BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
FOR NOVEMBER 12, 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/s6tSF2xQjNE?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 12, 2023
Twenty Fourth Sunday After Pentecost
Prelude—Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Miller); O God, Beyond All Praising (Callahan)–Karen Unruh
Christ Candle Lighting
Welcome and Prayer—Mary Ellen Hodge
*Hymn—Come Away from Rush and Hurry—VT 9
Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz
Anthem—God Loves Me Dearly (Behnke)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director; Lucy Burch, flute
Scripture Reading—Amos 5:18-24—Ani Koontz
*Hymn—Darkness Is Not Dark to You, God—VT 200
Scripture Reading—Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16
Sermon—Righteousness, Justice, and Wisdom—Nathan Koontz
*Hymn—O Holy Spirit, Root of Life—VT 376
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn Take My Life, and Let It Be—VT 759
Benediction
Postlude—Toccata in Seven (Rutter)—Karen Unruh
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual—Francis Toews
This Week at BCMC: November 12—19, 2023
Sun., November 12, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship
Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/s6tSF2xQjNE?feature=share
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)
Tues., November 14, 2023
12 noon Mid-Kansas Investment Club meeting in Fellowship Hall
1:30 p.m. Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., November 15, 2023—Wednesday Night Supper
5:30 p.m. Wednesday night supper in Fellowship Hall—
Menu: Potato soup, fruit, bread, pumpkin cheesecake snickerdoodle cookies
6:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Club
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., November 16, 2023
7 p.m. Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sun., November 19, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Lauren Friesen; music by the Chancel Choir; 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger will be back in the church office on Monday morning, November 20, remaining in Newton until Thanksgiving Eve, November 22. 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 Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meets Tuesday, November 14 at 1:30 in Fellowship Hall.
The BCMC Board continues to discuss the solar project and hopes to have more details about next steps sometime in December. Thank you for your patience! Margaret Toews and Jon Zerger for the board
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!
BCMC Offering for November 5, 2023: General Fund $7,899.33; Wed. Supper $311; MCC Meat Canning $25; Plant Fund $250; Gen Fund 2024 $1,826.59; Library Reserve Fund $35; Kitchen Fund $21.
The bcmcXpress is coming
You will be receiving a letter or an email shortly from the finance committee requesting your intent for giving to BCMC for the 2024 budget. Please give this careful and immediate consideration. This is very helpful in setting the budget for the coming year. Your generous contributions for 2023 are greatly appreciated.
The Finance Committee
It’s Supper Time at BCMC! Nov. 15, 5:30 p.m., in Fellowship Hall. Cost is $6/person or $18/family per meal. To facilitate the clean-up, please bring your own table service. Menu for Nov. 15 is Potato soup with toppings, (bacon, broccoli, cheese, green onion); fruit, bread, pumpkin cheesecake snickerdoodle cookies For this supper please bring a soup bowl also.
Welcome to Lauren Friesen
We welcome Lauren to deliver the sermon at BCMC on November 19. Lauren and his partner Janet joined BCMC last May. Previously they had been active at Chicago Community Mennonite Church where Lauren often preached. Prior to their time in Chicago, Lauren was a professor at the University of Michigan. We are glad that he and Janet have wandered their way into this community!
The church board is calling a special brief congregational meeting following worship in the sanctuary November 19, 2023 to act on the following board recommendation:
“That Bethel College Mennonite Church join the Repair Network, a binational network of congregations engaged in efforts to repair damages done to indigenous groups over the last centuries. Joining the network entails, among other things, a commitment of funds within the witness commission budget to support the ongoing efforts of the organization. This commitment would involve a commitment of $3,000 in the 2024 church budget, with the expectation that in 2025 the amount would be $4,000 and 2026 and years following $5,000, approximately 1% of the BCMC budget. It is understood that actions on budget beyond 2024 would follow normal budget development and action processes.”
Thanksgiving Day Pot Luck meal – If anyone is interested in a Thanksgiving day pot luck meal, please contact Naomi Krause, naomikrause@gmail.com or call/text 925-808-5620. You would be invited to bring your special dish. Two or more persons could volunteer to cook the turkey/ham. If coming, please RSVP. It’s fun to join together!
Poinsettias for Christmas
You are invited to share a poinsettia for the sanctuary for the Christmas season. BCMC will purchase the poinsettias, and have them delivered to the church. To contribute, email the following to the office or fill it out and put it in the offering plate:
Donor’s: name:
In memory of:
Or in honor of.:
Make a payment of $10.00 (made out to BCMC and designated “Flower Fund”) place in the offering plate or bring to church office by Nov. 21. There will be forms at a table in the back of the sanctuary this Sunday, if you wish to fill out a form in person.
BCMC welcomed nine new members on Sunday, November 5. Welcome to Karen Bertrand, Jane Goering, Vern Goering, Carol Ingenthron, Lyn Krause, Naomi Krause, Lonny Regier, Mary Regier, Sandy Rohe
To access their faith statements click here.
Antiracism Analysis Training
Your are invited to join a 2 1/2 day training covering topics such as Racial and cultural identity; White privilege; Institutions and institutional racism; Racism as a systemic reality, and more.
Training is January 12-14, 2024 at the Newton REC Center. There is a poster on the BCMC bulletin board. For the poster you can also click here.
To register click here. Note that there is early bird registration by December 1, 2023.
Bethel College Announcements
· (Sun., Nov. 12) – KIPCOR Film Series presents Eroding History, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. The film follows the story of two Black communities on Deal Island, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, as they face climate disaster and a history of environmental racism. Audience talkback with Dr. Jonathan Frye, professor of natural science at McPherson College, follows the screening; a freewill offering will be taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.
· (Sun., Nov. 12) – Senior recital by Bethel College student Halle Krehbiel, flute, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Tues., Nov. 14 – Bethel College Organ Recital Series presents Donna Hetrick, organ, with Alan Wenger, trumpet, 7 p.m., featuring works by Martini, Clarke, Hovhaness, Schroeder, Persichetti and Eben; Administration Building chapel
· Thurs., Nov. 16 – Artist reception for Eden Quispe and “Motherhood,” 6-8 p.m., Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Exhibit closes Fri., Nov. 17. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.
· Sat., Nov. 18 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Hayden Honomichl, voice, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Sun., Nov. 19 – Joint junior recital by Bethel College students Emil Benavides and Dylan Yoder, voice, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Mon., Nov. 20 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Life Enrichment at Krehbiel Auditorium, Bethel College—November 15
9:30 a.m. “Planting One Million Trees in Ten Years” Steve Thomas, U.S. coordinator for Mennonite Men, Goshen, IN
10:35 a.m “The Story of The Kansas African American Museum,” Denise Sherman, executive director, Wichita
11:30 a.m. Bethel College choirs in performance: Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Open Road, and Woven, Henry S. Waters, D.M.A., director of choral music and associate professor of music
All bakers and craft makers are invited to make items for 5 Places of Christmas Sat., December 2, at Goerz House, Bethel College. Bethel College Women’s Association will again be selling baked goods, candy, craft items and poinsettias. Your home-baked cookies, zwiebach, cinnamon rolls, peppernuts and poppyseed rolls are always great sellers. This year we are especially asking for homemade candies such as peanut clusters, peanut butter balls, peanut brittle or fudge. Please bring your items to Goerz House on Friday, December 1, from 1-4 p.m. or on Saturday from 9-10 a.m.
Everence will hold its popular Medicare workshop at its office in North Newton on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Topics will include, when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare covers, plus an explanation of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare.
The in-person workshop will be held at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton. Those interested in attending should contact the Everence office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements
Young Adult Snow Camp (Feb. 16-18) Young Adult Snow Camp continues to join the Sr. High Snow Camp week of activities and fellowship with participants serving as program assistants AND participants at just the right young adult price . . . free!
Scrapbook Retreat, Jan. 26-28 is your opportunity to create paper or digital photo books and share ideas and good conversation with other scrapbook participants. Lisa Longacher will return as our program resource for the retreat and help facilitate a variety of activities. Please come for retreat and community in God’s creation here at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp. Register online (www.rmmc.org) and save a space to join in.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements
M&M Project Update: WE DID IT!!
We did it, friends! Working together, we have raised more than $100,000 for the Mission and Maintenance Project at Camp Mennoscah! Thank you all who have supported this effort with your prayers and your gifts! We’ve been able to match the generous gift that started this challenge back in the Spring!
So, what’s next? That’s a good question! One thing is for sure: We don’t want to stop the ball now that it is rolling! Camp is still in need of money for maintenance. We need to make sure we have the facilities working well so we can continue to be a place where people of all ages come to renew themselves, their relationships, and their connection with God. We still need maintenance to do the mission.Please consider giving to Camp Mennoscah and/or the M&M Project on Giving Tuesday – this year on November 28 – or as part of your end-of-the-year giving. It’s not that we aren’t thankful for all you’ve done – but there is a lot to be done at Camp, and we already know that God has touched your heart and called you to be part of Camp’s mission. Let’s not just finish the M&M Project strong – let’s finish the year strong!And who knows? Maybe – just maybe – someone may step up to match what we’ve contributed over and above our goal. Maybe that someone is someone you know. Maybe that someone is you! Thank you for being a part of Camp Mennoscah! 75 years – There is still so much ahead!You can contact Tammy at the addresses below. Checks can be made to Camp with “M&M” in the memo line, or you can give your gifts online.
Tammy Duvanel Unruh
Development Director, Camp Mennoscah
tammy.d.unruh@campmennoscah.org
316-207-3472
or
Camp Mennoscah
PO Box 65 Murdock, KS 67111
620-297-3290
For Mennonite World Conference “Courier” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network “Opening Doors” Blog press here
For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Announcements
· An Evening of Service at MCC on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 6:30-8 p.m. at MCC in North Newton. Bring new dark colored hand towels to pack hygiene kits. MCC partner Offender Victim Ministries will be here with supplies to write holiday greetings to prisoners, we’ll have comforters to tie and delicious snacks to enjoy. A great way to give on Giving Tuesday.
· If you are heading to South Texas any time soon, MCC Central States in North Newton is looking for your help to transport 25 boxes of kits to a partner in McAllen, TX. Contact Kate Mast at katemast@mcc.org
with any questions or interest.
· MCC Comforter update – thank you to all the hardworking MCC comforter makers who make beautiful, high-quality gifts to share with our partners around the world. The MCC guidelines for comforters were recently updated after receiving feedback from those partners around the world. For complete MCC comforter information, including the updated guidelines, go to the Comforters page of our website (mcc.org/get-involved/kits/comforters). Contact Workroom Supervisor, Kate Mast (katemast@mcc.org), with any comforter questions.
· SAVE THE DATE – The MCC Comforter Blitz will be March 4-6 in Yoder.
· Mennonite Central Committee responding to the Palestine and Israel conflict – As conflict has escalated in the region, MCC laments the violence and mourns all lives lost in Palestine and Israel. MCC remains committed to a just peace for all, and we invite you to join us in praying for an end to the violence. MCC is planning an emergency response to the current crisis with existing partners. Our response will focus on the humanitarian needs in Gaza, given the vulnerability of the population and lack of resources available to families. MCC’s work will build on previous responses to the ongoing conflict, including the distribution of food and bedding. We are also planning to offer trauma healing support and housing reconstruction. Donate online at mcc.org/Palestine-Israel or call 1-888-563-4676.
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Shelley Buller, executive assistant to the Mennonite Church USA Executive Board, has announced her plans to retire at the end of 2023, after 46 years of dedicated service to the denomination. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/shelley-buller-retire
Menno Snapshots
Open enrollment for 2024 for The Corinthian Plan begins Nov. 1, 2023. The Corinthian Plan is a self-funded, healthcare plan for Mennonite Church USA pastors and church workers. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/tcp
Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster (Pennsylvania)worked with a local artist to create a public mural that represents their community’s history and diversity. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/beauty-of-earth
Joel Shenk, pastor of Toledo (Ohio) Mennonite Church, describes how he learned blacksmithing as part of his personal peace witness and how his conference and congregation have joined him in this work. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/peace-witness-anvil
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Matthew and Toni Krabill, as they prepare to move from the Paris Mennonite Center (France) to The Sanneh Institute in Accra, Ghana, to continue their work and ministry. Pray for them as they collaborate with partners in the Francophone Mennonite Network, who are launching a French-language theological training program.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregations in pastoral transition, and for those who are considering a call to ministry, that they would be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in times of change.
You are invited to the Pumpkin Patch!