tuesday, Jan. 19
Everence will host its popular workshop, Make Medicare an easy step, as a webinar on Tuesday, Jan. 19 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. 

Western District Conferece Annual Assembly Resolutions
The Assembly will be held July 30-Aug 1, in a hybrid model with the possibility of both virtual and in-person activities. WDC encourages the development of resolutions that facilitate discernment, educate, build unity, and provide an area conference understanding while acknowledging dissenting voices.  Any proposed church statement should be discerned through congregations or WDC commissions and task forces and submitted for consideration to the WDC Resolutions Committee a minimum of 120 days prior to annual conference sessions (April 2, 2021).   

Common Read
Join others across WDC to discuss I Am Not Your Enemy: Stories to Transform a Divided World by Michael T. McRay.  This Common Read is a partnership between Herald Press, MC Canada, and MC USA.  WDC-based Zoom discussions will take place on Jan. 11, 11:30am-12:30pm and Jan. 28, 7-8pm. Join for one or both discussions. To borrow a copy of the book (limited number) or to register for the discussion, email crlib@mennowdc.org

Kauffman Museum at Bethel College is partnering with Humanities Kansas to host the Smithsonian traveling exhibit “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” through Jan. 17. Accompanying it is a local companion exhibit, “Of Land and People: Our Community at the Crossroads,” created from the museum’s permanent exhibit “Of Land and People.” The museum is open 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tues.-Fri; 1:30-4:30 p.m., Sat.-Sunday; and closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission to the “Crossroads” exhibit is free on Saturdays

Mon., Jan. 18, 6:30 p.m.
Bethel College’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration will feature spoken word artist M’Vyonne Payne and former pro athlete and motivational speaker Chris Singleton. 
The event will be held in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center, with COVID protocols in place, and will also be live-streamed via YouTube at bit.ly/bethelks-mlk2021 Sponsors are the Bethel College Diversity Council, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Student Life Office, with support from the Bethel College Women’s Association. 

Letter from Jim Robb, Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale Chair
Please put July 2 and 3, 2021 on your church calendar for this year’s MCC Sale.  We are hoping and praying that COVID-19 will be under control by July so we can hold the MCC Sale this year. Click on this link to read the letter.   https://mcusercontent.com/6c82c57d5882e890a1945358a/files/14e4425a-12b1-40e1-8e27-62a136da1a0a/MCC_Sale_Date_Change.pdf

Camp Mennoscah announcements
1.  Applications for Camp Mennoscah Summer Staff positions are now being accepted!  Although there is a chance positions will change to meet the needs of pandemic-impacted summer youth camps, the current summer staff leadership positions are naturalist, crafts leader, lifeguard, grounds/maintenance, music leader, office, and all-round/media. For those 21 years old or older, there is also a Director of Support opening.  Find the application and information online at www.campmennoscah.org under Summer Youth Camps!
2. Celebrate the new year by coming to Camp Mennoscah!  Camp Mennoscah is a wonderful space for families and groups needing space to spread out!  Facilities for differently sized groups are available with a variety of gathering areas.  Trails and fields are waiting to be hiked and used for fun activities, too!  Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or office@campmennoscah.org to reserve.  You are invited to enjoy this sacred space!
3.  A few extra Camp Mennoscah hoodies are available!  (Adult sizes only.)  Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org  Grab yours before they’re gone!
4.  Thank you, Allen and Janet!  After 40 years of dedicated service as program directors at Camp Mennoscah, Allen Jantz and Janet McGillivary are retiring.  We know them in part for their wonderfully caring and carefully planned camp week and for Allen’s lunchtime skits and Janet’s lanyard-making.  We celebrate these years shared with Camp Mennoscah and wish them the best in new adventures!  See you at Camp Mennoscah again soon, Allen and Janet!
5.  The Camp Mennoscah Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Olivia Bartel has accepted the position of Executive Director. Olivia has an undergraduate degree from Bethel College and a Master of Arts from AMBS with a focus in Theological Studies.  She has been with Camp Mennoscah since 2008 and is a familiar face on campgrounds and at camp sponsored events.  Olivia has a tremendous passion for Camp Mennoscah’s mission and building relationships.  She has been instrumental in developing new programming such as the Scrapbooking and Crafts Retreats.  She has also updated and strengthened the staff training program to promote safe boundaries.  Most of what Olivia does, however, has been behind the scenes to ensure everyone feels welcomed and has a good experience.  Olivia will continue to be responsible for camp programming while taking on additional supervisory and executive responsibilities.  Please join us in congratulating Olivia on her promotion and welcoming her to the role of Executive Director.

Mennonite Central Committee Webinars on Service Opportunities
Are you ready to step out and into service? To spend a year serving abroad or the summer serving your church or a local community organization? Check out the webinars happening this winter that will introduce these MCC service opportunities to you! Learn more at mcc.org/mcc-me-webinar-series-service-opportunities.

Everence announcements
1.  Apply now for a 2021-22 scholarship. Our church’s faith-based partner, Everence, wants to help people nurture their talents. If you or your parents are or become Everence members and you will be enrolled in a college or trade school next fall, apply for an Everence College Scholarship of up to $3,000 before March 10. Visit everence.com/scholarships. for guidelines and an application. 
2.  Buying or refinancing a home? Buying is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. Figuring out the financial side of purchasing or refinancing can be hard. Answer the key financial purchase questions from our faith-based partner, Go to the Everence website.  
3.  Read Toolkit to care for your God-given gifts. Learn tips and ideas about how to care for whatever we receive from God. Look at the current issue of Toolkit (in your mailboxes at the church) from our faith-based partner, Everence.

The Rocky Mountain January newsletter is here!  Have a look at the latest/greatest related to camp programs, volunteer and donor news/needs and other happenings at RMMC. All newsletters are posted in the “News” tab under “About Us” on the camp website.  Corbin Graber on behalf of the camp board and staff members
 

WORSHIP SERVICE FOR January 3, 2021 You will have to press READ MORE to see the link

January 3, 2021 Worship Service

Note: The Worship Service starts 10 minutes into the video

Epiphany Sunday Worship
January 3, 2021

Prelude  —  Erich Boschmann

Welcome and Prayer (from Isaiah 61:1-3)  —  Matt and Rebecca Schloneger

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem  —  STS 32

Children’s Conversation  —  Esther Koontz

Scripture reading  —  Matthew 2:1-12

Sermon:  Revealed  —  Dawn Yoder Harms

Holy Child within the manger —  STS 28

Kingdom Report —

Karen Ediger (Inclusion Task Group) and Elizabeth Schmidt (Church Board)

Prayers of God’s people 

Arise, your light has come!  —  STS 30

Benediction

_______________________________________________________________

Musicians:             Sara Dick, Esther Koontz, Rebecca Schloneger,

                                Matt Schloneger, Erich Boschmann, Doug Harms

Worship Visuals:   Carol Buller

Audio Visual:         Ken Lamp and Ben Lichti

Pastors:                  Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Dawn Yoder Harms

WORSHIP SERVICE FOR DECEMBER 27, 2020 You will have to press READ MORE to see the link

December 27, 2020 Worship Service – click this link

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
Dec 27, 2020
10:00 am

Prelude—In Dulce jubilo, Dupre’/Wood— Verlene Garber

Candle Lighting                                                                                                                        

Welcome and prayer— Renee Reimer

Hymns— HWB 212 O Come all ye faithful (last verse in unison)

                 HWB 201 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

                 HWB 191 O Little Town of Bethlehem                                                                                                                                       

Scripture Storytelling— Luke 2:1-21— Dawn Yoder Harms

Carol Sing— Verlene Garber and the Choral Worship Team

                       HWB 194 Away in a Manger (words found on page 194 – different melody)

                      Rise Up Shepherd and Follow – Solo – Ron Garber

                      HWB 181 My soul proclaims with wonder (2 vs)

                      HWB 199 The First Noel (vs 1& 2)

                      HWB 211 Lo, How a Rose ‘ere Blooming

                      Still, Still, Still – organ solo

                      Nun Ist Sie Erschienen – HWB pocket

                      STS 32 O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem  – (2vs)

                      HWB 189 To Us a Child of Hope is born (vs 1 and 2)

Prayers of God’s people— Nathan Koontz

Hymn— HWB 318 Joy to the World

Benediction— Renee Reimer

Postlude— Go Tell it on the Mountain— Verlene Garber


HWB = Hymnal A Worship Book
STS = Sing the Story

Musicians:  William Eash, Esther Kreider Eash, Renee Reimer
                     Dawn Yoder Harms, Ron Garber, John Mark Koontz, Barbara Thiesen

Audio visual:  Ken Lamp

Pastors:  Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Dawn Yoder Harms

LESSONS AND CAROLS FOR DECEMBER 24, 2020 You will have to press READ MORE to see the link

Click here for the Lessons and Carols Service

In preparing for this service of Lessons and Carols, you may want to gather:

  • the blue Hymnal Worship Book (HWB) (blue)
  • the purple Sing the Story (STS) songbook
  • a Christ candle to light with us, as well as a taper candle to light as we sing Silent Night together at the end of the service

A Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols
Bethel College Mennonite Church
December 24, 2020

Prelude— Pat Friesen                                                                                                         

Welcome— Dawn Yoder Harms                                                                                                

Lighting the Christ Candle— Renee Reimer 
Prayer
Oh, how joyfull­y HWB 209                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Lesson 1— Isaiah 9:2, 6-7— Dale Schrag     
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming— HWB 211                                                                                      

Lesson 2— Isaiah 11:1-4a, 6-9— Austin Prouty
Come, thou long expected Jesus— HWB 178                                                                                   

Lesson 3— Luke 1:26-38— Carol Flickinger
No wind at the window— STS 11                                                                                                  

Lesson 4— Luke 2:1-7— Aaron and Theodore Tschetter
Helpless and hungry— Bethany Schrag and Renee Reimer— STS 26
What child is this— HWB 215                                                                                                       

Lesson 5— Luke 2:8-14— Addison Zerger   
Angels we have heard on high— HWB 197                                                                                    

Lesson 6— Luke 2:15-20— Andrew Thiesen
Break forth, O beauteous heav’nly— HWB 203

Offering our prayers                                                                                                                    

Lesson 7— John 1:1-5, 9-14— Jeanette Leary

Candle lighting 

Please join us in creating a sea of light as you light your candle, wherever you are gathered

Silent night— HWB 193                                    

Benediction


Many thanks to:

Musicians:  Verlene Garber, Esther Kreider Eash, Renee Reimer, Barbara Thiesen, Dawn Yoder Harms, Bethany Schrag, Ron Garber, William Eash

Scripture readers: listed in order of worship

AV technicians: Ben Lichti, Ken Lamp, Monica Lichti

Video Editor: Esther Kreider Eash           

Service planners: Barbara Thiesen and Dawn Yoder Harms

Banners:  Robert Regier, creator; Susie and Bill Swartley, Matt Koontz, display

Other worship visuals:  Decorations Committee

To access the video for December 20, 2020 – Advent 4 you will have to press READ MORE

Press here for the December 20, 2020 Worship Service

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
Dec 20, 2020
Advent 4:
 Preparing the way

Prelude— Children and Youth                                                                                                           

Advent Candle Lighting— Kate Brubacher and Grayson Murphy family

O come, o come, Immanuel—Hymnal a Worship Book #172

Welcome and prayer— Cliff Dick

Call to Worship

Jesus, God sent you in mercy to be Emmanuel, God-with-us.

Teach us the compassion of God.

Jesus, your life took flesh in the mercy of Mary’s womb.

We rejoice in the compassion of Mary.

Jesus, your family took shape in the mercy of Joseph’s welcome.

We give thanks for the compassion of Joseph.

Jesus, your holy family knew the struggle of the poor, when they were refused the mercy of shelter in Bethlehem.

Teach us the compassion of God;

Lead us in the ways of justice and mercy.

Children’s conversation— Cow Christmas Pageant— Farmer Derek Klingenberg

O come, all ye faithful—Hymnal a Worship Book #212

Scripture— Luke 1:26-38— Many Voices

Homily— A Grace Like Mary— Renee Reimer                                                                                  

What Child is this—Hymnal a Worship Book #215                                                                            

Prayers of God’s people— Marlene Ewert

Silent Night— Bethel College Concert Choir [Hymnal a Worship Book #193]


Musicians: John Mark Koontz and Jonah Schloneger
Scripture Readers: Nathan Koontz, Marlene Ewert, Cliff Dick, Rosie Epp, Amelia Kouame
Pastors: Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Dawn Yoder Harms

Announcements for December 18-25, 2020

Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve tradition continues at BCMC this year!  The service will be pre-recorded and made available for you to watch at your convenience on Christmas Eve.  If you would like to have a DVD of the service, contact the church office.

Worship on Sunday December 27 will include ample time for Christmas carols throughout the service (30 minutes to be exact)!
 
Service of Remembrance, January 3
The Deacons will be hosting our traditional Service of Remembrance on January 3, at 4 pm.  This service is a way of remembering those who have passed away in 2020.  If you would like to attend the service in order to light a candle for your loved one, or if you have someone you would like us to remember please contact Nathan Koontz at nathan@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org.  Due to COVID 19 restrictions, each loved one will only be allowed to have two people in attendance.  RSVP to Nathan is necessary so that we can make proper safety arrangements for all who wish to attend. This service will be live-streamed and also available to watch via YouTube at a later time.     

As Christmas approaches we are provided an opportunity to be generous and exhibit care to those around us.   One of the ways BCMC provides help for those in need is through the Caring Fund, administered by the Deacon Commission. In the past year we have sent funds to 5 different agencies, and several individuals.  This is an opportunity for you to help replenish the Caring Fund as more needs are expected to become apparent to us. Please help us provide funds for those individuals that need food, rent, utilities,  and for organizations that provide shelter, assistance and care for those in this community, this country, and around the world.  Please contribute by earmarking your contribution for the Caring Fund. Thanks, Jim Robb, Deacon Chair
  
ADVENT GIFT PROJECTS:  Share the joy!
The Witness Commission has chosen two Advent gift projects for our congregation this year, both addressing COVID 19 related needs:  
The Covid 19 Congregational Relief Fund provides grants to help Anabaptist-related churches  meet their congregational financial needs (such as rent, mortgage, utilities, staff salaries, etc.) or to assist families and individuals in their midst in recovering from COVID-19 hardships.  Priority is given to racially and ethnically diverse churches serving in historically under-resourced communities.   To contribute to this fund, click here. 
 
The Harvest of Love is a support program managed by the Newton Ministerial Alliance (NMA). When the program started, it was originally to provide food assistance to those who were in need. By now the Harvest of Love also provides support for people in need of rent, utility, and other types of financial assistance. The Harvest of Love is run out of the Salvation Army food pantry. During COVID-19, the need for assistance has been on the rise. To help our community, the Harvest of Love has removed restrictions on how often a family can receive food and financial assistance. 
You can contribute to the Harvest of Love in two ways. You can drop off material donations at 208 W 6th St, Newton. For monetary donations please make your check payable to Harvest of Love. You can mail your monetary donation to Newton Ministerial Alliance, PO Box 1084, Newton, KS 67114

Financial Update
Great news!  December has been a terrific month for contributions, and the church should end the year with a surplus!  Thank you to everyone for your contributions during this fiscally difficult year, and to the commissions and committees that curtailed their spending.  If you are still planning to send in a contribution intended for 2020, please keep in mind that all contributions received by December 31 will be categorized as being for 2020.  Any received after December 31 will go toward 2021 intents.  If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know by email (treasurer@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org) or telephone (316-283-2660).  ~  Mike Claassen, Finance Manager
 
Church Office Holiday Closings
The church office will be closed in the afternoons from now until December 23 due to staff vacation time
.  Whether the office is open or not, you can always be in touch with pastors by giving them a call on their cell phones (listed in church directory).
The church office will be closed Dec 25 – Jan 3 for staff vacation.  Pastor Dawn will be working from home and available by phone or email.

Kauffman Museum at Bethel College is partnering with Humanities Kansas to host the Smithsonian traveling exhibit “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” through Jan. 17. Accompanying it is a local companion exhibit, “Of Land and People: Our Community at the Crossroads,” created from the museum’s permanent exhibit “Of Land and People.” The museum is open 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tues.-Fri (early close at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, and Thursday, Dec. 31); 1:30-4:30 p.m., Sat.-Sunday; and closed Mondays and major holidays (Friday, Dec. 25, Friday, Jan. 1). Admission to the “Crossroads” exhibit is free on Saturdays.
 
Western District Conference  announcement

The WDC office and Resource Library remains closed due to Covid-19 precautions, and staff members are working from their homes.  Note that staff will take holiday and vacation time December 24 through January 3, 2021, and will be available beginning January 4. 

Camp Mennoscah announcements
1. A Christmas full of light and love to all of you!  The Camp Mennoscah staff and Board of Directors prays for you to find Christ’s love and joy during this not-as-usual Christmas season.  May you find hope, joy, and peace in your celebrations.
2. Camp Mennoscah is a wonderful space for families and groups needing space to spread out!  Facilities for differently sized groups are available with a variety of gathering areas.  Trails and fields are waiting to be hiked and used for fun activities, too!  Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or office@campmennoscah.org to reserve!  You are invited to enjoy this sacred space!
3. A few extra Camp Mennoscah hoodies are available!  (Adult sizes only.)  Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org  Grab yours before they’re gone!
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Join Mennonite Mission Network in praying for the peace witness of the Meserete Kristos Church in Ethiopia amid the conflict between the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Northern Tigray region.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:  As we celebrate Christmas, give thanks for the gift of multicultural diversity within WDC, and the many different ways congregations embody the presence of Christ.

 Merry Christmas from Mennonite Mission Network
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A Christmas blessingThe Lord bless you and keep you…and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV) The blessing that God told Moses to give the Israelites is the same one that we send to you today. May the Lord bless you and keep you in this holiday season, and may God’s peace be with you this coming year. ​Work on “The Blessing” started when six-year-old Aliyah Wigginton-Bravo in Ecuador, told her parents Peter Wigginton and Delicia Bravo that she thought it would be fun to ask Mission Network people in different countries to make a video together. Peter coordinated the project with Josh Garber in Spain working on the audio. Mission Network workers and partners in six countries participated with their voices and instruments.  The blessing of your prayers and support make it possible for our workers to be the presence of Christ around the world. This music video comes to you today as a Christmas blessing with heartfelt thanks for your partnership with Mennonite Mission Network.”The Blessing” was written by Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe and Steven Furtick. 
Merry Christmas! 
Joe Sawatzky

Mennonite Mission Network Church Relations Representative