BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR OCTOBER 8, 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 belows 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/eYXvKvqVEtA?feature=share
 

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Bethel College Mennonite Church
October 8, 2023
 
Prelude—Karen Unruh, Keyboard
A Gift to be Simple (Emilin)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director
 
Christ Candle Lighting
 
Welcome and Prayer—Doug Siemens
 
*Hymn—Like a Mother Who Has Borne Us—verses 1,2,4—VT 518
 
Child Dedication—Eliza Sarah Tschetter—daughter of Rebecca and Aaron Tschetter and sister of Theodore Alden Tschetter—VT 971
 
Children’s Conversation—Carol Flickinger
 
Worship Music—Take it to the Lord (Eithun)—Chancel Bells
 
Scripture Reading—Deuteronomy 6:1-9, 20-25; Mark 2:13-22—Bill Swartley and Naomi Krause
 
Sermon—A Curious People—Roger Neufeld Smith
 
*Hymn—Renew Your Church—VT 717 
 
Prayers of God’s People
 
*Hymn—Siyahamba (We Are Marching—VT 793
 
Benediction
 
Postlude—Karen Unruh, Keyboard
 
Audio-visual—Francis Toews

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THIS SATURDAY: Hear some Wild Words at Kauffman Museum!
Aubrey Streit Krug, director of the Perennial Cultures Lab at The Land Institute, will join us at Kauffman Museum this Saturday, October 7 from 9:30-10:30 a.m to share work and wisdom from Wild Words, a project of poetry and art published by Humanities Kansas.

Aubrey will host a guided tour through Kauffman Museum’s prairie reconstruction and read her work and others. Free copies of Wild Words will be available at the event.

This is a unique opportunity to engage art and its subject—the prairie—simultaneously. Don’t miss it!

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This Week at BCMC:  October 8—15, 2023
Sun., October 8, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday: 
https://youtube.com/live/eYXvKvqVEtA?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., October 10, 2023
9 a.m.        Women’s Fellowship Executive meeting in Room 14
12 p.m.      Mid-Kansas Investment Club meeting in Fellowship Hall
5 p.m.        Faith Formation Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., October 11, 2023—Wednesday Night Suppers Start
10:30 a.m. New member orientation in Room 14
5:30 p.m.   Wednesday night supper in Fellowship Hall—Menu is:  Chicken &
                    Noodles, peas, Cherry crunch dessert—Please sign up—see below
6:30 p.m.   Program in Fellowship Hall by the BCMC Task Group for Indigenous
                    Justice Discussion on “Land Stewardship”
7 p.m.         Youth Group meeting
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., October 12, 2023
6:30 p.m.   Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
Sun., October 15, 2023—Fall  Fest Sunday
10 a.m.       Note the change of time for worship this Fall Fest Sunday;  You are invited to  a reception in Fellowship Hall following the service with coffee, water, and cookies.   There is no Sunday School October 15.
 
At 6:30 on Wednesday evening, October 11 after the first fall supper at 5:30 the Task Group for Indigenous Justice will host a discussion on land stewardship, options that address inherited agricultural land, ideas for ways inherited land might serve restorative justice projects.  We have asked several people to present brief lead-off ideas or models, but we envision our time together as a discussion to stimulate our thinking and ask questions. Come join our discussion.
 
It’s Supper Time at BCMC!  Oct. 11, 5:30 p.m., in Fellowship Hall.  The cooks would like an idea of how much food to make so we are asking you to make  reservations for supper by completing  this form and placing it in the offering plate or emailing the office  by  Mon., Oct. 9. Cost is $6/person or $18/family per meal. To facilitate the clean-up, please bring your own table service.  Menu for Oct. 11 is Chicken & Noodles, Peas, and Cherry Crunch Dessert
Email the office to tell the BCMC Wednesday night cooks how many of you will be attending:  office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org 

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Roger’s Whereabouts :  Roger will be driving back to Newton on Sunday (10/8). He will be back in Newton on Thursday, October 19. 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 October 1, 2023:  General Fund $5,137; Plant Fund $100; Caring Fund $40; Kitchen Fund $8.25; Patty Shelly Memorial $250.
 
We offer sympathy to RuthAnn Hiebert on the death of RuthAnn’s sister, Elsie Louise Dickerson, Malad, Idaho, Sept. 28.  The memorial service for Elsie was Oct. 9 in Malad.
 
Creation Care Challenge
Most of us are aware of the dangers that plastic bags are doing to our environment.  So, let’s take a challenge to address that issue.  We are encouraging everyone to participate in collecting clean plastic bags for recycling.  These bags can be delivered to BCMC and placed  in a receptacle in the south entrance.  Our goal is to collect 1,000 pounds in one year with a reward of a composite bench made from plastic.  Please combine smaller bags into a larger bag rather than dropping in separate bags. 
 
Our Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Meat Canning dates are October 24 and 25 (Tuesday and Wednesday.)  Make checks out to BCMC with “MCC Meat Canning” in the memo line.  We also need volunteers to help with the canning.   Here’s the link to pass around for meat canning volunteers:

https://tinyurl.com/MeatCanning2023

If your church can provide breakfast items for the volunteers–or supper for the traveling MCC canner operators–please also sign up at this one:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094AACA828A5F49-44345631-food

If this doesn’t work, just show up—they’ll probably need you.  Let’s help feed the hungry people in our world! 
—Lowell Stucky, BCMC Meating Canning Representative

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Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale QUILTER’S CORNER FALL SALE – Oct. 13-14,  Fri. 9-5 and Sat. 9-3, at Mennonite Central Committee, 121 E. 30th St., North Newton.  There will be lots of great quilt-related items available for purchase with all the proceeds going to the work of Mennonite Central Committee.  Questions?  Contact Rose at 316-288-0079 or Ann at 919-604-3282
 
No Life Enrichment October 11 due to Fall Festival.
 
Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Country Breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m., Sat., Oct. 14, in Kidron Hall (3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton). Enjoy pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee and orange juice by donation. Proceeds benefit the Health Care Benevolent Fund, a ministry of Kidron Bethel Village, assisting residents who are unable to cover the full cost of their care.
 

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Camp Mennoscah Announcements

The dam will be taken out on Sunday, October 8, at 2:30pm, whatever the weather may be, unless deemed dangerous.   Meet down by the shelter.  Helpers and spectators are welcome.  Helping is not for the youngest ages due to the heavy planks and rushing water, but all are welcome to watch the activities.  Planks will need to be scraped and pressure-washed once removed.  Many hands are welcome!

Other events and happenings:

• Camp Mennoscah will be at Bethel College’s Fall Fest on October 14!  Put it on your calendar and come say hi!
   
• The Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats will be moving to the Retreat Center.  All activities and lodging will be in the Retreat Center.  HVAC renovations have not taken place, yet, so space heaters will still be used.  The Retreat Center is better insulated and will offer a more comfortable temperature than the dining hall.  Cropping and crafting will be downstairs and meals will be upstairs, so attendees need to be prepared to go up and down stairs.  If you have already registered and this does not work for you, contact us at 620-297-3290. Register now and bring your friends!

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Bethel College Announcements
(Sun., Oct. 8) and Mon., Oct. 9 – Staley Lectures at Bethel College: Fernando Pérez and Rebeca González, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel, and 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center (English translation by Linda Shelly). Pérez and González are transition pastors at Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania in Newton, and executive coordinators of the Comunidad de Instituciones Teológicas Anabautistas. The focus of the pair of lectures is “The Responsibility of the Church Facing the Local Context: From a Pastoral Experience,” drawing on pastoral experience in multiple local contexts, including working with asylum seekers and families of disappeared persons.  The Sunday evening lecture will be livestreamed at https://youtube.com/live/dp1S-nsXXAw?feature=share

Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Oct. 12-15, with most activities taking place Saturday, Oct. 14, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football, the musical The Addams Family and two different organ performances. See https://www.bethelks.edu/alumni/events/fall-festival for the complete schedule.

Thurs., Oct. 12 – Bethel College Jazz, directed by Joel Boettger, 6 p.m. at Taste of Newton, downtown Newton.

Fri., Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Oct. 14, 3:30 p.m., Sun., Oct. 15, 2 p.m. – Bethel College music and theater present the musical The Addams Family during Fall Festival, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Ticket purchase required, in Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., online (https://bethelks.hometownticketing.com/embed/all?depts=3) or at the door (subject to availability).

Fri., Oct. 13 – Artist reception for “Bold Color: Acrylic Paintings” and Virgil Penner, 6-8 p.m. in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. The exhibit is open through Fri., Oct. 20. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m. (extended hours: Sat., Oct. 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.).

Sat., Oct. 14 –Kauffman Museum October bird walk, part of Fall Fest; 8 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets (2801 N. Main St., North Newton). Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).

Sat., Oct. 14 – Bethel College Organ Recital Series presents a concert with 7 organ alumni and Shirley Sprunger King, 2:30 p.m., Administration Building chapel (part of Fall Festival). Organists are Donna Hetrick, Greta Hiebert, Rosi Penner Kaufman, Heidi Regier Kreider, Christopher Shaw, Karen Schmidt Unruh and Chelsea Vaught.

Sat., Oct. 14 – Fall Fest programs at Kauffman Museum, all in the museum auditorium: 10:30 a.m., “The Organ at Home,” Rosi Penner Kaufman and Donna Hetrick play the Teschemacher cabinet organ; 2 p.m., “Land Trusts Leave a Conservation Legacy,” Jerry Jost of the Kansas Land Trust; 4 p.m., “The Bethel Bell and Brown vs. Board of Education,” Levi Goossen, attorney.

Call for volunteers – The Bethel College Alumni Association is looking for volunteers to help with Fall Festival. Shifts are 1.5-2 hours long and need to be filled on Saturday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact Brad Schmidt at 316-285-5252 or bschmidt@bethelks.edu, or use the following online forms: burger booth, Fall Fest: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-burger1; verenike booth, Fall Fest: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-verenike2

Bethel College Women’s Association welcomes donations of baked goods for Market-in-the-Round and pies for Pie-by-the-Slice at Fall Festival. Bring homemade fruit pies, poppyseed roll, zwieback, cinnamon rolls, or other treats to room 140 in Luyken Fine Arts Center from 2-5 p.m. Fri., Oct. 13 or 7-9 a.m. Sat., Oct. 14. Questions? Email bcwa@belthelks.edu. All proceeds will benefit Bethel College. 

SAVE THE DATE: Award-winning poet Julia Spicher Kasdorf will be at Bethel College Nov. 6-7, with presentations Monday during convocation and Monday evening.

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Mennonite Church USA invites all congregations to deepen their understanding about the complex, intersectional issue of gun violence in the U.S. and to explore how our Anabaptist faith can inform our response. Learn more about MC USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: End Gun Violence” initiative and upcoming webinars here: mennoniteusa.org/lpj-end-gun-violence.

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

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SAVE THE DATE: Oct. 29-30, Dr. Aileen Friesen from the University of Winnipeg will give the annual Menno Simons Lectures at Bethel College.
 
SAVE THE DATE: Award-winning poet Julia Spicher Kasdorf will be at Bethel College Nov. 6-7, with presentations Monday during convocation and Monday evening.

Mennonite Central Committee is hiring a Peace Education Coordinator.  The Peace Education Coordinator leads MCC’s church education efforts nationwide in the U.S. related to peace and nonviolence. This includes peace theology, conflict transformation, and response to violence (including gun violence prevention, anti-militarism, and mass incarceration). Education efforts involve engaging MCC’s constituency on these peace-related topics by working with MCC regional staff and with denominational and other partners. Apply at mcc.org/peace-education-coordinator by October 16.

The Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association Fall banquet will be at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N. Anderson Ave., Thurs., Oct. 26, 6 p.m.
Speaker will be Jerry Juhnke who has been researching Swiss Volhynian Mennonite genealogy and history, with a program entitled “Interesting Happenings Over Our Last 500 Years”.   An ethnic German meal will be catered by the Breadbasket.  Bohne beroggi will be made by authentic Schweitzer cooks.  Cost to attend is $25 per person payable at the door. RSVP by texting or calling Nancy Stucky, 620-532-5693 by October 23.

Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, 43 13th Avenue, Inman, will hold its annual Sausage Mission Supper Sat., Oct., 21, 5– 6:30 p.m.  This is a curbside pick up meal featuring our traditional menu of German sausage, mashed potatoes with gravy, creamed peas, zwiebach, applesauce and pie.  This year we will have picnic tables out for anyone wanting to stay and eat their meal.  Cost will be a free will offering with all proceeds going to support Camp Mennoscah M & M project.  Call or text Barb (620-543-6863) or Eric (620-899-6972) to order meals.

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Mennonite Healthcare Fellowship (MHF) invites healthcare providers in all disciplines, including chaplains and allied health, and all who are interested in the intersection of health and faith to our Annual Gathering at Camp Mack in Milford, Indiana October 13th-15th, 2023. The theme is: Nurturing People – Thriving as Providers in Today’s Healthcare Environment. Participants will have the opportunity to explore what it means to nurture themselves in a fast-paced healthcare climate and how Christ calls us to nurture others in our path. Keynote speakers include MHF Director Cate Desjardins presenting her research on faith-based provider resilience, and Malinda Berry, PhD, professor at AMBS. Commuter and one-day registration is available for local participants, lodging is available for those who wish to enjoy Camp Mack. More information and registration at mennohealth.org. 

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

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Mennonite Church USA Announcements
There’s still time to register for the Generation Z Energy and Spirit challenge! Mennonite Church USA is inviting young people to actively care for the planet through the challenge, which runs through April 2024. All high school student participants in graduating classes ’24-’27 are eligible for a $1000 grant toward tuition at one of our Mennonite colleges or universities. Two exceptional group projects will earn a cash prize of $500-$1000 for an outdoor experience. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/energy-challenge/  

Menno Snapshots

Talitha Amadea Aho, keynote speaker for the Mennonite Church USA Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit on July 8, 2023, wrote a letter to thank the climate summit attendees and follow up on the question, “What can an introvert do about climate justice?” Read her letter here: mennoniteusa.org/climate-justice-introvert
 

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Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:   Tomorrow is Indigenous People’s Day. Pray for Mennonite congregations as they acknowledge that many Mennonites of European descent were among the first to move onto land from which Indigenous Peoples were forcibly removed. Mennonite Mission Network encourages congregations to find ways, in conversation with their Indigenous neighbors, to repair the harm done.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:   Give thanks for Bethel College as it celebrates its annual Fall Festival next weekend, and pray for WDC members who are students, faculty and staff at the college.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR OCTOBER 1, 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 belows 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/lS9Ba5cekas?feature=share
 

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 1, 2023
World Communion Sunday
 
Prelude—Sonata No. 6 “Vater unser” (F. Mendelssohn)–II. Fugue;  III. Finale: Andante—Will Wiebe-Friesen
 
Christ Candle Lighting
 
Call to Worship and Prayer—Elizabeth Schmidt
 
Land Acknowledgement—Dale Schrag
 
*Hymn—We Dream of a Turning—VT 209
 
Children’s Conversation—Judy Harder
 
Anthem—At the Supper of the Lamb (Lee Dengler)—Chancel Choir
 
Scripture Reading—John 6:30-35—Brad Born
 
Sermon—Nathan Koontz
 
*Hymn—I Come with Joy—VT 478
 
Communion (“The Bread of Life; The Cup of Blessing”)
Hymn— Eat This Bread— VT 476
 
Prayers of God’s People
 
*Hymn— Sent Forth by God’s Blessing— VT 812
 
Choral Benediction—God Be in My Head (John Rutter)—Chancel Choir
 
Postlude—Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten  (J.S. Bach)—Will Wiebe-Friesen
 

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* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual— Ken Lamp

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.   
 
 

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The memorial service for Patty Shelly will be Saturday, September 30 at 11 a.m. at BCMC.  The service will be live-streamed.  The link is:  
https://youtube.com/live/IX0_1OnzWQs?feature=share
 

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​Thanks and Blessings to Valetta
We want to thank Valetta Seymour for her many years of volunteering at BCMC. She has served on numerous commissions and committees. She was the volunteer coordinator for our church at New Hope Shelter for about 10 years. She accompanied the Cherub Choir, was a youth mentor and helped in the nursery. Her passion for helping out wherever needed will be missed. She is moving to Nashville, TN to be with her daughter and her family. Her address will be 139 37th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209.  We pray that she will continue to be a blessing in her new community. 

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The BCMC Congregation is invited to a Baby Sprinkle for Adam and Jill Robb, October 1, 2-4 p.m., BCMC Fellowship Hall.  Registry is:  www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/surpriserobb — Kathy Stucky (316-772-2479) & Elaine Prouty (316-772-2572)

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LEADERSHIP RETREAT
Expanding the Call! – BCMC Board, Commission and Standing Committee members are meeting this Saturday, October 1, at the Dyck Arboretum Visitors Center, 9:00 – 11:30 am for their annual Leaders’ Retreat. We know that there are many folks who give leadership to all sorts of other BCMC committees, classes, and task groups. So, we are expanding our usual invitation list to include ALL BCMC LEADERS of any BCMC group to attend this year’s Leader’s Retreat. We will talk about what is going well at BCMC and how we might simplify our work so we might find more joy and creativity in our ministries. Email Monica at office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and she will reserve a place for you. (We’ll also have great snacks!)

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The Central Kansas Master Chorale will present “Through the Ages Hymn Festival” Sunday, October 1,  3 p.m., at Hesston Mennonite Church. Concert admission is free.

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Roger’s Whereabouts :  Roger is in Newton the remainder of this week. He will be driving back to Topeka on Monday (10/2) but will return to Newton Thursday morning (10/5), staying until Sunday afternoon (10/8). 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).

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This Week at BCMC:  October 1—8, 2023
Sun., October 1, 2023—World Communion Sunday
9:30 a.m.    Worship
YouTube Link for this Sunday: 
https://youtube.com/live/lS9Ba5cekas?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)

Mon., October 2, 2023
10 a.m.    Staff Meeting in Room 14
Tues., October 3, 2023
5-9 p.m.  Outside event meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., October 4, 2023
7 p.m.      Youth Group meeting
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., October 5, 2023
6:30 p.m.  Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
4 p.m.        Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
7 p.m.        Church Board meeting in Room 14
Sat., October 7, 2023
9-11:30 a.m.  Leadership Retreat at Dyck Arboretum
Sun., October 8, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; Child dedication of Eliza Tschetter (Rebecca and Aaron Tschetter’s daughter and Theodore’s sister);
Music by the Chancel Bells

For Your Calendars:  Wednesday night suppers begin October 11.

BCMC Offering for September 24, 2023:  General Fund $4,197; Plant Fund $50; Caring Fund $250; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $100; Bequest $15,565.44; Kitchen Fund $16; Women’s Fellowship $396. 

You did it again, congratulations!  August giving resulted in a surplus of income over expenses.  Four out of five months ‘ain’t bad’!  Thank you so much for your efforts to keep the church financially solvent. 
—Finance Committee

Creation Care Challenge
Most of us are aware of the dangers that plastic bags are doing to our environment.  So, let’s take a challenge to address that issue.  We are encouraging everyone to participate in collecting clean plastic bags for recycling.  These bags can be delivered to BCMC and placed  in a receptacle in the south entrance.  Our goal is to collect 1,000 pounds in one year with a reward of a composite bench made from plastic.  Please combine smaller bags into a larger bag rather than dropping in separate bags. 

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Caring Fund Contribution Opportunity Sunday October 1. The Caring Fund is an above budget benevolent fund administered by the Deacon Commission for the purpose of assisting our congregation’s members and community persons in need. The fund is generated by above budget offerings made payable to Bethel College Mennonite Church and designated “caring fund.” Everence also provides some matching funds each year. Besides the financial help that can and has been provided to our own members, in the past year contributions from the Caring Fund have been made to our local Salvation Army, New Hope Shelter, Safe Hope, Harvest of Love, the Community Playschool, Peace Connections Circle of Hope, Newton Community Foundation, USD 373 student meals for low income, and several individuals to help with housing rent and utilities. Thank you for your continued support and contributions.

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Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale QUILTER’S CORNER FALL SALE – Oct. 13-14,  Fri. 9-5 and Sat. 9-3, at Mennonite Central Committee, 121 E. 30th St., North Newton.  There will be lots of great quilt-related items available for purchase with all the proceeds going to the work of Mennonite Central Committee.  Questions?  Contact Rose at 316-288-0079 or Ann at 919-604-3282

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Life Enrichment, Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, October 4:
9:30 a.m. “Camp David International:  Serving Children of Prisoners,” Ben Smith, director, Hesston
10:50 a.m. “Code Delta—This is not a drill!,” Carol and Donley Duerksen, Hillsboro

Sat., Oct. 7 – “Wild Words: Poetry & Prairie,” with Aubrey Streit Krug, 9:30 a.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium at Bethel College. Streit Krug lives in Lindsborg and works at The Land Institute in Salina. Wild Words is a chapbook published by Humanities Kansas, and free copies will be available at the reading.

Sun., Oct. 8, and Mon., Oct. 9 – Staley Lectures at Bethel College: Fernando Pérez and Rebeca González, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel, and 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center (English translation by Linda Shelly). Pérez and González are transition pastors of Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania in Newton, and executive coordinators of the Comunidad de Instituciones Teológicas Anabautistas. The focus of the lectures is “The Responsibility of the Church Facing the Local Context: From a Pastoral Experience,” drawing on pastoral experience in multiple local contexts, including working with asylum seekers and families of disappeared persons. Livestreaming will be available.

Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Oct. 12-15, with most activities taking place Saturday, Oct. 14, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football, the musical The Addams Family and two different organ performances. See https://www.bethelks.edu/alumni/events/fall-festival for the complete schedule.

Fri., Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Oct. 14, 3:30 p.m., Sun., Oct. 15, 2 p.m. – Bethel College music and theater present the musical The Addams Family during Fall Festival, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Ticket purchase required, in Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., online (https://bethelks.hometownticketing.com/embed/all?depts=3) or at the door.

The Kauffman Museum October bird walk will be on the second Saturday to coincide with Fall Festival (Sat., Oct. 14, 8 a.m. start time).

Sat., Oct. 14 – Kauffman Museum programs at Fall Festival, all in the museum auditorium: 10:30 a.m., “The Organ at Home,” Rosi Penner Kaufman and Donna Hetrick will play the Teschemacher cabinet organ; 2 p.m., “Land Trusts Leave a Conservation Legacy,” Jerry Jost, Kansas Land Trust; 4 p.m., “Hidden Connections: The Bethel Bell and Brown vs. Board of Education in the Supreme Court,” Levi Goossen, Newton attorney.

Sat., Oct. 14 – Bethel College Organ Recital Series presents a concert featuring 8 organ alumni and Shirley Sprunger King, 2:30 p.m., Administration Building chapel (part of Fall Festival).
Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Bold Color,” acrylic paintings by Virgil Penner, through Fri., Oct. 20. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.

Call for volunteers – The Bethel College Alumni Association is looking for volunteers to help with Taste of Newton and Fall Festival. Shifts are 1.5-2 hours long and need to be filled on Thursday, Oct. 12, 5-9 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact Brad Schmidt at 316-285-5252 or bschmidt@bethelks.edu, or use the following online forms: verenike booth, Taste of Newton: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-verenike3; burger booth, Fall Fest: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-burger1; verenike booth, Fall Fest: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-verenike2

SAVE THE DATE: Oct. 29-30, Dr. Aileen Friesen from the University of Winnipeg will give the annual Menno Simons Lectures at Bethel College.

Bethel College Women’s Association welcomes donations of baked goods for Market-in-the-Round and pies for Pie-by-the-Slice at Fall Festival. Bring homemade fruit pies, poppyseed roll, zwieback, cinnamon rolls, or other treats to room 140 in Luyken Fine Arts Center from 2-5 p.m. Fri., Oct. 13 or 7-9 a.m. Sat., Oct. 14. Questions? Email bcwa@belthelks.edu. All proceeds will benefit Bethel College. 

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Camp Mennoscah Announcements
M&M Project Update:  The monies that have been brought in for the Mission and Ministry Project (M&M) now total more than $80,000! Gifts, small and large, continue to be given to the fund drive, and we are getting closer weekly to our goal of matching the generous gift of $100,000 that started this matching drive. Thank you all so much!  One such gift was given to Camp last Sunday during the 75th Anniversary Kick-Off. Members of the Primetime Sunday School Class, a class for ages 70-90, at Whitestone Mennonite Church, Hesston, presented Camp with a check for $1000, making them the latest of a long list of Fire Keepers.  There are several events coming up, the income from which will go to support M&M. Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, Inman, is holding its annual Mission Supper Oct. 21 with proceeds to go to the M&M Project, and First Mennonite Church in Beatrice, NE, is planning to host a breakfast event to raise funds on Oct. 29. Now is the time to make your donation and become part of the M&M Project and the promise it represents. . 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.

The Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats will be moving to the Retreat Center.  All activities and lodging will be in the Retreat Center.  HVAC renovations have not taken place, yet, so space heaters will still be used.  The Retreat Center is better insulated and will offer a more comfortable temperature than the dining hall.  Cropping and crafting will be downstairs and meals will be upstairs, so attendees need to be prepared to go up and down stairs.  If you have already registered and this does not work for you, contact us at 620-297-3290. Register now and bring your friends!

Other events and happenings:

• Moving even closer!  One more architectural plan is needed before a more formal timeline can be made for the Retreat Center HVAC renovations.  Once we have a timeline, we’ll need people to be Camp Mennoscah’s hands and feet for this project (i.e., volunteers).  Watch Facebook for details.
   
• The dam will be taken out on Sunday, October 8, at 2:30pm, whatever the weather may be, unless deemed dangerous.   Meet down by the shelter.  Helpers and spectators are welcome.  Helping is not for the youngest ages due to the heavy planks and rushing water, but all are welcome to watch the activities.  Planks will need to be scraped and pressure-washed once removed.  Many hands are welcome!
   
• Camp Mennoscah will be at Bethel College’s Fall Fest on October 14!  Put it on your calendar and come say hi!

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​ 
Mennonite Central Committee is hiring a Peace Education Coordinator.  The Peace Education Coordinator leads MCC’s church education efforts nationwide in the U.S. related to peace and nonviolence. This includes peace theology, conflict transformation, and response to violence (including gun violence prevention, anti-militarism, and mass incarceration). Education efforts involve engaging MCC’s constituency on these peace-related topics by working with MCC regional staff and with denominational and other partners. Apply at mcc.org/peace-education-coordinator by October 16.

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Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcementsFor Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press hereMennonite Church USA Announcements invitation for Mennonites working in public education Let’s have real discussions of what it means to live out our faith (or not) in the public schools. What do you do about the pledge of allegiance? What other issues stand in the way of peaceful witness in our schools? Mennonite Public Educators is a group that brings together Mennonite teachers and other education professionals who work in a public school setting in the US or Canada for mutual encouragement, support, and learning. For more information or to receive the RSVP link, contact info@MennoniteEducation.org. Learn more and register by October 15, 2023, for the Mennonite Church USA Generation Z Energy and Spirit Challenge. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/energy-spirit View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/slide-energy-youth   Menno Snapshots Ingrid Friesen Moser, wellbeing coordinator for Mennonite Church USA’s The Corinthian Plan, shares how spending time outdoors can help heal us and, when we come together for climate justice, can also help our planet. Read her story here: mennoniteusa.org/heal-ourselves Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:   Pray for Joseph and Rachel Givens, who work with volunteers at the Maria Skobtsova House in Calais, France, to offer food and shelter to migrants, as they seek refuge en route to the United Kingdom. Pray for deep spiritual grounding for the Givens family and the volunteers, as they accompany people suffering from deep trauma. Pray also for more volunteers Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Pray for pastors beginning ministry assignments in WDC congregations, as they offer leadership and get to know new faith communities.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 24, 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 belows 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/rg7psBQgKPQ?feature=share

 

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BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 24, 2023
Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost
 
Prelude— Sarabande from French Suite No 5 (J. S. Bach)
Adagio from Sonata no. 60, Hob XVI/50  (Franz Joseph Haydn)—Meghann Rogers
 
Christ Candle Lighting
 
Call to Worship and Prayer—Jim Robb
 
*Hymn—Holy Spirit, Come With Power—VT 57
 
Children’s Conversation—Esther Kreider Each
 
Scripture Reading—Jonah 3:10-4:1—Elaine Schurr
 
*Hymn—God, Give Me Time—VT 144
 
Scripture Reading—Matthew 20:1-16
 
Sermon—The First Shall Be Last—Nathan Koontz
 
*Hymn—Rain Down— VT 703
 
Prayers of God’s People
 
*Hymn— Sing Praise to God Who Reigns— VT 101
People with September birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal
 
*Benediction
 
Postlude—Christ, Be All Around Me (Voices Together No. 848)—Meghann Rogers
 
 
* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Keyboard- Meghann Rogers
Audio visual— John Thiesen
 

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The YouTube Link for Last Sunday’s (September 17, 2023) worship service is:  https://youtu.be/Pg-gmOKThmM
 

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This Week at BCMC:  September 24—October 1, 2023
Sun., September 24, 2023
9:30 a.m.  Worship    10:45 a.m. Solar Panel Project Task Group—Sunday school elective—Fellowship Hall           
YouTube Link for this Sunday:  https://youtube.com/live/rg7psBQgKPQ?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)
 
Mon., September 25, 2023
10 a.m.    Library Committee meeting in the Library and Room 14
Tues., September 26, 2023
11 .m.      Staff meeting
6:30 p.m. Pastor Search Committee meeting in Room 14
Wed., September 27, 2023
7 p.m.      Youth Group meeting
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., September 28, 2023
6:30 p.m.  Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.        Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
7:30 p.m.  Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
Fri., September 29, 2023
10 a.m.-noon and 1:30 to 4 p.m.  Shirley King practices organ in the Sanctuary
Sat., September 30, 2023
11 a.m.       Memorial Service for Patricia Shelly in the Sanctuary
Sun., October 1, 2023—World Communion Sunday
9:30 a.m.    Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; communion will be
served;  music by the Chancel Choir
 
The Solar Panel Project task group invites input from the congregation about this possible initiative for BCMC.   Sept. 24, in Fellowship Hall, during the Sunday School hour will be an opportunity to visit together.  Task Group members:  Dwight Krehbiel, Lorna Harder, Hugo  Boschmann, Margaret Toews
 
For Your Calendars: 
· The memorial service for Patty Shelly will be Saturday, September 30 at 11 a.m. at BCMC.  The service will be live-streamed.  The link is:  https://youtube.com/live/IX0_1OnzWQs?feature=share
· The BCMC Congregation is invited to a Baby Sprinkle for Adam and Jill Robb, October 1, 2-4 p.m., BCMC Fellowship Hall.  Registry is:  www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/surpriserobb — Kathy Stucky (316-772-2479) & Elaine Prouty (316-772-2572)

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We offer sympathy to the family of E. LaVerne Epp of Lawrence,  KS.
LaVerne died Sept. 18.  The memorial service is Sept. 23 at the Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence.   LaVerne was a wider fellowship member of BCMC.  His wife, Marilyn (Crabb), is also a wider fellowship member.   Please remember Marilyn and family and LaVerne’s sister, Verlene
Garber and Ron Garber and family in your prayers.  For a link to E. LaVerne Epp’s obituary press here
 

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Roger’s Whereabouts :  Roger will be back in Newton on Wednesday,
September 27.   Roger will be checking his email and phone almost every day. So feel free to email, text or call 785-220-1968.
 
BCMC Offering for September 17, 2023:  General Fund $7,190.33; Plant Fund $228.33; Sr Hi Youth $220; Library Reserve Fund $10; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $100; Kitchen Fund $10.
 
You did it again, congratulations!  August giving resulted in a surplus of income over expenses.  Four out of five months ‘ain’t bad’!  Thank you so much for your efforts to keep the church financially solvent. 
—Finance Committee
 
The September Library theme is called “What’s For Dinner?”  Come check out one of the library’s books on food: either to find a new dish to prepare or sit back and enjoy a new read in the comfort of your own home. We’d love to help you find your next read.
 
Creation Care Challenge
Most of us are aware of the dangers that plastic bags are doing to our environment.  So, let’s take a challenge to address that issue.  Beginning Oct. 1 we are encouraging everyone to participate in collecting clean plastic bags for recycling.  These bags can be delivered to BCMC and placed  in a receptacle in the south entrance.  Our goal is to collect 1,000 pounds in one year with a reward of a composite bench made from plastic.
 

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Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale QUILTER’S CORNER FALL SALE – October 13-14, 2023, Friday 9-5 and Saturday 9-3, at MCC, 121 E. 30th Street, North Newton.  There will be lots of great quilt-related items available for purchase with all the proceeds going to the work of Mennonite Central Committee.  Questions?  Contact Rose at 316-288-0079 or Ann at 919-604-3282

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BETHEL COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tues., Sept. 26 – “Sing My Soul” high school choral festival at Bethel College, Dr. Henry Waters, director, with a short public concert at 1:30 p.m., Memorial Hall
 
Thurs., Sept. 28 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center, featuring work by Gustav Holst, Percy Grainger, Jaime Texidor, Grace Baugher (who will be present at the concert) and Leonard Bernstein.
 
Fri., Sept. 29 – “Bold Color,” acrylic paintings by Virgil Penner, opens in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College (reception Oct. 13). Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
 
Sat., Oct. 7 – “Wild Words: Poetry & Prairie,” with Aubrey Streit Krug, 9:30 a.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium at Bethel College. Streit Krug lives in Lindsborg and works at The Land Institute in Salina. Wild Words is a chapbook published by Humanities Kansas, and free copies will be available at the reading.
 
Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Oct. 12-15, with most activities taking place Saturday, Oct. 14, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football, the musical The Addams Family and two different organ performances. See https://www.bethelks.edu/alumni/events/fall-festival for the complete schedule.
 
Fri., Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Oct. 14, 3:30 p.m., Sun., Oct. 15, 2 p.m. – Bethel College music and theater present the musical The Addams Family during Fall Festival, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Ticket purchase required, in Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., online (https://bethelks.hometownticketing.com/embed/all?depts=3) or at the door.
 
Sat., Oct. 14, 2:30 p.m. – Bethel College’s Organ Recital Series presents an Alumni Recital, Ad Building chapel, featuring works by J.S. Bach, Brahms, Burkhardt, Buxtehude, Cherwien, Clerambault and Howells. Former Bethel organ instructor Shirley Sprunger King will play a duet with Donna Hetrick. Many of the organists play regularly in local congregations and venues, including Greta Hiebert (Shalom Mennonite Church), Karen Unruh (varied), Chris Shaw (Plymouth Congregational Church, Wichita), Rosi Penner Kaufman (Rainbow Mennonite Church, Kansas City) and Chelsea Vaught (Bethesda Mennonite Church, Henderson, Neb.).
 
Call for volunteers – The Bethel College Alumni Association is looking for volunteers to help with Taste of Newton and Fall Festival. Shifts are 1.5-2 hours long and need to be filled on Thursday, Oct. 12, 5-9 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact Brad Schmidt at 316-285-5252 or bschmidt@bethelks.edu, or use the following online forms: verenike booth, Taste of Newton: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-verenike3; burger booth, Fall Fest: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-burger1; verenike booth, Fall Fest: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-verenike2
 

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Life Enrichment, Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, September 27:
9:30 a.m. “Drawing Poetry and Writing Pictures: An Artistic Collaboration.” Duane Johnson, Topeka, and Lila Bartel, Topeka
10:50 a.m. “Expanding Social-Emotional Competence and Compassion through Social Work,” Jennifer Chappell Deckert, Ph.D., chair, Bethel College Department of Social Work, and associate professor of social work

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Open to new participants:  Healing & Hope, a confidential group of women supporting each other after experiencing betrayal trauma (a spouse or partner’s use of pornography, affair, or sexual addiction). Bimonthly meetings are held via Zoom and will begin again in mid-October. This group is hosted by First Mennonite Church of Newton and facilitated by Audrey Ratzlaff, M.Div. Contact Audrey at aaratzlaff@yahoo.com or 316-619-4580 for more information.

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CAMP MENNOSCAH ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Camp Mennoscah 75th Anniversary Kick-Off event will be held on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at Camp Mennoscah! Come join us for a day of celebration and activities as we initiate our extended season of remembering Camp’s past and anticipating Camp’s future.  The day’s schedule is below.  Go to www.campmennoscah.org for more information and to register. You are invited!

1:00-5:00 PM Opening Event & Fun Family Activities

4:00 PM  Music

5:00 PM  Dinner – Burgers, Brats, Hot Dogs on the grill

6:00 PM  Annual Meeting

7:00 PM  Talent/No Talent Show

Other events and happenings:

• Preparations for the HVAC project at the Retreat Center are slowly moving along.  We’re waiting on the architectural plans to move to the next step and create a more formal timeline.  When we have a timeline, we’ll need people to be Camp Mennoscah’s hands and feet for this project.  Watch Facebook for details.
   
• The dam will be taken out on Sunday, October 8, at 2:30pm, whatever the weather may be, unless deemed dangerous.   Meet down by the shelter.  Helpers and spectators are welcome.  Helping is not for the youngest ages due to the heavy planks and rushing water, but all are welcome to watch the activities.  Planks will need to be scraped and pressure-washed once removed.  Many hands are welcome!
   
• Camp Mennoscah will be at Bethel College’s Fall Fest on October 14!  Put it on your calendar and come say hi!
   
• Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. You are welcome to bring a camper/RV and use a gas generator (no hookups available). The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations. Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!

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

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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

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Everence® will hold an informative Social Security and retirement income
workshop Thurs., Sept. 28, 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. The in-person workshop will be at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton.  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.

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For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” click here
For Mennonite Creation Care Network press here 
For Mennonite Mission Network “News From Around the World” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite World Conference Info press here

MENNONITE CHURCH USA ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mennonite Church USA installed a sculpture at its Elkhart, Indiana, offices that was designed and built by Emma Zuercher, a 2023 graduate of Goshen College from Apple Creek, Ohio. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/unveil-sculpture/

Engage with the MC USA Archives and meet the new archives coordinator, Olivia Krall. View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/slide-archives-engage

Menno Snapshots
 
In the wake of the U.S. sending cluster bombs to Ukraine, Titus Peachey, who currently serves on the steering committee for the Cluster Munition Coalition, reflects on his experiences dealing with cluster bombs in Laos and calls Mennonites to witness against war makings. Read more of his experiences here: mennoniteusa.org/cluster-bombs-witness

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Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:   Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for a couple who has spent decades ministering in the Middle East, where they are part of a media team that works at “transforming lives with unstoppable hope.” Pray for them and the 16 full-time animators; multiple trainers, who help people share the good news with their neighbors; and a social media team of three Arabic women, who address issues like human trafficking and child brides.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:  We are called as Jesus’s followers to share our experience as God’s people and the transformative work of the gospel of Jesus in our lives. We pray for church plants and congregations exploring partnerships to do missions together in Wester District Conference.
—WDC Church Planting Commission

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 17, 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 belows 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/phRZa-EQgZ0?feature=share
 

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BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 17, 2023
Peace Sunday: Climate Action for Peace
 
Prelude—There is no Shadow (Brenda Portman)–Will Wiebe-Friesen
 
Christ Candle Lighting
 
Call to Worship and Prayer—Nathan Koontz
 
*Hymn—All Thing Bright and Beautiful—VT 177
 
Kin-dom Report—Vernon Goering
 
Children’s Conversation—High School Youth Group
 
Scripture Reading—Psalm 36:5-9; Psalm 65:5-8—Roger Juhnke
 
A Joyful Vision—Darlene Dick
 
*Hymn—Touch the Earth Lightly— VT 145
 
Anthem—Love the Lord Your God (Patty Shelly)—Chancel Choir, Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
 
Scripture Reading—Matthew 6:25-34; Isaiah 24:4-7—Zona Galle
 
Lamenting and Reflecting—Keith Harder
 
*Hymn—The Garden Needs Our Tending Now—VT 788
 
Prayers of God’s People
 
*Hymn—There’s a Wild Hope In the Wind—VT 828
 
*Benediction
 
Postlude—Trumpet Tune (David German)—Will Wiebe-Friesen
 
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual— Ken Lamp
 
We give thanks and credit to the Mennonite Central Committee’s worship resources for this peace Sunday service. Many of the readings, images, and ideas for this service were provided by the 2023 MCC Peace Sunday Packet: Climate Action for Peace.
 
 
YouTube Link:  https://youtube.com/live/phRZa-EQgZ0?feature=share

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This Week at BCMC:  September 17—24, 2023
Sun., September 17, 2023—Peace Sunday
9:30 a.m.   Service planned by the Witness Commission
YouTube Link for this Sunday: 
https://youtube.com/live/phRZa-EQgZ0?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)
 
2-4 p.m.      Mentor/mentee event in Fellowship Hall with pizza and games
6:30 p.m.     BCMC/Bethel College Ice Cream Social September 17, 6:30 p.m. on the BCMC front lawn.  Come to enjoy ice cream with Bethel students and faculty.  The Bethel College Relations Team (Darlene Dick, Ron Flickinger, Tim Hodge, Matt Koontz) ask that you bring a dessert or toppings to go with the ice cream.
 
Mon., September 18, 2023
3:45 p.m.      Worship Commission
Tues., September 19, 2023
7 p.m.       Women’s Fellowship Meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., September 20, 2023
7 p.m.      Youth Group meeting
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., September 21, 2023
4 p.m.        Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
6:30 p.m.  Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.        Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sun., September 24, 2023
9:30 a.m.  Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz
10:45 a.m. Solar Panel Project Task Group—Sun. school elective–Fellowship Hall
 
For Your Calendars: 
· BCMC Women’s Fellowship meets Tues., Sept. 19, 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.  We will affirm leadership for 2024 and reflect on the impact and gifts of one’s family of origin. Bring an artifact that represents what has shaped you such as a book, story, tradition etc. Use the south-east door.
· The BCMC Congregation is invited to a Baby Sprinkle for Adam and Jill Robb, October 1, 2-4 p.m., BCMC Fellowship Hall.  Registry is: www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/surpriserobb
    Kathy Stucky (316-772-2479) & Elaine Prouty (316-772-2572)
· The memorial service for Patty Shelly will be Saturday, September 30 at 11 a.m. at BCMC.  The service will be live-streamed.  The link is:  https://youtube.com/live/IX0_1OnzWQs?feature=share

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Roger’s Whereabouts :  Roger will be back in Newton on Wednesday, September 27.   Roger will be checking his email and phone almost every day. So feel free to email, text or call 785-220-1968.
 
BCMC Offering for September 10, 2023:  General Fund $6,117; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $500; Kitchen Fund $7; Women’s Fellowship $50; Sr Hi Youth $3,322.

You did it again, congratulations!  August giving resulted in a surplus of income over expenses.  Four out of five months ‘ain’t bad’!  Thank you so much for your efforts to keep the church financially solvent. – Finance Committee

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Please accept my deepest appreciation for the joyous celebration of my licensing for specific ministry at Bethel College Mennonite Church!  The “American Avocets” print by Bob Regier evokes the Creator’s care for birds of the air, and the ever-present refuge in the shadow of God’s wings. The flaming celosia and nandina shrub provide vivid reminders that the burning bush still burns!  Thank you all! 
Elizabeth Schmidt, Congregational Care Coordinator
 
The Senior High Youth Group thanks you for your generous support last Sunday. The meal raised $2,952!  Furthermore, the interactions, conversations, and connections made via the Youth Group Fun Facts activity were priceless.  Thank you for both your financial support and your interest in learning to know our youth. 
P.S.: Save the date, January 28, 2024 Soup Luncheon prior to the congregational meeting and the next fun-filled congregation and youth activity!

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Tributes to Patty Shelly

 
Below is a link to a tribute written last Friday to Patty Shelly from Jessica Griggs who is on the MC USA Communications team.  https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/former-mc-usa-moderator-patricia-shelly-dies-at-71/
 
Pastors at BCMC were asked to contribute memories for this article, but Jessica was not able to incorporate them.  So here are the words that Pastor Elizabeth Schmidt wrote in more recent memory of Patty.
 
“A punster without peer, Patty shared wisdom with her unique humor and delight.  In 2019, Bethel College Mennonite Church staff asked her to share a sermon on a portion of the congregation’s common purpose statement, from Micah 6:1-8.   With a deep dive from Mitzvot to Micah to the Greatest Commandment, Patty took a “Micah-scopic look” at the congregational purpose statement and “Micah-managed” the meaning of doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.
When Patty sat in the back of the sanctuary during worship, her buoyant soprano voice lifted the rafters in praise.
 
Patty capably served as Congregational Moderator and on Church Board,  Safe Sanctuaries Task Group, Worship Commission, and Prayer Network.
 
During the covid pandemic in spring of 2020, Pastor Renee Reimer engaged the congregation in an on-line “March Madness” activity to select the congregation’s favorite hymn.  The final bracket winner was Patty’s benediction song, “The Lord Lift You Up,” which now appears in Voices Together, #832.
Its lyrics are a fitting tribute to Patty’s life, from first to final breath.”

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Solar Panel Project Task Group 
The Solar Panel Project task group would like to thank you for listening to our presentation at last Sunday’s congregational meeting. We look forward to input from the congregation about this possible initiative for BCMC.  Sunday, September 24, in Fellowship Hall, during the Sunday School hour will be the next opportunity to visit together but if you have questions or comments before then please ask any committee member.  – Dwight Krehbiel, Lorna Harder, Hugo Boschmann, Margaret Toews

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Creation Care Challenge
Most of us are aware of the dangers that plastic bags are doing to our environment.  So, let’s take a challenge to address that issue.  Beginning October 1 we are encouraging everyone to participate in collecting clean plastic bags for recycling.  These bags can be delivered to BCMC during the hours the church is open.  Our goal is to collect 1,000 pounds in one year with a reward of a composite bench made from plastic.  This is a project of the Senior High Youth Group.
 

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BCMC Women’s Fellowship 
BCMC Women’s Fellowship meets Tues., Sept. 19, 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.  We will affirm leadership for 2024 and reflect on the impact and gifts of one’s family of origin. Bring an artifact that represents what has shaped you such as a book, story, tradition etc. Use the south-east door.

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We offer sympathy to Ann Preheim Regier, on the death of her husband, Ivan G. Regier, Aug. 31, 2023, Grant Nebraska.  Ivan was a wider fellowship member of BCMC and Ann will remain as a wider fellowship member.  For a link to the obituary for Ivan Regier press here.
 

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We offer sympathy to George and Jeanette Leary, Megan Leary, and Kevin and Naomi Leary and their children Magdalena and Silas Leary on the death of George’s father, George Isaac Leary, Sr.  George Isaac Leary, Sr., 86, of Barberville, Florida, passed away peacefully Sept 12. 

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Everence® will hold an informative Social Security and retirement income
workshop Thurs., Sept. 28, 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. The in-person workshop will be at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton.  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.

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Bethel College Women’s Association welcomes donations of baked goods for Market-in-the-Round and pies for Pie-by-the-Slice at Fall Festival. Bring homemade fruit pies, poppyseed roll, zwieback, cinnamon rolls, or other treats to room 140 in Luyken Fine Arts Center from 2-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13 or 7-9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. Questions? Email bcwa@belthelks.edu. All proceeds will benefit Bethel College. 

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Bethel College Announcements
Mon., Sept. 18 – Visiting Writer Series at Bethel College: Jesse Nathan will read from his debut poetry collection, Eggtooth, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Nathan is a Bethel graduate who grew up in rural McPherson County and now lives and teaches in the Bay Area in California.
 
Thurs., Sept. 21 – Artist reception for Tom and Pam Voth and “Drinking from a New Well,” 6-8 p.m., Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Exhibit closes the same evening. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.
 
Thurs., Sept. 21 – Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall
 
Thurs., Sept. 28 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
 
Call for volunteers – The Bethel College Alumni Association is looking for volunteers to help with Taste of Newton and Fall Festival. Shifts are 1.5-2 hours long and need to be filled on Thursday, Oct. 12, 5-9 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact Brad Schmidt at 316-285-5252 or bschmidt@bethelks.edu, or use the following online forms: verenike booth, Taste of Newton: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-verenike3; burger booth, Fall Fest: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-burger1; verenike booth, Fall Fest: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAF22A1FDCF8-verenike2
 

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Camp Mennoscah Announcements

The Camp Mennoscah 75th Anniversary Kick-Off event will be held on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at Camp Mennoscah! Come join us for a day of celebration and activities as we initiate our extended season of remembering Camp’s past and anticipating Camp’s future.  The day’s schedule is below.  Go to www.campmennoscah.org for more information and to register. You are invited!

1:00-5:00 PM Opening Event & Fun Family Activities

4:00 PM  Music

5:00 PM  Dinner – Burgers, Brats, Hot Dogs on the grill

6:00 PM  Annual Meeting

7:00 PM  Talent/No Talent Show

Other events and happenings:

• Have you seen our white Mr. Coffee coffeepot?  The one in the Retreat Center is missing.  There is a white Mr. Coffee, but it is of a different style and size than the one belonging to Camp Mennoscah.  Let’s switch!  Contact us at 620-297-3290 or office@campmennoscah.org
   
• The dam will be taken out on Sunday, October 8, at 2:30pm whatever the weather may be, unless deemed dangerous.   Meet down by the shelter.  Helpers and spectators are welcome.  Helping is not for younger ages due to the heavy planks and rushing water, but are welcome to watch the activities.  Planks will need to be scraped and pressure-washed once removed.  Many hands are welcome!
   
• Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. You are welcome to bring a camper/RV and use a gas generator (no hookups available). The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations. Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!

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

Open to new participants:  Healing & Hope, a confidential group of women supporting each other after experiencing betrayal trauma (a spouse or partner’s use of pornography, affair, or sexual addiction). Bimonthly meetings are held via Zoom and will begin again in mid-October. This group is hosted by First Mennonite Church of Newton and facilitated by Audrey Ratzlaff, M.Div. Contact Audrey at aaratzlaff@yahoo.com or 316-619-4580 for more information.

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Wheat planting means fall is here
The second happening of the 150^th celebration of the Swiss Volhynian Mennonites coming to the U.S. in 1874 is a Planting Turkey Red Wheat with Horses event just west of the Moundridge Museum on Saturday, September 30, 2023.   Three teams of horses will show up to work the planting project starting at 8:30 a.m. and an old tractor will deliver the wheat to the drills. Drinks will be available. The Moundridge Museum will be open to visitors, and the Farmers Market will have plenty of produce to sell.

Thank you to Darrel Schrag, Glen Goering, Keith Goering, Russ Stucky, and Nathan Stucky for making all the arrangements.  We all don’t have a team of horses in our backyard, so seeing those big work horses is astonishing; the kids especially find them awesome.
Come and see.

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For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Share the Good News” press here

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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

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Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Menno Snapshots

In a time of transition, ordained and board-certified chaplain, Ruth Johnston, found herself seeking God’s guidance for a new calling. Through the recommendations of her spiritual director, Ruth learned to lean on her passions to discover where God was leading her next. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/gods-guidance-spiritual-direction

Kevin Chupp, pastor at Mennonite Church of Normal (Illinois) in Central District Conference and a graduate of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, uses his experience with clerical garb to explain why the church’s openness in theology and dress drew him to the Mennonite tradition. Read his experience here: mennoniteusa.org/openness-pulpit

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Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:   Praise God for Kate Widmer, who is serving with Mennonite Mission Network, and La Prairie (The Prairie) Mennonite congregation in France, as they build relationships with immigrants in their neighborhood. Kate’s sewing classes have become popular. Pray that Kate will be able to share God’s love as she helps women make clothes for their families.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:   Pray for the WDC Listening Process, as congregations host listening teams from WDC to reflect on congregational ministry and hopes for the future, and ways that WDC resources can support their mission.

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BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 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 belows 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/Vob2q_oml9g?feature=share
 

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BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 10, 2023
 
Prelude—In Summer (Charles Albert Stebbins)—Karen Schlabaugh; My Lord What a Morning (Eithun)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director
 
Christ Candle Lighting
 
Welcome and Prayer—Brad Kohlman
 
*Hymn—What Is This Place?—VT 22  
 
Children’s Conversation—“Backpack Blessing”—Jill Robb
 
Worship Music—Steal Away & Swing Low (Moklebust)—Chancel Bells
 
Scripture Reading—Isaiah 61:1-4; Acts 6:1-7—Sheryl and Kevin Goering
 
Sermon—Church Politics—Roger Neufeld Smith
 
*Hymn—The Church of Christ Cannot be Bound—VT #392  
 
Prayers of God’s People
 
*Hymn—Heart With Loving Heart United—VT 813  
 
Benediction—The Lord Lift You Up—VT 832
 
Postlude—Karen Schlabaugh

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VT—Voices Together     *You are invited to stand
Audio-visual—Francis Toews

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This Week at BCMC:  September 10—17, 2023
Sun., September 10, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; Back Pack Blessing
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
12 p.m.      Fundraiser Lunch served by the Youth Group  PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TABLE SERVICE TO FACILITATE THE CLEANUP!
12:45 p.m. Congregational meeting in the Fellowship Hall
YouTube Link for worship service:
https://youtube.com/live/Vob2q_oml9g?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)
 
Mon., September 11, 2023
7 p.m.      Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tues., September 12, 2023—Community Playschool Starts Today
12 p.m.    Mid-Kansas Investment Club in Fellowship Hall
1 p.m.      Firetronics will do the yearly fire alarm inspection at the church
1:45 p.m. Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
5 p.m.       Faith Formation meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., September 13, 2023
7 p.m.      Youth Group meeting
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., September 14, 2023
6:30 p.m.  Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.       Finance Committee meeting
Sun., September 17, 2023—Peace Sunday
9:30 a.m.   Service planned by the Witness Commission
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
2-4 p.m.      Mentor/mentee event in Fellowship Hall with pizza and games

6:30 p.m.     BCMC/Bethel College Ice Cream Social September 17, 6:30 p.m. on the BCMC front lawn.  Come to enjoy ice cream with Bethel students and faculty.  The Bethel College Relations Team (Darlene Dick, Ron Flickinger, Tim Hodge, Matt Koontz) ask that you bring a dessert or toppings to go with the ice cream

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The next congregational meeting will be Sun., Sept. 10, at 12:45 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.  The senior high youth will serve a noon meal with the meeting to follow after a quick cleanup from lunch.  To facilitate the cleanup please bring your own table service.  The agenda will include a round-table discussion led by the Indigenous Justice Task Group, and reports from the Credence Report Task Group on intergenerational activities, Creation Care Solar Panel sub-committee, Education and Service Scholarship Committee, and the Pastor Search Committee.   If time allows, there may be a brief time for sharing “what is going well in our congregation?” 

For the agenda for the congregational meeting press here

For the minutes from the congregational meeting on May 7, 2023 press here
 

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Memorial Service for Frances Siemens
The memorial service for Frances is this Saturday, September 9, 11 a.m. at BCMC.  For a link to the obituary press here.

The service will be livestreamed.  The live stream link is:  https://youtube.com/live/qZ-PSk-UFTY?feature=share
 

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Roger’s Whereabouts :    Roger will be driving back to Topeka tomorrow (Monday) afternoon. He will be back in Newton on Wednesday, September 27. But Roger will be checking his email and phone almost every day. So feel free to email, text or call 785-220-1968.
 
BCMC Offering for September 3, 2023:  General Fund $10,767.33; Library Reserve Fund $5; Living Stones $200; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $200; Kitchen Fund $9.
 
The Education and Service Scholarship Committee asks for donations to the Bethel College Scholarship Fund. This above-budget fund gives BCMC youth who are attending Bethel College a $1000 per year scholarship in addition to the $1000/year scholarship given to those attending Anabaptist colleges. This year we have four students who are attending Bethel. Please support our Bethel students by contributing. Checks can be made to BCMC with BC Scholarship Fund in the memo line.  Thank you. – Margaret Toews for ESSC.
 
For Your Calendars: 
· The BCMC Congregation is invited to a Baby Sprinkle for Adam and Jill Robb, October 1, 2-4 p.m., BCMC Fellowship Hall.  Registry is: www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/surpriserobb
Kathy Stucky (316-772-2479) & Elaine Prouty (316-772-2572)

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CREATION CARE COMMITTE AND SOLAR ENERGY

A subcommittee within the Creation Care Committee of BCMC has been working diligently for the last several months to develop a project to bring solar energy to our church and to the community. Many options have been explored – various possible sites for solar panels, collaborations with Bethel College and Kaufman Museum, bids from several installers, and several different funding approaches. Numerous individuals and groups within BCMC are participating in these discussions – members of the BCMC Board (especially Margaret Toews, Brad Kohlman, and Ada Schmidt-Tieszen), the Facilities Committee, the Finance Committee, and others on the Creation Care Committee.

These efforts have resulted in a proposal to place solar panels on portions of the south and east roofs of our building. More details about this project will be shared at the congregational meeting on September 10. On September 24 during the Sunday School hour there will be a follow-up meeting to provide additional information and opportunities for discussion and questions. The subcommittee members include Hugo Boschmann, Lorna Harder, and Dwight Krehbiel.

With all the discussions going on in our church about energy use, there might be interest in calculating carbon footprints. — Dwight Krehbiel
Click on this link:  https://interfaithpowerandlight.org/coolcongregations/  
Click on the “Calculators” menu at the upper right. There is one for households and one for congregations.

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RAYLENE HINZ-PENNER BOOK SIGNING AT DYCK ARBORETUM
In addition to the usual selling of plants, this fall’s Flora Kansas Fall Native Plant Days at Dyck Arboretum will include a reading and book signing with author Raylene Hinz-Penner, featuring her memoir, “East of Liberal: Notes on the Land”, a “deeply researched story of a place” and a “personal land acknowledgement by one who loves the land and celebrates all those for whom it has been homeland.” The book signing  will be Sat., Sept. 9, 11 a.m. in the Arboretum Visitor Center.  Raylene was born and raised in southwest Kansas near Liberal, with extended family and emotional roots in central Oklahoma. Before retirement she taught English at Bethel College, her alma mater, and Washburn University, (along with Kansas University in Lawrence and Wichita State University).
 

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Memorial Service for Patty Shelly
Patty Shelly passed away peacefully September 4 at her home.  Please hold Patty’s mother June, Patty’s sister Doris and family, and her brother Andy & family, in your hearts in prayer for God’s comforting and abiding presence.

The memorial service for Patty Shelly will be Saturday, September 30 at 11 a.m. at BCMC.  The service will be live-streamed.  The link is:  https://youtube.com/live/IX0_1OnzWQs?feature=share

Patty Shelly’s obituary link has been posted on Petersen’s Family Funeral Services page.

https://www.petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/patricia-shelly

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We will be welcoming new members to Bethel College Mennonite Church this fall.  If you are interested in becoming a member, or transferring membership, or learning more about  membership at BCMC, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Congregational Care Coordinator.  She will be happy to visit with you!

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The August/September Library theme is called “What’s For Dinner?” In the doldrums of this extreme heat, come check out one of the library’s books on food: either to find a new dish to prepare or sit back and enjoy a new read in the cool comfort of your own home. We’d love to help you find your next read.

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Bethel College Announcements
· Life Enrichment, Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, September 13:
    9:30 a.m. “Nursing Shortage: Why? How Can That be Change?,” Val Gleason, President and CEO, NMC Health
    10:50 a.m.  “The remarkable Life and Writings of Mennonite Activist        J.G.  Ewert,” Christopher M. Dick, Ph.D., professor of English, Tabor
   College
· Sun., Sept. 10 – Eat, Protest, Lift, a film by Caleb Stephens, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium, Bethel College; Mon., Sept. 11, Dr. Stephens speaks in convocation, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium; sponsored by Bethel College Social Work, the KIPCOR Film Series and the Bethel College Women’s Association’s Carolyn Schultz Lectureship.
· Thurs., Sept. 21 – Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall
· Now in the Regier Gallery, Bethel College – “Drinking from a New Well,” ceramics by Tom and Pam Voth, through Thurs., Sept. 21. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
Bethel College’s annual online journal, Mennonite Life, can be accessed at ml.bethelks.edu – and there is a new item, “Elias Crosses the Molotschna,” a short story by Darrell Wiens. Also articles and reviews by Brad Born, Abigail Carl-Klassen, Daniel Shenk Cruz, Cheryl Denise, Josué Coy Dick, Nathan Garber, Rachel Waltner Goossen, Brad Gregory, Willmar Harder, Sheri Hostetler, Melanie Springer Mock, Hannah Neufeld, Kimberly Schmidt, Joe Smucker, Johnny Wideman and Ben Woodward-Breckbill.

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FALL FAMILY FUN RETREAT AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN MENNONITE CAMP Young families and children (activities orientated for 2-8 year olds) are invited to RMMC this fall offering the perfect opportunity for your family to enjoy quality time, together, in the mountains. This is the age group that are too young to attend summer camps at RMMC, but ready to be introduced to the RMMC experience. The weekend is inviting all young families that have connections with the Mennonite Community and beyond. The weekend is coming Sept. 29-31, 2023 so visit the camp web page (rmmc.org) for additional information and to register online.

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Register now for the fall 2023 Bluestem U semester courses. Bluestem U is lifelong learning partnership program between Bluestem Communities, Bethel College and Hesston College for those age 55 and better. Courses are taught by former or current Bethel College or Hesston College instructors or local experts. The fall 2023 courses are:
· “Music through the ages” taught by Ken Rodgers, Tuesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m., September 12 through October 17 at the Schowalter Villa Chapel.
· “Oops. We got here again! Communication and conflict” taught by Kevin Wilder, Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m., September 14 through October 12 at Schowalter Villa’s Mullet Place Theater.
Each course is $50. Register at bluestemu.org.

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Camp Mennoscah Announcements
· Camp Mennoscah 75th Anniversary Kick-Off Event
The Camp Mennoscah 75th Anniversary Kick-Off event will be held on September 24 at Camp! The day will be filled with Fun Family Activities;
Camp Corporation Annual Meeting; Spike Ball Tournament;  Storytelling;
Music and, for the first time ever – The Camp Mennoscah Talent/No Talent Show!  An evening of live entertainment on the banks of the Ninnescah! Enter your talent or your “talent,” wow the audience, and win prizes. All ages welcome!   Or….Bring your cash or checkbook to “vote” for your favorite acts. The act that generates the most money wins! All money collected will be considered a donation to Camp Mennoscah’s M&M Project!
Be sure to let us know if you plan to attend and if you have an act to enter – remember, all ages and talent levels welcome!  Check Camp Mennoscah’s website at www.campmennoscah.org or Camp’s Facebook page for more information.  Sun., Sept. 24 at Camp Mennoscah, 1-5 p.m.  
4 p.m. Music and 5 p.m. Dinner – Burgers, Brats, Hot Dogs on the grill
6 p.m. is the  Annual Meeting and 7 p.m. Talent/No Talent Show

· Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open.  The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. You are welcome to bring a camper/RV and use a gas generator (no hookups available). The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations. Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!

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For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
 
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.

For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA Executive Board has named two peacemakers, Jonathan Kuttab and Sydney Leah Bontrager, as the 2023 Bring The Peace award winners. The denomination gives the award to a Legacy Peacemaker and a Young Peacemaker each year. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/23-btp-winners

Menno Snapshots

Yujin Kim, a communications associate for Mennonite Central Committee East Coast, reflects on the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement and how separation and longing are part of her family narrative, shaping her identity and motivating her to work for peace. Read her story here: mennoniteusa.org/belonging-in-peace

Doh Nay Kaw attended Mennonite Church USA’s convention in early July with her youth group of Whitehall (Pennsylvania) Mennonite Church. She wrote a poem as an expression of her experience of self-searching at MennoCon23. Read the poem here: mennoniteusa.org/who-am-i

Violence pervades some children’s Bibles, but The Peace Table, Shine’s new storybook Bible, provides a peace witness, while providing thoughtful prompts concerning more violent passages. Read more about Chrissie Muecke’s experience as part of The Peace Table’s Team here: mennoniteusa.org/peace-witness-paths

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Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:   Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the members of the Movement of Anabaptist Women Doing Theology from Latin America (MTAL), as they compile their devotional book for 2024–2025. Pray that God’s spirit will guide the team of volunteer editors and designers as they work with submissions from more than 300 women.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:   Pray for God’s guidance for elected leaders of WDC (Executive Board, Gifts Discernment Committee, Church Planting Commission, Ministerial Leadership Commission, Resource Commission, Stewardship Commission) and other WDC committees and task forces, as they begin a new program year following Annual Assembly.