December 18 is the Fourth Sunday in Advent 

The Holy Way
Walking in the Way of God’s Heart
Advent 2016 – Epiphany 2017
Bethel College Mennonite Church

As we move into this season of Advent-Christmas-Epiphany, we prepare to celebrate the arrival of Jesus, the One who embodies God’s heart.  Week by week, we will listen for where this heart invites us—toward peace, harmony, healing, and restoration in our world.  May the stories we hear, the music we savor, and the offerings we share during this season draw us into the way of God’s heart. 

Sunday scripture readings and worship schedule:  

Nov. 27, Advent 1 God’s peace is at hand
Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Matthew 24:36-44; Romans 13:11-14

9:00 a.m. Prelude by Bethel College Brass Quintet

9:30 a.m. Worship with Communion, music by Chancel Choir
and Cherub Choir

Dec. 4, Advent 2 God’s harmony is at hand
Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Matthew 3:1-12;
Romans 15:4-13

9:00 a.m. Prelude by Chancel Bells; Karen Loucks and Vada Snider

9:30 a.m. Worship with music by Chancel Bells

Dec. 11, Advent 3 God’s healing is at hand
Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146:5-10 or Luke 1:46-55; Matthew 11:2-11; James 5:7-10    

9:00 a.m. Prelude by Erich Boschmann; Alahna Wheat; Maggie Dungan and Brent Dungan; Nancy Hilty

9:30 a.m. Worship with music by Chancel Choir

Dec. 18, Advent 4 God’s restoration is at hand
Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Matthew 1:18-25
Romans 1:1-7

9:00 a.m. Prelude by Menno Ringers; Verlene Garber, organ

9:30 a.m. Worship with music by Junior Choir

Dec. 25, Christmas (note schedule) Jesus is born!
Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 148; Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

9:45 a.m. Prelude by Verlene Garber, organ

10:00 a.m.  Worship with Christmas carol singing

No Sunday School

Jan. 1, 2017, Epiphany God’s day of radiance is at hand

Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Matthew 2:1-12; Ephesians 3:1-12

9:45 a.m.   Prelude Mark Kreider, piano

10:00 a.m. Worship; music by Andrew Thiesen, trombone

11:00 a.m.  Fellowship and coffee—bring goodies to share

No Sunday School

Advent giving project:

You are invited to participate in this year’s Advent giving project of relief kits for Mennonite Central Committee to distribute throughout the world. This is a major need for MCC right now!  Children and youth are invited to donate: large bars of bath soap (3 or more oz.), plastic bottle shampoo (13-24 oz.), and adult-size toothbrushes. Adults are invited to

donate: large bars of laundry soap, bath towels, wide-tooth combs, fingernail clippers, adhesive bandages, and sanitary pads. Donations will be collected in the back of the sanctuary. Thanks to Faith Formation and Witness Commissions for coordinating this project. All donations will be dedicated on Christmas Sunday.

SPECIAL EVENTS AT BCMC

• Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve

* 7 p.m.   Peace Before Us—Worship led by children and youth

BCMC Sanctuary

* 11 p.m. Candlelight service of Lessons and Carols with anthems by  Chancel Choir, Chancel Bells and congregational singing

BCMC Sanctuary 

• Sunday, January 8, 2016

4 p.m.  Candle-lighting in memory of BCMC members and friends who died in 2016 — BCMC Sanctuary

Welcome to Wednesday Night Suppers at BCMC! 

October 5—November 16, 2016

Join with others from the BCMC church community for food, fellowship and conversation.  Invite a new friend and meet long-time friends for the meal together in Fellowship Hall.  Bethel College students are welcome!

Suppers are sponsored by Hospitality Commission. Chefs Ben Lichti, Brenda Turner and Marty Warkentine will again cook from scratch to prepare delicious food, and Sunday school classes will each be asked to help serve and clean up one of the evenings.   Refer to the Wednesday Night Supper tab for a full Wednesday night schedule and menus.

• At 6 p.m. the meal serving line will be open to get your food, be seated and begin eating. There will be one basket at the food line to receive donations for supper. Suggested donation is $4 per person or $12 per family. (Proceeds above food expenses go to the Kitchen Fund for supplies and future improvements).  Please bring your own table service if possible.  At 6:15 p.m. There will be a welcome, announcements and a meal blessing.
• Reservations are due in the church office by 10 a.m. Monday before that week’s supper in order for our cooks to know how much food to prepare. Email office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org, turn in form in worship bulletin, or sign up on the prior Wednesday night.