Category Archives: Announcements

December 22, 2024 Worship Service & Announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
DECEMBER 22, 2024 — FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:00 a.m., (preludes during Advent begin at 9:15 a.m.) 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/HP6Jtv8dOLI?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
December 22, 2024
Fourth Sunday of Advent

Prelude Music—The First Noel–Abby and Caleb Koontz
The Avalanche–Emerson Gering
O Little Town of Bethlehem, White Christmas, Somewhere in My Memory– Lincoln Kohlman, saxophone
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy–Olivia and Verlene Garber
We Three Kings–Miles Brubacher

Advent Candle Lighting—Dick and Barb Koontz and grandchildren

Scripture Reading—Luke 1:30-35
    Litany:
We gather in holy space to hear holy words:
Do not be afraid.

We gather in holy time to hear a holy promise:
Mary’s son will reign forever.

We gather in this holy moment to sense the holy in our midst:
Let the Holy Spirit come upon us.
Let the power of the Most High overshadow us.

Let us worship the Holy One with anticipation and joy

Lighting the candle of Power

Welcome & Prayer—Joanna Harader

*Hymn—Joy to the World—VT 240

Worship Music—Der Friedenfurst (CE Leslie)
Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Prayers of God’s People—Joanna Harader

*Hymn–There is a Line of Women—VT 546

Intergenerational Story-Telling
Scene 1–Mary’s Home
*Hymn—To Us a Child of Hope Is Born—VT 259

Scene 2–Elizabeth’s Home
Hymn—Magnificat— VT 97–Lucy Burch, flute
Remain seated. Children will sing through once.
Congregation joins on Canon I in a round as directed.

Scene 3–Shepherd’s Camp
Hymn—Angels We Have Heard on High—VT 249
Handbells: Faith Burch, Olivia Garber, Ethan Garber, Lincoln Kohlman,
Brett Gaeddert and Miles Brubacher

Scene 4
Hymn—Solemn Stillness, Weary Street—VT 276
Bethany Schrag, Suzanne Burch, John Mark Koontz, Simon Koontz
(The congregation is invited to join on the chorus after verses 2 & 3)

Litany Benediction
Congregational response: “We are wonders, blessed wonders.”

Postlude—Toccata on Joy to the World (Brenda Portman)
Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ben Lichti

Sunday’s anthem, “Der Friedensfürst,” is a favorite of many German-speaking Mennonite congregations, particularly those in Latin America and Canada. It was composed by an American in English (“The Prince of Peace”) and subsequently translated into German in the 1890’s. It was written in the popular style of the day and is dearly loved by those who grew up with it. The paraphrased text contains these words: Listen, the angel choirs are singing, to you oh mighty Prince of Peace! To us a child is born today, and his glory fills the wide world. And he is called wonderful, the Prince of peace. Glory to God in the highest, and peace—God’s peace—on earth. Sing Hosanna! Amen.

Thank you to all the participants in the Story-Telling!
Maisie Brubacher, Miles Brubacher, Faith Burch, Lucy Burch, Suzanne Burch, Payne Claassen, El-jah Coffer, Brett Gaeddert, Collin Gaeddert, Ethan Garber, Olivia Garber, Emma Gering, Emerson Gering, Adah Hodge, Tim Hodge,
Brad Kohlman, Lawrence Kohlman, Lincoln Kohlman, Ani Koontz, John Koontz, Naomi Koontz, Simon Koontz, Marlin Lichti, Kevin Neufeld, Adam Oswald,
Mara Oswald, Adam Robb, Gabby Robb, Jake Robb, Florence Schloneger,
Lily Schloneger, Dale Schrag, Bethany Schrag, Tim Schrag, Jeanette Stucky,
Steve Stucky, Addie Zerger

Thanks to others assisting: Verlene Garber, Deb Gering, Mary Ellen Hodge,
Jill Robb.

And a special thank you to Judy Harder, our producer and director!!

The Week at BCMC: December 22—29, 2024
Sunday, December 22, 2024—Advent 4
9:15 a.m. Prelude     9:30 a.m. Worship
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/HP6Jtv8dOLI?feature=share

Activity bags are available for our littles during the church service! The 10 bags are filled with a coloring book/page, crayons, and a library book. After using the activity bag, please make sure all the supplies are in the bag and hang on the hook at the back of the sanctuary. Library books will be switched out on a monthly basis.   Jill, Faith Formation Coordinator

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2024—CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
4:30 p.m.    Christmas Eve Community Worship in the Sanctuary
11 p.m.       Lessons and Carols Worship in the Sanctuary

Wednesday, December 25, 2024—Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 29, 2024—Christmas Sunday
10 a.m. Worship (note the later beginning time for the worship service)—No Sunday school—Please bring Christmas goodies or snacks to share after the worship service!

The Church office and building will be closed on Christmas Day. The church office and building will also be closed December 26, 27, 30, and 31.

BCMC Offering for Dec. 15: Gen. Fund $23,735.46; Gen. Fund 2025 $10,000; Caring Fund $225; Library Reserve Fund $17; Kitchen Fund $17.

The following is a BCMC financial report of the general fund income and expenses on November 30, 2024 (91.7% of the year).
Total income $427,969 80% of budget
Total expense $454,305 85% of budget
Net income -$26,336          From BCMC Finance Committee

Join Fine Arts Class in the Chapel for Advent sessions following Pastor Joanna’s book, Expecting Emmanuel.

Service of Remembrance
As we are in the holiday season that brings joy with the promise of new life and love birthed into our world, there is also grief as we miss those who have passed from this world in 2024. In order to recognize and mourn the loss of our loved ones from 2024, Bethel College Mennonite Church is hosting a Service of Remembrance on January 5, 2025 at 4 p.m., in the BCMC sanctuary.

There will be a congregational meeting on Sun., Jan. 26, during the Sunday School hour in the sanctuary. The meeting will be available through streaming options. An agenda will be available in the near future. The following items will be included on the agenda: The Church Board recommends the approval of Melanie Mueller to the Witness Commission and approval of the 2025 BCMC Budget.

The Witness Commission has donated money from the excess funds we were given to use for projects beyond our walls to Max Ediger’s School for Peace in Myanmar. Max joined our church several years ago and was instrumental in the foundation of this school.

The current Library Theme is Advent/Christmas. Come on in and find ideas for Christmas activities, devotions, even fiction books set around the holidays. And, if you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift, our committee always has a Wish List. Why not consider giving a book in their honor/memory or purchase one of our puzzles for a suggested donation of $5? As always, Happy Reading/Puzzling!

Night in the Barn December 22: All are welcome to come and experience the wonder of the Christmas story through its characters, animals, lights, and sounds in an interactive walking tour and live nativity. Come and go from 5-7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 22 at PatchWork Farms (373 E. 70th, Newton). Call 620-345-6867 for more information.

New Bluestem U lifelong learning courses for winter and spring 2025 are now open for registration. Courses are available for individuals age 55 and better. This semester’s offerings include STEAM, theatre, astronomy, bird watching and a free author’s series. See more information and registration at bluestemu.org. Bluestem U is a lifelong learning program of Bluestem Communities in partnership with Bethel College and Hesston College.

Kauffman Museum invites you to visit during the holidays. The museum is closed Mondays, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day; open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve; open regular hours Thurs.-Sun. (9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays, 1:30-4:30 p.m. weekends). The current special exhibit is “Unlocking the Past: Immigrant Artifacts and the Stories They Tell.” Permanent exhibits “Of Land and People,” “Mirror of the Martyrs” and “Mennonite Immigrant Furniture.” The museum store is also open during those hours, with books, games, art and other gift items (including from Ten Thousand Villages) for sale; see https://www.kauffmanmuseum.org/museum-store

Music On Site presents Amahl and the Night Visitors, a classic Christmas opera, performed live with singers from around the country. This is a story of a young boy who gives everything to the promised Child. Free admission, ticket required.
Sun., Dec. 22, 2 p.m. Westwood Presbyterian Church, 8007 W Maple St., Wichita
See the church bulletin board for ticket information. Or go to: https://www.musiconsite.org/2024-season (Music On Site, Inc. is a Kansas-based 501(c)(3) music production company that works to close opera’s opportunity gap across socioeconomic divisions by cultivating opera education and appreciation in K-12 students in rural communities, and advancing and promoting the careers of those pursuing a career in opera.)

Newton Community for Racial Justice will hold its annual anti-racism training Feb. 13-15, 2025. This is a date change from previous years. Training will be held at the Newton Recreation Center from Thurs. evening, Feb. 13 through Sat. afternoon, Feb. 15. Early Bird registration (until Jan. 3): $300 per participant.
Regular registration (after Jan. 3): $350 per participant. Some scholarships are available. REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/pXViB4fzH8y3u7WM7
Payment can be made online: https://www.convergepay.com/hosted-payments?ssl_txn_auth_token=%2Bd%2Fr1xrRRCaZybUyv2z%2FeAAAAZON0fyjV

Hesston College Music Department will host a program called Anabaptism at Five Hundred: Hymn Festival Sun., Jan. 19, 2025, 3 p.m., at Hesston Mennonite Church. The Hymn Festival coincides with the 500th anniversary of the first Anabaptist adult baptisms in Zurich, Switzerland in 1525. This event will also celebrate the release of the Anabaptist Community Bible. The public is invited to this community wide celebration that involves singers from surrounding churches, as well as audience participation in the singing of hymns, led by Russell Adrian and Karen Unruh. The core of the program will be historical narrative by Ken Rodgers tracing important hymns and texts throughout the past five centuries.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
Merry Christmas greeting from Mennonite Mission Network press here
For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here

Prairie View’s 71st Anniversary

Buy Tickets Here!

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

There has been a change in age groups for the camps. There are two Junior Camps for those going into grades 6, 7and 8 in the fall of 2025. There is one Junior High Camp for grades 8 and 9. Other age groups remain the same. Registration will open in February 2025. The theme for the 2025 summer is Another Way, looking at how Jesus invites us to re-imagine who we are and to live in another way.

Other events and happenings:

We are overwhelmed with the support given at the Verenike Casserole meal this past Saturday! Thank you to everyone who attended and gave so generously, the people who helped with preparations and planning, and those who were unable to attend but held Camp Mennoscah in their thoughts and prayers!
If you missed the first camper story from the summer staff this past summer, you can find it on the Camp Mennoscah website. These stories tell of the faith formation and relationship building–and fun!–that happens. Keep your eyes out for the next story! (Feeling led to give a gift or volunteer? Give online or contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for assistance.)
Not-here-for-Christmas hoodies! Camp Mennoscah will be selling hoodies available early 2025 by order only. An online order form will be available soon.
Still projects left to do on the HVAC renovation at the Retreat Center! Work groups can be of any size (within reason). Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 or Olivia at 316-293-7313 to set up a time for you or your group. If you are interested in working on a weekend, advance notice of two weeks is needed. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping. Willing hands and the ability to follow directions are the only requirements. (Activities for those under 18 are limited and likely not at the Retreat Center.)

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements

Volunteers needed at Rocky Mountain! Camp needs your help to assist with Foodservice/Housekeeping for our upcoming Jr and Sr High Snow Camps, January 24-26 and February 14-16. Please visit the camp website at rmmc.org and follow the link to the volunteer information and sign up to join us.

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp is host to Colorado Roots Music Camp I (June 1-7, 2025) and Camp II (August 10-16, 2025). We are happy to announce the instructors and classes for the 2025 camps have been selected and are listed on the website. Our instructors are some of the top players in the nation, but they were chosen because they’re known by peers and students as great instructors for all levels. For more information and registration, visit the camp website at rmmc.org

From the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale
In the busyness of the next few days as we prepare for all our Christmas celebrations, let’s remember the Christmas season is a time to celebrate love, joy, and generosity by honoring the birth of Jesus Christ. It symbolizes the light that comes into the world amidst darkness because of the birth of a tiny, special baby, God’s Son. As we celebrate, let’s also remember those that are struggling due to loss of loved one, health, and other personal matters. May we all find peace as Jesus came for all of us!

Merry Christmas, my friends! May your celebrations be joyous!
For the KMRS Christmas Letter from Jim Robb press here

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
There has been a change in age groups for the camps. There are two Junior Camps for those going into grades 6, 7and 8 in the fall of 2025. There is one Junior High Camp for grades 8 and 9. Other age groups remain the same. Registration will open in February 2025. The theme for the 2025 summer is Another Way, looking at how Jesus invites us to re-imagine who we are and to live in another way.

Other events and happenings:

We are overwhelmed with the support given at the Verenike Casserole meal this past Saturday! Thank you to everyone who attended and gave so generously, the people who helped with preparations and planning, and those who were unable to attend but held Camp Mennoscah in their thoughts and prayers!
If you missed the first camper story from the summer staff this past summer, you can find it on the Camp Mennoscah website. These stories tell of the faith formation and relationship building–and fun!–that happens. Keep your eyes out for the next story! (Feeling led to give a gift or volunteer? Give online or contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for assistance.)
Not-here-for-Christmas hoodies! Camp Mennoscah will be selling hoodies available early 2025 by order only. An online order form will be available soon.
Still projects left to do on the HVAC renovation at the Retreat Center! Work groups can be of any size (within reason). Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 or Olivia at 316-293-7313 to set up a time for you or your group. If you are interested in working on a weekend, advance notice of two weeks is needed. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping. Willing hands and the ability to follow directions are the only requirements. (Activities for those under 18 are limited and likely not at the Retreat Center.)

From the Mennonite Mission Network

Greetings from Mennonite Mission Network,There are openings still available for our Just Peace Pilgrimage trips this spring and registration deadlines are approaching. Please consider using this in your bulletins.Blessings to you all this holiday season!

Mennonite Mission Network invites you to join a Just Peace Pilgrimage this spring. Embark on one of these life-changing learning experiences:United States Civil Rights Pilgrimage — Explore the history, significance, and ongoing implications of the civil rights movement in the United States.Unique opportunity: Young adults are invited to join Glen Guyton, MC USA executive director, for an enlightening journey. To foster dialog and understanding you are invited to join this pilgrimage with a partner of a different race. Christ at the Borders(Calais, France) — Thousands of people migrate to Calais in hopes of crossing the English Channel and entering the United Kingdom to find a better life. Meet those walking alongside the vulnerable who search for a peaceful home and the travelers themselves.Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples(Yakima, Washington) — Led by Sarah Augustine. Become better acquainted with Indigenous Peoples, their connection to the land upon which we live, and the consequences of settler colonial history.For more information and to sign up, visit MennoniteMission.net/JustPeace
or contact Stephanie Weaver at StephanieW@MennoniteMission.net.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Subscribe to PeaceMail to receive MC USA’s blogs, news and resources in one weekly email. Subscribe to PeaceMail here: mennoniteusa.org/peacemail

Menno Snapshots

A few weeks ago, Matt Pritchard, associate conference minister of emerging communities for MC USA’s Central District Conference, read “A Confession of Evangelical Conviction,” a non-partisan statement endorsed by more than 300 evangelical pastors, leaders and organizations. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/polarized-times

Olivia Krall, archives coordinator for the MC USA Archives, provides helpful archival tips for those interested in preserving their family history. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/archival-tips

Pastor Katerina Gea, a member of MC USA’s Women in Leadership Steering Committee, shares about the Community Care and Trauma Healing gatherings her church has been hosting to support Palestinian solidarity. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/healing-and-community-care

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: As we enter the week of Christmas and remember Jesus’ birth, millennia ago, in a land crushed by oppression, join Mennonite Mission Network in looking for the surprising ways that the Prince of Peace is being born in our own fractured communities today. Let us continue to pray and act in ways that build peace.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for all WDC congregations as they celebrate the birth of Jesus and share the good news of God’s will for peace on earth.

Bethel College Mennonite Church is an open and affirming congregation
centered in the life and teachings of Jesus. Embracing the divine within each person, we warmly welcome any and all into fellowship without regard to race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability,
economic status, marital status, or age.

December 15, 2024 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
DECEMBER 15, 2024 — Third SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.
To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:00 a.m., (preludes during Advent begin at 9:15 a.m.) 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/IH7yVSyDHq8?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
December 15, 2024
Third Sunday of Advent

Prelude Music— O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Dobrinski)
                                                       Carol of the Bells (Morris)
                                                       Mary Did You Know (Wagner)
                                                            Chancel Bells, Verlene Garber, director

Advent Candle Lighting—Marlin & Monica Lichti, Faith & Lucy Burch

    Scripture Reading—I John 4:7-9

    Litany:
Beloved, we gather in love for God and love for each other.
We gather to experience God’s love for us.
God’s love is revealed in the stories we hear,
In the songs we sing, in the prayers we offer,
In the Spirit we feel moving within and among us.

God’s love is revealed most deeply through Jesus,
Whose coming we anticipate and celebrate,
Who was sent by God so that we might have life.
Beloved, we gather together for worship.

Lighting the candle of Love

Welcome & Prayer—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Hark! The Glad Sound—VT 217

Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz

Worship Music— Glad Tidings of Joy  (Larson)
Chancel Bells, Verlene Garber, director

Scripture Reading—Ruth 1:1-18—Esther Kreider Eash, Raylene Hinz Penner, Brad Kohlman, Kevin Neufeld

*Hymn—Bless the Arms that Comfort—VT 527

Sermon—Ruth: A Journey of Love—Joanna Harader

*Hymn—Bless’d Be the God of Israel—VT 223

Prayers of God’s People—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—My Soul Cries Out—VT 412—Grace Harader-Ellett, violin; Lucy Burch, piccolo

*Benediction

Postlude— Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying (Paul Manz)
Karen Schlabaugh

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Karen Schlabaugh
Audio visual—Ken Lamp

Thank you to the Chancel Bells for bringing us the prelude and worship music Sunday morning! Members are: Suzy Burch, Ben Lichti, Carol Gerbrand, Marlene Ewert, Marlene Faul, Virginia Mininger, Brenda Turner, Janet Lubbers, Nathan Garber, Caleb Garber and director Verlene Garber.

Join Fine Arts Class in the Chapel for Advent sessions following Pastor Joanna’s book, Expecting Emmanuel.

The Week at BCMC: December 15—22, 2024
Sunday, December 15, 2024—Advent 3
9:15 a.m. Prelude     9:30 a.m. Worship: sermon by Joanna Harader
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/IH7yVSyDHq8?feature=share

Tuesday, December 17, 2024
7 p.m.        Women’s Fellowship Christmas Program in the Sanctuary followed
                    by refreshments in the Gathering Place — All are invited!
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, December 19, 2024
5:30 p.m. Faith Formation meeting in Fellowship Hall
6 p.m.       Chancel Bells Rehearsal in Room B7
Sunday, December 22, 2024—Fourth Sunday of Advent
9:15 a.m.     Advent Prelude by Youth    9:30 a.m. Christmas Program Worship
10:30 a.m.   Faith Formation

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

Birthday calendars, great gifts and work well for keeping track of birthdays of family and friends—with photos of BCMC by Weldon Schloneger—are available in the back of the sanctuary for a suggested donation of $10. Checks may be written to BCMC with Women’s Fellowship written in the memo line. Donations will be used for WF ministries.

Pastor Elizabeth Schmidt will be on vacation December 16-22.

Christmas Program for everyone, sponsored by Women’s Fellowship, will be Tues., Dec. 17, at 7 p.m., in the sanctuary.  Will Wiebe-Friesen will provide both organ and piano music plus personal sharing. A reading by Judy Harder. Refreshments following the program in the Gathering Place.

BCMC Offering for Dec. 8: Gen. Fund $10,026; Sr Hi Youth $100; Gen Fund 2025 $25; Caring Fund $100; Jr Hi Fund $100; Flower Fund $10; Kitchen Fund $9.68; Solar Fund $530.

The following is a BCMC financial report of the general fund income and expenses on November 30, 2024 (91.7% of the year).
Total income $427,969 80% of budget
Total expense $454,305 85% of budget
Net income -$26,336          From BCMC Finance Committee

We offer sympathy to the family of Dorothea Janzen. Dorothea (Dotty) died December 12 at Kidron Bethel Village. Dotty was a pastor at BCMC from 1990 to 1997. A memorial for Dotty will likely be held in January at BCMC.

Thank you for all your support, food, flowers, cards/notes, hugs, and love.
This has been a heart wrenching experience we wouldn’t wish on anyone.
Knowing we are not alone helps us through our first Christmas without Kurt.
Gwen Neufeld and the Friesen Family

The Witness Commission has donated money from the excess funds we were given to use for projects beyond our walls to Max Ediger’s School for Peace in Myanmar. Max joined our church several years ago and was instrumental in the foundation of this school. Here is an update on the progress of this school. Attached are photos of the first Max Help classroom which is under construction. Thanks to the contribution of many friends, it is now about 90% complete.
With the money Max Help has received, we can soon begin construction of the first dormitory. This classroom and dormitory are for the high school students who will be graduating in 2026. Once the dormitory is completed, the high school students and their teachers will move to the school site and classes will begin.
Soon we also hope to begin construction of the middle school and primary school buildings. We know that beginning a physical school takes much time and money, but we also know how important it is for students, starting in Kindergarten, to have an education that will help them build a new, unified, and peaceful country.

The congregation is invited to send uplifting notes to be included in the gift bags distributed on Dec. 22. These notes need to be turned in by Dec. 15 in the church mailbox of either Brad Kohlman or Jill Robb. They can also be emailed to Brad at bradkohlman32@gmail.com
Thank you for supporting, encouraging, and loving the children of our congregation!

There will be a congregational meeting on Sun., Jan. 26, during the Sunday School hour in the sanctuary. The meeting will be available through streaming options. An agenda will be available in the near future. The following items will be included on the agenda: The Church Board recommends the approval of Melanie Mueller to the Witness Commission and approval of the 2025 BCMC Budget.

Newton Community for Racial Justice will hold its annual anti-racism training Feb. 13-15, 2025. This is a date change from previous years. Training will be held at the Newton Recreation Center from Thurs. evening, Feb. 13 through Sat. afternoon, Feb. 15. Early Bird registration (until Jan. 3): $300 per participant.
Regular registration (after Jan. 3): $350 per participant. Some scholarships are available.
REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/pXViB4fzH8y3u7WM7
Payment can be made online:  https://www.convergepay.com/hosted-payments?ssl_txn_auth_token=%2Bd%2Fr1xrRRCaZybUyv2z%2FeAAAAZON0fyjV

The current Library Theme is Advent/Christmas. Come on in and find ideas for Christmas activities, devotions, even fiction books set around the holidays. And, if you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift, our committee always has a Wish List. Why not consider giving a book in their honor/memory or purchase one of our puzzles for a suggested donation of $5? As always, Happy Reading/Puzzling!

Let Central Kansas Master Chorale be a part of your Christmas tradition!
Please join us for Christmas with the Chorale, a festive concert with CKMC under the direction of Dr. Joel Garber, and featuring the Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble. This free event will be held Sunday, Dec. 15, 3 p.m., at Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 S Main St., Hesston. For more information, visit the chorale website at www.centralkansasmasterchorale.org.

Night in the Barn December 21 & 22: All are welcome to come and experience the wonder of the Christmas story through its characters, animals, lights, and sounds in an interactive walking tour and live nativity. Come and go from 5-7 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 21 and Sun., Dec. 22 at PatchWork Farms (373 E. 70th, Newton). Hot drinks and Christmas goodies are provided. Donations are welcome. Call 620-345-6867 for more information.

Kauffman Museum invites you to visit during the holidays.  The museum is closed Mondays, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day; open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve; open regular hours Thurs.-Sun. (9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays, 1:30-4:30 p.m. weekends). The current special exhibit is “Unlocking the Past: Immigrant Artifacts and the Stories They Tell.” Permanent exhibits “Of Land and People,” “Mirror of the Martyrs” and “Mennonite Immigrant Furniture.” The museum store is also open during those hours, with books, games, art and other gift items (including from Ten Thousand Villages) for sale; see https://www.kauffmanmuseum.org/museum-store

Music On Site presents Amahl and the Night Visitors, a classic Christmas opera, performed live with singers from around the country. This heartwarming story of a young boy who gives everything to the promised Child will be sure to inspire your holiday season. Free admission, ticket required. Performances:
Thurs., Dec. 19, 7 p.m. McPherson Opera House, 219 S. Main St.
Fri., Dec. 20, 7 p.m. Whitestone Mennonite Church, 629 Crescent Dr., Hesston
Sat., Dec. 21, 2 p.m. Kidron Bethel Village 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton
Sun., Dec. 22, 2 p.m. Westwood Presbyterian Church, 8007 W Maple St., Wichita
See the church bulletin board for ticket information. Or go to: https://www.musiconsite.org/2024-season
(Music On Site, Inc. is a Kansas-based 501(c)(3) music production company that works to close opera’s opportunity gap across socioeconomic divisions by cultivating opera education and appreciation in K-12 students in rural communities, and advancing and promoting the careers of those pursuing a career in opera.)Hesston College Music Department will host a program called Anabaptism at Five Hundred: Hymn Festival Sun., Jan. 19, 2025, 3 p.m., at Hesston Mennonite Church. The Hymn Festival coincides with the 500th anniversary of the first Anabaptist adult baptisms in Zurich, Switzerland in 1525. This event will also celebrate the release of the Anabaptist Community Bible. The public is invited to this community wide celebration that involves singers from surrounding churches, as well as audience participation in the singing of hymns, led by Russell Adrian and Karen Unruh. The core of the program will be historical narrative by Ken Rodgers tracing important hymns and texts throughout the past five centuries.

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

MC USA Climate Justice | Zoom book study
Join MC USA in imagining a sustainable future for ourselves, our children and our planet by participating in an online book study of the compelling and timely book, “So We and Our Children May Live” by Sarah Augustine and Sheri Hostetler. In five sessions (Jan. 16 through Feb.13, 2025), we will engage in discussions in both large and small groups, interact with the authors, and explore how we – and our communities – are called to contribute to creating a more just and vibrant world. Register today!

For the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution Newsletter press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
Mennonite Mission Network Urgent Prayer Request press here

Camp Mennoscah AnnouncementsThe 2025 Summer Youth Camp Schedule for Camp Mennoscah is on the website! There has been a change in age groups for the camps. There are two Junior Camps for those going into grades 6, 7and 8 in the fall of 2025. There is one Junior High Camp for grades 8 and 9. Other age groups remain the same. Registration will open in February 2025. The theme for the 2025 summer is Another Way, looking at how Jesus invites us to re-imagine who we are and to live in another way.
Other events and happenings: Not-here-for-Christmas hoodies! Camp Mennoscah will be selling hoodies available early 2025 by order only. An online order form will be available soon.
The Board of Directors has written a letter regarding the challenges Camp Mennoscah is facing. The letter can be found here .

There are currently materials on hand for 18 of 35 projects remaining on the HVAC renovation at the Retreat Center. Work groups can be of any size (within reason). Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 or Olivia at 316-293-7313 to set up a time for you or your group. If you are interested in working on a weekend, advance notice of two weeks is needed. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping. Willing hands and the ability to follow directions are the only requirements. (Activities for those under 18 are limited and likely not at the Retreat Center.)

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Peaceful Options for Training & Careers, a collaboration between Mennonite Central Committee U.S. and MC USA, presents a pre-recorded webinar resource. In this webinar, hear more about the project from our panelists: Glen Guyton, executive director of MC USA; Joe Roos, chair of POTC and pastor at Peace Mennonite Fellowship; Melissa Atchison, pastor at Manhattan Mennonite Church and a spiritual director, and Titus Peachey, retired peace educator for MCC US and current counselor on the GI Rights hotline. Watch it here: mennoniteusa.org/potc-pre-recorded-webinar

In recognition and celebration of our 15 years of service, Mennonite Church USA’s The Corinthian Plan invites all interested persons who are part of an MC USA congregation to submit a health and/or wellbeing story. Learn more and submit your wellbeing story here: mennoniteusa.org/tcp-wellbeing-stories

Menno Snapshots

Naomi Klassen, a summer 2024 intern with the MC USA Historical Archives, writes about her internship with the MC USA Historical Archives and how she was impacted by the letters written by Lynn Liechty, a Mennonite and World War II non-combatant. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/archives/lynn-liechty

Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, Mennonite Church USA’s denominational minister for Peace and Justice, shares God’s call for us to be peacemakers in the midst of uncertainty, division and a heated election. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/a-season-of-hope

Following the 2024 presidential election, Executive Director Glen Guyton calls us to live out our citizenship in heaven with courage and faith. Read his blog here: mennoniteusa.org/glen-guyton-2024-election

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the Tanzania Mennonite Church, as they begin three days of Sister Care/Compassionate Care seminars on Wednesday. Church leaders Rev. Esther Muhagachi and Rev. John Wambura ask that we join them in praying for God’s spirit to move in powerful ways, to heal trauma and broken relationships.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Pray for refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers who are part of WDC congregations and their communities, that they would experience the presence of Christ through the gifts of hospitality and sharing together.

Bethel College Mennonite Church is an open and affirming congregation
centered in the life and teachings of Jesus. Embracing the divine within each person, we warmly welcome any and all into fellowship without regard to race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability,
economic status, marital status, or age.

December 8, 2024 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
DECEMBER 8, 2024 — 2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
December 8, 2024
Second Sunday of Advent

Prelude Music—Gesù Bambino (Yon; arr. Walters) Ben Lichti-Trumpet
Holy Night/Silent Night   Angelika Donaldson
Hark the Herald Angels Sing—William Eash, Ron Garber, Joe Peters, Weldon Schloneger, Tim Hodge; Verlene Garber, Rebecca Schloneger, violin
The People That Walked in Darkness (Handel)— Doyle and Mary Jo Preheim

Advent Candle Lighting—Beaty and Jim Robb, Gabby and Jake Robb

Scripture Reading—Hebrews 11:29-31

    Litany:
By faith the people passed through the Red Sea.
By faith we come with open hearts.

By faith the walls of Jericho fell.
By faith we offer praise and prayers.

By faith Rahab received the spies in peace.
By faith we gather together for worship.

Lighting the candle of Faith

Welcome & Prayer—Adam Robb

*Hymn—With Mary Sing Magnificat—VT 208

Kin-dom Report—Jill Robb

Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz

Worship Music—Sing We Now of Christmas (arr. Fred Prentice)–Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Joshua 2:1-9, 12-15—Raylene Hinz-Penner, Esther Kreider Eash, Kevin Neufeld, Brad Kohlman

*Hymn—Unexpected and Mysterious—VT 229

Sermon—Rahab: On the Margins—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Comfort, Comfort, O My People—VT 212

Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn–Great is Thy Faithfulness—VT 419

*Benediction

Postlude—Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme [VT 226], (J.S. Bach)
Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ken Lamp

The Week at BCMC: December 8—15, 2024
Sunday, December 8, 2024—Advent 2
9:15 a.m. Prelude     9:30 a.m. Worship: sermon by Nathan Koontz
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation

YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/hq2UC7NknjQ?feature=share
12:30 p.m. Bible Study Class Christmas Dinner at the home of Marlene Faul

Tuesday, December 10, 2024
9 a.m.        Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Room 14
7-9 p.m.     Bethel College Relations Team Study Break for Bethel College
students in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, December 12, 2024
9-11 a.m. Community Playschool Christmas Celebration with Playschool Families in Fellowship Hall
5:15 Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
6 p.m.       Chancel Bells Rehearsal in Room B7
Sunday, December 15, 2024—Third Sunday of Advent
9:15 a.m.     Advent Prelude by Chancel Bells
9:30 a.m.     Worship with sermon by Joanna Harder; music by Chancel Bells
10:30 a.m.   Faith Formation

BCMC Offering for Dec. 1: Gen. Fund $5,117; Kitchen Fund $62; Plant Fund $50; Gen Fund 2025 $250; Caring Fund $100; Library Reserve Fund $10; Flower Fund $40; Solar Fund $550; Clara Koehn Mem. $300.

Join Fine Arts Class in the Chapel for Advent sessions following Pastor Joanna’s book, Expecting Emmanuel. Whether or not you have purchased the book, you are welcome to join and listen, ponder, and share.

Christmas Program for everyone, sponsored by Women’s Fellowship, will be Tues., Dec. 17, at 7 p.m., in the sanctuary. Will Wiebe-Friesen will provide both organ and piano music. Also more to come. Refreshments in the Gathering Place.

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

Birthday calendars – with photos of BCMC by Weldon Schloneger – are available in the back of the sanctuary for a suggested donation of $10. Checks may be written to BCMC with Women’s Fellowship written in the memo line. These birthday calendars are great gifts and work well for keeping track of birthdays of family and friends. Donations will be used for WF ministries.

The finance committee will be working on the 2025 budget next week and would like to thank everyone for sending in the bcmcXpress intent form. We would welcome any who have not yet submitted this form to do so in order for us to have a better picture of our resources for the coming year. Thank you in advance for participating in this process!
The Finance Committee

bcmcXpress 2025
Bethel College Mennonite ChurchbcmcXpress is the stewardship process used at BCMC to discern our individual financial commitment for the upcoming year.

The ministries at BCMC will be supported by the 2025 budget including peace and justice initiatives, outreach, pastoral ministries, youth ministries, faith formation, music programs, congregational care and many more. We ask you to prayerfully consider how you will support these ministries financially along with support for general operations of our physical plant in 2025. Thank you for the gifts you have shared in the past and thank you in advance for your part in creating ministry opportunities in the year to come.

To indicate the contributions you plan to make to the general budget in 2025, please complete and return the online intent form by Monday, November 25. You can access this form by pressing the button below. If you would like a paper copy you can pick one up from the ledge in the Gathering Place or call the church office.

For the online form press this button

bcmcXpress Form

Information from the intent forms is used to help determine the budget for 2025. BCMC’s Church Board will recommend a final budget for approval at the congregational meeting in January 2025.

May we, as a church family, look upon the coming year with gratitude for all we have been given. May we also seek new ways to reach out to the community around us and to share support and care for each other’s lives. Your financial giving helps BCMC explore the path God lays out before us.

Thank you for participating in our stewardship process for 2025!

In Christ,
BCMC Finance Committee

If you plan to give via the electronic transfer system in 2025, please make a request via email to BCMC Financial Manager Michael Claassen – treasurer@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
This is separate from the online giving option found on the website.

For the 2025 Budget Information for Bethel College Mennonite Church (the budget narrative) click the button. If you would like a paper copy of the 2025 Budget Narrative, you can pick one up from the ledge in the Gathering Place or call the church office. Paper copies of the 2025 Intent Form are also on the ledge in the Gathering Place.

2025 Budget Information

Bethel College Announcements
· Sun., Dec. 8: David Janzen will read from and sign his book, Once Upon a Time There Was a Three-Year-Old Grandpa, 3 p.m. at Kauffman Museum. Janzen is a long-time member of Reba Place Fellowship in Evanston, IL, and the book is a memoir-like collection of stories and anecdotes. Copies will be available in the museum store.
· Sun., Dec. 8: 39th annual Lighting of the Green, 8 p.m. on the Bethel College campus
· Kauffman Museum at Bethel College seeks a visitor service and education coordinator. This is a part-time (50%) position for an organized, detail-oriented, curious and friendly person to work with visitors, school groups, volunteers, student staff, and scheduling. For a job description and to apply, visit https://www.kauffmanmuseum.org/vsc For more information, contact Andi Schmidt Andres at asa@bethelks.edu or 316-283-1612.

The Annual Christmas Brass Concert will be held at the Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Sun., Dec. 8, 7 p.m.. Come join a Great evening of Brass Music with the McPherson Brass and the Goessel Elbiata Singers as well as enjoying audience participation in singing of familiar Christmas Carols. A free will offering with support the ministries of the Goessel Ministerial Alliance. 1304 K KS-15, Goessel, KS

Let Central Kansas Master Chorale be a part of your Christmas tradition!
Please join us for Christmas with the Chorale, a festive concert with CKMC under the direction of Dr. Joel Garber, and featuring the Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble. This free event will be held at 3 p.m., Sun., Dec. 15 at Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 S Main St., Hesston. For more information, visit the chorale website at www.centralkansasmasterchorale.org.

Music On Site presents Amahl and the Night Visitors, a classic Christmas opera, performed live with singers from around the country. This heartwarming story of a young boy who gives everything to the promised Child will be sure to inspire your holiday season. Free admission, ticket required. Performances:
Thurs., Dec. 19, 7 p.m. McPherson Opera House, 219 S. Main St.
Fri., Dec. 20, 7 p.m. Whitestone Mennonite Church, 629 Crescent Dr., Hesston
Sat., Dec. 21, 2 p.m. Kidron Bethel Village 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton
Sun., Dec. 22, 2 p.m. Westwood Presbyterian Church, 8007 W Maple St., Wichita
See the church bulletin board for ticket information. Or go to: https://www.musiconsite.org/2024-season
(Music On Site, Inc. is a Kansas-based 501(c)(3) music production company that works to close opera’s opportunity gap across socioeconomic divisions by cultivating opera education and appreciation in K-12 students in rural communities, and advancing and promoting the careers of those pursuing a career in opera.)

Newton Community for Racial Justice will hold its annual anti-racism training Feb. 13-15, 2025. This is a date change from previous years. Training will be held at the Newton Recreation Center from Thurs. evening, Feb. 13 through Sat. afternoon, Feb. 15. Early Bird registration (until Jan. 3): $300 per participant. Regular registration (after Jan. 3): $350 per participant. Some scholarships are available. Registration link and more details to come.

Hesston College Music Department will host a program called Anabaptism at Five Hundred: Hymn Festival Sun., Jan. 19, 2025, 3 p.m., at Hesston Mennonite Church. The Hymn Festival coincides with the 500th anniversary of the first Anabaptist adult baptisms in Zurich, Switzerland in 1525. This event will also celebrate the release of the Anabaptist Community Bible. The public is invited to this community wide celebration that involves singers from surrounding churches, as well as audience participation in the singing of hymns, led by Russell Adrian and Karen Unruh. The core of the program will be historical narrative by Ken Rodgers tracing important hymns and texts throughout the past five centuries.

Western District Conference (MC USA) Israel-Palestine Task Force invites you to a book discussion group Feb. 25, 7 p.m. CST held on Zoom. We will be reading Apeirogon by Colum McCann, an award winning author who writes a book of tiny chapters, each one a breath, a feeling, a story. An apeirogon is a polygon with an observably infinite number of sides. The book is based on the real life experiences of two friends, an Israeli who opposes the occupation and a Palestinian who studies the Holocaust. They meet in a parent grief support group, as both have tragically lost their daughters. Their stories and their peace work buoy the heart as the book goes on a journey through love, loss, reflection, and hope. As you read, note the connections between the stories and the theme of ending the occupation in Palestine. To register, email wdc@mennowdc.org, and a Zoom link will be sent out.

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

Camp Mennoscah – Reserve your tasty verenike casserole meal here! Deadline is December 9. The meal consists of verenike casserole, seasoned green beans, zweiback, and fruit crisp. Camp feeds your soul and this favorite youth camp meal will feed your belly! Meals will be available for pick up or eat in on Saturday, December 14, at Faith Mennonite Church between 5:30 – 6:30pm. Call 620-297-3290 with questions. Get ready for the last busy days before Christmas with a meal you didn’t have to prepare!

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

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Season Two of MC USA’s “Lead/Follow” podcast for pastors and leaders has finished! This season focuses on reimagining church. Watch new episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple or Spotify! Watch or listen here: mennoniteusa.org/leadfollow/ View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/lead-follow-season-2-pdf View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/lead-follow-season-2-slide

“What is the most important skill of a competent pastor?” That’s what Michael Danner and Rachel Ringenberg Miller of MC USA’s Church Vitality department ask pastors in their new podcast, “The Competent Pastor.” Learn about this new podcast specifically for pastors here: mennoniteusa.org/the-competent-pastor View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/slide/competent-pastor View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/slide/pp-comp-pastor

The Corinthian Plan open enrollment dates are Nov. 1-Dec. 31, 2024, with a start date of Jan. 1, 2025. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/learn-more-tcp

Join us for a transformative celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Damascus Road anti-racism process and its pivotal role in the Anabaptist commitment to justice and reconciliation. Co-hosted by MC USA’s Hope for the Future, this special event will gather BIPOC leaders and white allies who are actively engaged in the ongoing work of confronting and dismantling racism in the church. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/hftf-2025-register

Menno SnapshotsRev. Dr. Jacob Cook, assistant professor of Christian ethics at Eastern Mennonite Seminary and co-director for the Shalom Collaboratory, challenges church communities to accept conflict as an everyday part of living in community with other imperfect people and use it as a constructive force. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/navigating-everyday-conflicts

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Join Mennonite Mission Network in praying for Odesa Theological Seminary in Ukraine. Professors are adapting curricula to the changing needs of a society traumatized by prolonged war. Pray for the students, who are immediately putting into practice what they learn in their courses about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and crisis counseling and as they share the healing love of Christ.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for those who serve on WDC Commissions, and pray for them as they guide ministries that sustain pastors and other ministers, provide resources for congregations, and support church planting partnerships in our conference.

Bethel College Mennonite Church is an open and affirming congregation
centered in the life and teachings of Jesus. Embracing the divine within each person, we warmly welcome any and all into fellowship without regard to race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital status, or age.

December 1, 2024 worship and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
DECEMBER 1, 2024 — 1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
December 1, 2024
First Sunday of Advent

Prelude Music—What Child Is This [VT 267]; Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming [VT 216]
In Lonely Mountain Ways [VT589]; Hark, I Hear The Harps Eternal (arr. Alice Parker)
Open Road

Advent Candle Lighting— Dale & Margo Schrag; Mara & Adam Oswald

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 40:27-31

Litany:
Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Holy One is the everlasting God,
Creator of heaven and earth.

God’s every flows through the world
even when we are bone-tired.
God’s power gives strength
to the vulnerable and weak.

Do you not know? Have you not heard?
When we wait on the Holy One,
God will renew our strength.
We shall run! We shall fly!
We shall walk boldly together
toward the promises of God.

Lighting the candle of Hope

Land Acknowledgement, Welcome & Prayer—Adam Robb

*Hymn—Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus—VT 218

Children’s Conversation—Jill Robb

Worship Music— Nearer, My God, To Thee (arr. James L. Stevens)—
Open Road

Scripture Reading—Genesis 38:1-27—Esther Kreider Eash, Raylene Hinz Penner, Brad Kohlman, Kevin Neufeld

*Hymn—There is a Line of Women—VT 546

Sermon—Tamar: Advent Waiting—Joanna Harader

*Hymn—Poor of the Earth—VT 213

Communion—Nathan Koontz, Joanna Harader

Prayers of God’s People—Adam Robb

*Hymn—My Soul Proclaims with Wonder—VT 222

*Benediction

Postlude— O Come, O Come Emmanuel  (Held)—Verlene Garber

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

Join Fine Arts Class in the Chapel for Advent sessions following Pastor Joanna’s book, Expecting Emmanuel. Whether or not you have purchased the book, you are welcome to join and listen, ponder, and share.

The Week at BCMC: December 1—8, 2024
Sunday, December 1, 2024—Advent 1
9:15 a.m. Prelude by Open Road. 9:30 a.m. Worship: sermon by Joanna Harader 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
Attendants in Nursery today: Megan Kohlman & Margaret Toews
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/Ep7rbW4DUpk?feature=share

Monday, December 2, 2024
7-9 p.m.   Messiah Sing Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
11 a.m.     Messiah Sing in the Sanctuary—hosted by Bethel College
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, December 5, 2024
5:15 p.m. Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bells Rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.        Church Board meeting in Room 14
Friday, December 6, 2024
11 a.m.      Memorial service for Kurt Friesen in the Sanctuary
Saturday, December 7, 2024
8:30—11 a.m. Community Playschool Staff Christmas Brunch in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, December 8, 2024—Second Sunday of Advent
9:15 a.m.     Advent Prelude by BCMC musicians
9:30 a.m.     Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Choir
10:30 a.m.   Faith Formation

BCMC Offering for Nov. 24: Gen. Fund $5,579.50; Wed. Supper $215.55; Caring Fund $500; Flower Fund $180; Kitchen Fund $13; Women’s Fellowship $759; Solar Fund $500.

For a BCMC Advent and Christmas Schedule press here
There are also copies of this schedule available in the south entrance on the glass table.

Worship Commission thanks those who have participated in worship services this year with children’s conversation, scripture reading, worship leading. A special thanks to William Eash, Dale Schrag, Adam Robb, and Lois Preheim who each spent several months as the volunteer Worship Coordinator, matching persons with worship tasks. Additional thanks goes to all who worked with banners and visuals, audio visuals, ushering, music-making and more — to make worship at BCMC integrated and vibrant.

Dear church family,
Over the next two weeks, many of the Friesen and Neufeld family members will be gathering to remember Kurt’s life and grieve his loss. The family would appreciate any gifts of food especially on the following days:
Dec 2 and Dec 4
Please text 316 393-7964 to let them know what you are bringing.
Thanks so much. Pastoral Staff.

Going Beyond Land Acknowledgement:
Give the beautiful illustrated new book, The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer, Potawatomi scientist and author of Braiding Sweetgrass, to everyone you know this Christmas and spread the word on the back cover: “All flourishing is mutual.” The little book’s beautiful cover of birds and red berries looks like Christmas and its message is restorative: “Serviceberries show us another model, one based upon reciprocity rather than accumulation, where wealth and security come from the quality of our relationships, not from the illusion of self-sufficiency.”

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

Birthday calendars – with photos of BCMC by Weldon Schloneger – are available in the back of the sanctuary on Sunday for a suggested donation of $10. Checks may be written to BCMC with Women’s Fellowship written in the memo line. These birthday calendars are great gifts and work well for keeping track of birthdays of family and friends. Donations will be used for WF ministries.

Lauren Friesen will have a book signing at the Carriage Factory Art Gallery on Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. His “Prairie Lands, Private Landscapes” and “Theatre and Aesthetics” will be available for signing.

A note from APRC: As a safety measure, the outside doors to the church building will be locked when anyone is alone in the building. We ask that you enter through the north door by the church office where a note will be posted with the office phone number. You may call the church office to let you in. Thank you for your understanding,
Abuse Prevention and Response Committee

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Reserve your tasty verenike casserole meal here! Camp Mennoscah is holding a Verenike Casserole fundraiser on December 14th at 5:30pm to support the many aspects of camping ministry! Your donations will help campers and guests “Build on the Rock and Play in the Sand!” The meal consists of verenike casserole, seasoned green beans, zweiback, and fruit crisp. Camp feeds your soul and this favorite youth camp meal will feed your belly!

Meals will be available for pick-up or dine-in at Faith Mennonite Church between 5:30-6:30pm on December 14th. A whole pan of verenike casserole is also available for reservation (no sides, ~12 servings). Suggested donation of $20 per meal or $40 per pan.

Other events and happenings:
A huge basket of gratitude and thanks to the group of volunteers from Hope Mennonite Church who worked on the Retreat Center HVAC project! There are more tasks to be done and your gift of time is valuable to Camp Mennoscah’s ministry.

The Board of Directors has written a letter regarding the challenges Camp Mennoscah is facing. The letter can be found here.
There are currently materials on hand for 18 of 35 projects remaining on the HVAC renovation at the Retreat Center. Work groups can be of any size (within reason). Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 or Olivia at 316-293-7313 to set up a time for you or your group. If you are interested in working on a weekend, advance notice of two weeks is needed. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping. Willing hands and the ability to follow directions are the only requirements. (Activities for those under 18 are limited and likely not at the Retreat Center.)
Giving Tuesday is December 3! You can also be part of Jesus’ work at Camp Mennoscah through prayer, volunteering, or financial gifts. Your gifts support summer youth camps, the comfort and enjoyment of guest groups, and care of the facilities. Give online at campmennoscah.org through the Donate Here button or send to Camp Mennoscah.

Bethel College Announcements
· Sun., Dec. 1: Celebrate Museum Store Sunday at Kauffman Museum, 1:30-4:30 p.m. At 3 p.m., there will be a German Christmas singalong (Deutsche Weihnachtslieder) with William Eash, Merle Schlabaugh and Karen Bauman Schlabaugh in the museum auditorium. BYOP (bring your own peppernuts/pfeffernusse).
· Last chance to see “The Pandemic Portraits,” works by Nicholas Hill, which closes Fri., Dec. 6, Regier Art Gallery. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Tues., Dec. 3: Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Wed., Dec. 4: Singalong to Christmas portions of Handel’s Messiah, 11 a.m., with chamber orchestra and soloists, Bethel College Mennonite Church. Scores provided.
· Thurs., Dec. 5: Gala Jazz, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· Sat., Dec. 7: Kauffman Museum bird walk, 8 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets (2801 N. Main St., North Newton 67117). Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail.
· Sat., Dec. 7: Five Places of Christmas, featuring Kauffman Museum and the Bethel College Women’s Association at Goerz House, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Other locations are Carriage Factory Gallery, Harvey County Historical Museum and Warkentin House, all in Newton.
– Sun., Dec. 8: David Janzen will read from and sign his book, Once Upon a Time There Was a Three-Year-Old Grandpa, 3 p.m. at Kauffman Museum. Janzen is a long-time member of Reba Place Fellowship in Evanston, Ill., and the book is a memoir-like collection of stories and anecdotes. Copies will be available in the museum store.
– Sun., Dec. 8: 39th annual Lighting of the Green, 8 p.m. on the Bethel College campus

All bakers and craft makers are invited to make items for 5 Places of Christmas which will be Sat., Dec. 7, from 10 a.m.—3 p.m. at Goerz House, Bethel College. Bethel College Women’s Association will again be selling baked goods, candy, craft items and poinsettias. Your homemade cookies, zwiebach, cinnamon rolls, peppernuts and poppyseed rolls are always great sellers. This year we are especially asking for homemade candies such as fudge, peanut clusters, peanut butter balls and peanut brittle as well as other non-chocolate candies. We are also looking for Christmas craft items to sell. Please bring your items to Goerz House on Friday, December 6, from 2-5 p.m. or on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9:30-10 a.m. Thank you for your support of Bethel College.

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Announcements
· MCC Open House, Tues., Dec. 3 from 2 p.m.—4 p.m. All are welcome to come see the updated space at MCC Central States, 121 E. 30th St, North Newton, mcc.org/open-house. Bring your Christmas shopping list to get your alternative Christmas gifts purchased from our tree. Visit with MCC staff, get a tour while you enjoy some snacks. We can’t wait to see you at the Open House!
· Giving Tuesday at MCC, Tues., Dec. 3 from 6:30 p.m.—8 p.m. This annual all-ages event is focused on service and fellowship and will kick off your holiday season! Please bring new dark colored hand towels with you – the more you bring, the more hygiene kits we can pack! There will be Christmas cards to write in and comforters to tie AND snacks to enjoy. What a great way to give back on Giving Tuesday! mcc.org/giving-Tuesday
· Yule love this! Join us for a live, online event Dec. 3, 11 a.m. CST as we take you behind the scenes of MCC’s Christmas Giving Guide. Discover the impact behind each gift and how your generosity makes a difference. Learn more and register to join this event at mcc.org/yule-love-this.

Newton Community for Racial Justice will hold its annual anti-racism training Feb. 13-15, 2025. This is a date change from previous years. Training will be held at the Newton Recreation Center from Thurs. evening, Feb. 13 through Sat. afternoon, Feb. 15. Early Bird registration (until Jan. 3): $300 per participant. Regular registration (after Jan. 3): $350 per participant. Some scholarships are available. Registration link and more details to come.

THANK YOU to the congregation for the tremendous support at the recent Habitat for Humanity pork chop dinner fundraiser. It was a great success thanks in no small part to your generosity. If you weren’t able to join us for pork chops but would still like to support Harvey County Habitat for Humanity, donations can be mailed to: PO Box 1015, Newton, KS 67114.

Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Holiday Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sat., Dec. 7, at Kidron Hall, 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton. The event features local artisans selling handmade items, gifts and baked goods. Proceeds benefit the Kidron Bethel Village Health Care Benevolent Fund, which assists residents who, due to unforeseen circumstances, are unable to cover the full costs of their care.

The Newton Treble Clef Annual Vespers is Sunday, Dec. 1,, 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 900 Columbus, Newton. Prelude begins at 2:45 p.m. with Connie Rickard, saxophone. Program includes: Treble Clef Chorus, Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble, and the Schrag Siblings. A freewill offering will be taken for the scholarship fund that is awarded to high school seniors who are pursuing a music major. Be our guest and begin your Christmas season.

Announcement for Volunteers at EtCetera Shop: Mon., Dec. 2, from 7-9 p.m. EtCetera is hosting an evening just for YOU, their WONDERFUL volunteers! The store will be open just for volunteers to shop at 50% off the entire store. Snacks and drinks will be available for your leisure! Be sure to use the back door.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
For Western District Conference Giving Tuesday link press here

For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

Mennonite Church USA’s Climate Justice Ministry has awarded the 2024 Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund grants to four congregations: Covenant Mennonite Fellowship, Sarasota, Florida; Roanoke Mennonite Church, Eureka, Illinois; Zion Mennonite Church, Hubbard, Oregon, and Zion Mennonite Church, Souderton, Pennsylvania. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/net-zero-grant-awarded
Join MC USA’s Climate Justice Coordinator Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler in imagining a sustainable future for ourselves, our children, and our planet by participating in an online book study of the compelling and timely book, “So We and Our Children May Live” by Sarah Augustine and Sheri Hostetler. Drawing from Scripture, science, Indigenous wisdom, and personal stories, the authors invite us to open our hearts and our culture to deep, Spirit-led transformation. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/climate-justice-book-study

You are invited to participate in Follow Jesus 25 by submitting ideas for seminars. The submission deadline is December 6, 2024. MC USA is seeking a good mix of seminars, oriented to youth or adult audiences. Submit your ideas here: mennoniteusa.org/follow-jesus-25-seminar-proposal

Join the Global Anabaptist Bible Read-a-thon! This is your opportunity to take part in a once-every-500-year moment of unity and faith! MennoMedia’s Anabaptism at 500 is collaborating with Mennonite World Conference in this extraordinary event as 500 voices will join together to read through the entire Bible – from Genesis to Revelation – in multiple languages. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/global-anabaptist-bible-read-a-thon

Menno Snapshots

Olivia Krall, archives coordinator for MC USA, writes about the MC USA Archives’ Community Peacemakers Team collection and a new donation of archival materials from a CPT alumnus that tells the story of the 1997 “Rebuilders Against Bulldozers” campaign in Hebron. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/archives-cpt

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Today, Mennonite Mission Network’s Anchorage (Alaska) Service Adventure unit is participating in a community performance of Handel’s Messiah. Pray for leader Samir Knego and participants Samuel Landis, Briana Nyveldt, Armando Perez and Aviva Setiawan as they worship and share the good news of Jesus’ birth, ministry and salvation offered to all people.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for pastors, musicians, artists, teachers and worship leaders in WDC congregations, as they shape worship and other special activities during the special seasons of Advent and Christmas.

November 24, 2024 worship and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY,
November 24, 2024–Thanksgiving Sunday

Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20 a.m., 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/qptQnR9NMDc?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 24, 2024
Thanksgiving

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Morning Has Broken [VT 495] (arr. R. Lau)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome & Prayer—VT 864—Megan Kohlman, Addison Zerger

*Hymn—Come Away from Rush and Hurry— VT 9

Children’s Conversation—George Leary & BCMC Youth Group

Worship Music—Cum Sancto Spiritu (Antonio Vivaldi)
Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist Chancel Choir

Scripture Reading— Joel 2:21-27; Matthew 6:25-33—Lee Suderman

*Hymn—Sometimes a Light Surprises— VT 618—Rebecca Schloneger, violin

Sermon—Thanksgiving, Poetry & the Sun—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Nothing Is Lost on the Breath of GodI—VT 653

Prayers of God’s People—Heather Zerger, Lily Schloneger

*Hymn—For the Fruit of All Creation—VT 124—(People with November birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal)

*Birthday Blessing & Benediction

Postlude—Now Thank We All Our God (J.S. Bach/Virgil Fox)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ken Lamp

Today’s choir anthem is the final movement from Vivaldi’s Gloria, a setting of the fourth century hymn text Gloria in excelsis Deo. This movement’s text, Cum Sancto Spiritu in gloria Dei Patris, amen, is translated: With the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father, amen. The postlude is derived from Bach’s cantata Nun danket alle Gott (Now Thank We All Our God, VT 114). This setting of the hymn, arranged by the American organist Virgil Fox (1912-1980), was made popular through Fox’s flamboyant organ, smoke, and light shows of the 1970’s. Perhaps not the most authentic Bach, it remains an enthusiastic presentation of this hymn of thanksgiving.

The Week at BCMC: November 24—December 1, 2024
Sunday, November 24, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship: sermon by Nathan Koontz —10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
Attendants in Nursery today: Barb Voran and Joanna Harader.
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/qptQnR9NMDc?feature=share

Tuesday, November 26, 2024
4 p.m.         Worship Commission meeting by Zoom
Wednesday, November 27, 2024—No Chancel Choir Rehearsal Tonight
Thursday, November 28, 2024—Happy Thanksgiving!
No Chancel Bell Rehearsal Tonight—Church office closed and church will be locked
Friday, November 29, 2024—Church office will be closed
Sunday, December 1, 2024—First Sunday of Advent
9:15 a.m.     Prelude by Open Road (Open Road is an a cappella men’s ensemble from Bethel College)
9:30 a.m.     Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader
10:30 a.m.   Faith Formation

The Repair Coalition has asked us to remember, as we come upon Thanksgiving time, how our families have benefitted from past and present colonization, access to originally Indigenous lands, and how we continue to benefit from colonization today. Check the poster, “How To Be An Ally to Indigenous Peoples,” which offers us some great ally practices beginning with “Care for the Earth: Give Thanks Frequently.” Talk about the suggestions at your Thanksgiving table.

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. 24. 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. Contributors may pick up a poinsettia Dec. 24 after the 4:30 p.m. Christmas program or after the 11 p.m. program; or, if you can, leave them for the service on Dec. 29.

Next Sunday is the first Sunday in the Advent season. As BCMC has done in the past, there will be no centering music; instead, during Advent, there will be an extended prelude beginning at 9:15 a.m. December 1: Open Road from Bethel College; December 8: BCMC musicians; December 15: BCMC Bell Choir; December 22: BCMC young people. Come early to hear music to prepare us for the Christmas season!

To put on your calendar:
· Don’t forget to fill out your bcmcXpress on-line intent form. If you prefer, there are paper copies on the ledge in the Gathering Place.
· Jan. 25, 2025  Leadership Retreat (more details to come later)

BCMC Offering for Nov. 17: Gen. Fund $8,682; Wed. Supper $304; Caring Fund $841.50; Flower Fund $20; Kitchen Fund $7; Mission Quilters $187.60

The Deacons Commission invites you to donate to the BCMC Caring Fund budget.  A fishbowl will be available for your donation in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your continued support. The Deacons Commission

Peace Pole Dedication We will be dedicating our newly renovated peace pole on December 1 between worship and Sunday school. Please dress warm and come to the northwest corner of the BCMC property for a short litany and photo opportunity as we bear witness to peace in our community and around the world. May peace prevail.

Invitation to join Fine Arts class for Advent!  Starting on December 1, the Fine Arts class will be following the Sunday School/small group materials in Pastor Joanna’s book, Expecting Emmanuel. Fine Arts class meets in Room 22. Kindly inform Elizabeth Schmidt if you plan to join so that we can accommodate group size.

The Library Theme until the end of November is Immigration. When we chose this theme several months ago, the Committee felt that this would be a timely topic and it turns out to be even more so since the election. These books are on the east wall behind the library desk. We also have several new titles on our Recent Shelving on the west wall. Please come in and check us out. And, don’t forget that we still have many puzzles for your puzzling pleasure with a suggested donation of $5.

Bethel College Announcements:
· Sun., Nov. 24: Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program, “Diversity and Complexity in Indian Kansas,” Eric Anderson, Haskell Indian Nations University, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium
· Sun., Dec. 1: Celebrate Museum Store Sunday at Kauffman Museum, 1:30
4:30 p.m. At 3 p.m., there will be a German Christmas singalong (Deutsche
Weihnachtslieder) with William Eash, Merle Schlabaugh and Karen Bauman
Schlabaugh In the museum auditorium. BYOP (bring your own peppernuts
(pfeffernusse).
· Tues., Dec. 3: Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin,
   7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
·  Wed., Dec. 4: Singalong to Christmas portions of Handel’s Messiah, 11
   a.m., with chamber orchestra and soloists, Bethel College Mennonite
Church. Scores provided.
· Thurs., Dec. 5: Gala Jazz, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7:30 p.m., Krehbiel
   Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Sat., Dec. 7: Five Places of Christmas, featuring Kauffman Museum and the
Bethel College Women’s Association at Goerz House, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Other
locations are Carriage Factory Gallery, Harvey County Historical Museum
and Warkentin House, all in Newton.
· Sun., Dec. 8: 37th annual Lighting of the Green, 8 p.m. on the Bethel
College campus
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College: “The Pandemic Portraits,” works by Nicholas Hill, through Dec. 7. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.

Bake Sale items are needed for the “Friends of Kidron Holiday Market, Sat., Dec. 7, 9 a.m.—1 p.m. They are asking for donations for the Friends of Kidron bake sale booth. Popular items are cinnamon/pecan rolls, coffee cakes, breads, cakes, zwiebach, pies, cookies, cupcakes, muffins, jelly/jam, candy/fudge, and other sweets. Please drop off the baked goods Fri., Dec. 6 in Kidron Hall from 9 to 4 p.m. or Sat., Dec. 7 at 8 a.m. All proceeds benefit the Kidron Health Care Benevolent Fund.

Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Holiday Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sat., Dec. 7, at Kidron Hall, 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton. The event features local artisans selling handmade items, gifts and baked goods. Proceeds benefit the Kidron Bethel Village Health Care Benevolent Fund, which assists residents who, due to unforeseen circumstances, are unable to cover the full costs of their care.

The Newton Treble Clef Annual Vespers will be Sun., Dec. 1, 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 900 Columbus, Newton. Prelude begins at 2:45 p.m. with Connie Rickard, saxophone. Program includes: Treble Clef Chorus, Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble, and the Schrag Siblings. A freewill offering will be taken for the scholarship fund that is awarded to high school seniors who are pursuing a music major. Be our guest and begin your Christmas season.

All bakers and craft makers are invited to make items for 5 Places of Christmas which will be Sat., Dec. 7, from 10 a.m.—3 p.m. at Goerz House, Bethel College. Bethel College Women’s Association will again be selling baked goods, candy, craft items and poinsettias. Your homemade cookies, zwiebach, cinnamon rolls, peppernuts and poppyseed rolls are always great sellers. This year we are especially asking for homemade candies such as fudge, peanut clusters, peanut butter balls and peanut brittle as well as other non-chocolate candies. We are also looking for Christmas craft items to sell. Please bring your items to Goerz House on Friday, December 6, from 2-5 p.m. or on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9:30-10 a.m. Thank you for your support of Bethel College.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

The Verenike Meal has returned! Save the date for a tasty verenike casserole meal on Saturday, December 14, at Faith Mennonite Church at 5:30pm. Meals will be pick up or delivery. A reservation form will be available soon.

Other events and happenings:

The Board of Directors has written a letter regarding the challenges Camp Mennoscah is facing. The letter can be found here.
Giving Tuesday is December 3! From the widow’s two coins to Zaccheus giving half his possessions to the men who lowered a sick person through the roof to Jesus, each person contributed to Jesus’ ministering. You can also be part of Jesus’ work at Camp Mennoscah through prayer, volunteering, or financial gifts. Your gifts support summer youth camps, the comfort and enjoyment of guest groups, and care of the facilities. Give online at campmennoscah.org through the Donate Here button or send to Camp Mennoscah.
There are currently materials on hand for 18 of 35 projects remaining on the HVAC renovation at the Retreat Center. Work groups can be of any size (within reason). Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 or Olivia at 316-293-7313 to set up a time for you or your group. If you are interested in working on a weekend, advance notice of two weeks is needed. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping. Willing hands and the ability to follow directions are the only requirements. (Activities for those under 18 are limited and likely not at the Retreat Center.)

Save the Date!The 2025 Western District Conference Annual Assembly will beAug 8-9, 2025 at Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston, KS. Along with others around the globe, next year at Assembly we plan to celebrate 500 years of Anabaptism. Please add this to your calendar and plan to join us!

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

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Announcements
A big thank you to all who donated money and or volunteered labor for this year’s Mennonite Central Committee meat canning project. The amount of $4,575 has been given so far this year for meat canning.
— Lowell Stucky, BCMC representative for MCC Meat Canning

· MCC Borderlands Peace Camp, Jan. 19-25, 2025 Young adults, ages 18-30, are invited to join MCC in El Paso, TX and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico in January. This MCC Peace Camp will explore topics of peace and justice through the lens of migration, including the Biblical mandate of hospitality. Find out more and register by January 5 at mcc.org/borderlands-peace-camp.
· Serving And Learning Together (SALT) applications now open for 2025! Each year, MCC offers 80+ unique opportunities to serve with our local partners working for relief, development and peace around the world. Explore the numerous possibilities that match your passions, skills, and experience. If you’re between the ages of 18-30, the SALT program might be the epic adventure you’ve been waiting for. Check it out at mcc.org/salt
· MCC Open House, 121 E. 30th St., North Newton, Tues., Dec. 3 from 2 p.m.—4 p.m. All are welcome to come see the updated space at MCC Central States in North Newton. Bring your Christmas shopping list to get your alternative Christmas gifts purchased from our tree, visit with MCC staff, and get a tour while you enjoy some snacks. mcc.org/open-house
· Giving Tuesday at MCC, Tues., Dec. 3 from 6:30 p.m.—8 p.m. This annual evening of service will kick off your holiday season! It is an all-ages event focused on service and fellowship. Please bring new dark colored hand towels with you – the more you bring, the more hygiene kits we can pack. There will be Christmas cards to write in and comforters to tie and snacks to enjoy. A great way to give back on Giving Tuesday! mcc.org/giving-Tuesday
· Yule love this! Join us for a live, online event Dec. 3, 11 a.m. CST as we take you behind the scenes of MCC’s Christmas Giving Guide. Discover the impact behind each gift and how your generosity makes a difference. Learn more and register to join this event at mcc.org/yule-love-this.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News from around the world” press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
For Mennonite Church USA “Giving Tuesday” (December 3) press here

For “Anabaptist World” Special Issue 500 Years of Anabaptism press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA convention planners have released the tentative event schedule and learning track descriptions for next year’s convention, Follow Jesus ’25, which will take place July 8-12, 2025, at Koury Convention Center, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/schedule-seminar-followjesus25

Call for blogs! Members of MC USA who were not raised in a Mennonite tradition or people who grew up in MC USA but feel that they have actively chosen to remain Mennonite as they grew into their faith are invited to submit a 500-900 word “Menno by Choice” blog about why they have actively chosen to be a Mennonite. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/form-choice-request View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/choice-slide View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/choice-blog-slide

Menno Snapshots

On the one-year anniversary of the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war, Oct. 7, Amy Yoder McGloughlin, conference minister for Allegheny Mennonite Conference, reflected on how the imagery of Rachel’s tears applies to the current war. Read her reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/anniversary-israel-hamas-war

Paula Holtzinger, a graduate of Eastern Mennonite University’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, provides insight on how to effectively handle conflict, through listening, leaning in and utilizing resources. Read her thoughts here: mennoniteusa.org/listening-leaning-in

MC USA, Executive Office Manager, Elkhart, Indiana (full-time, onsite)
MC USA is seeking an Executive Office Manager for the Elkhart office to provide administrative assistance to the associate executive directors and administrative support to the Executive Board, Constituency Leaders Council and the Delegate Assembly. View the job description here. To request an application form, contact HR@MennoniteUSA.org or call 574-343-1310.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: On Thanksgiving Day, Joseph and Rachel Givens, who are serving with Mennonite Mission Network, will continue a tradition of gathering the guests of Maria Skobtsova House and the other houses of refuge around Calais, France, for a meal. Pray that on this day, God’s love will be shown, so that people fleeing violence may find community and people who are hungry may eat their fill.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: During this Thanksgiving Season, give thanks for the amazing church planting opportunities. Give thanks for the pastors & lay leaders who are ministering to the needs of people & building communities of faith, & for the many ways WDC supports them. Give thanks for the many who provide resources of finances, vision & time to the efforts of church planting. -WDC Church Planting Commission

November 17, 2024 worship and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY,
November 17, 2024

Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 17, 2024

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—We Gather Together (Raney)—Chancel Bells, Verlene Garber, director

Welcome & Prayer—Karen Ediger

*Hymn—”Could It Be That God Is Singing”—VT 42

Children’s Conversation—Jeanette Leary

Worship Music—Acclamation of Praise (Raney)—Chancel Bells

*Hymn—God of the Fertile Fields—VT 750

Scripture Reading—Luke 16:1-13—Judy Kliewer and Naomi Koontz

Sermon—Serving God, Not the Economy”—Joanna Harader

*Hymn—”God Whose Giving—VT 745

Prayers of God’s People—Karen Ediger

*Hymn—”People That on Earth Do Dwell”—VT 5

*Benediction

Postlude—Allegro (J.S. Bach)—Karen Schlabaugh

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

The Week at BCMC: November 17—November 24, 2024
Sunday, November 17, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship: sermon by Joanna Harader —10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
Attendants in Nursery today: Adah Hodge, Mara Oswald, Kevin Neufeld
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/3R0UK8Wn5GY?feature=share

Sunday, November 17: 3 p.m.   Newton Chorale and Newton Community Children’s Choir Concert in the Sanctuary — All are invited!

Tuesday, November 19, 2024
6 p.m.      Women’s Fellowship General Meeting in Fellowship Hall with meal. (By reservation)
Wednesday, November 20, 2024—Last Wednesday Night Supper
6 p.m.       Wednesday night supper in Fellowship Hall—PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TABLEWARE—BRING A BOWL FOR SOUP—Menu: Italian Wedding Soup, Garlic breadsticks, Salad, Pumpkin dump cake
Please plan to join us for the last Wednesday night supper and a program on November 20. The meal will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a program on “Exploring our Voices Together.”
Our final Wednesday evening program this fall will be a hymn sing! Bring your song requests and your willingness to make a joyful noise.

Wednesday, November 20: 7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary

Thursday, November 21, 2024
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bells rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.       Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14

Sunday, November 24, 2024—Thanksgiving Sunday
9:30 a.m.     Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Choir
10:30 a.m.   Faith Formation

You are invited to attend the fall concert of The Newton Chorale and Newton Community Children’s Choir, Sunday, Nov. 17 at 3:00 p.m. at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Each choir will sing a selection of pieces, and then the choirs will join together to sing “Peace, Everywhere.” Admission is free; a freewill offering will be taken.  Note that the concert begins at 3 p.m.

Women’s Fellowship General Meeting will be Tues., Nov. 19 in Fellowship Hall at 6 p.m. with meal prepared by Sue Moyo and sharing her journey from Zimbabwe to the United States. Cost of meal – by donation with reservation.

BCMC Offering for Nov. 10: Gen. Fund $3,792; Wed.Supper $409; Meat Canning $650; Library Reserve Fund $15; Kitchen Fund $19; Solar Fund $80.

To put on your calendar:
· Don’t forget to fill out your bcmcXpress on-line intent form.  If you prefer, there are paper copies on the ledge in the Gathering Place.  The online form is at the end of this email.
· Jan. 25, 2025 Leadership Retreat (more details to come later)

The Repair Coalition has asked us to remember, as we come upon Thanksgiving time, how our families have benefitted from past and present colonization, access to originally Indigenous lands, and how we continue to benefit from colonization today. Check the poster, “How To Be An Ally to Indigenous Peoples,” which offers us some great ally practices beginning with “Care for the Earth: Give Thanks Frequently.” Talk about the suggestions at your Thanksgiving table.

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. 24. 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. Contributors may pick up a poinsettia Dec. 24 after the 4:30 p.m. Christmas program or after the 11 p.m. program; or, if you can, leave them for the service on Dec. 29.

Invitation to join Fine Arts class for Advent! Starting on December 1, the Fine Arts class will be following the Sunday School/small group materials in Pastor Joanna’s book, Expecting Emmanuel. Fine Arts class meets in Room 22. Questions? Contact Pastor Elizabeth. All are welcome to join in during this season of longing and anticipation!

Can a Book of Stories Bring Peace to Palestine and Israel? Western District Conference (MC USA) Israel-Palestine Task Force invites you to join us for a book discussion group Feb. 25, 2025, 7 p.m. CST held on Zoom. We will be reading Apeirogon by Colum McCann. An apeirogon is a polygon with an observably infinite number of sides. McCann is an award winning author who writes a book of tiny chapters, each one a breath, a feeling, a story. The book is based on the real life experiences of two friends, an Israeli who opposes the occupation and a Palestinian who studies the Holocaust. They meet in a parent grief support group, as both have tragically lost their daughters. Their raw stories and their ardent peace work buoy the heart as the book takes us on a journey through love, loss, reflection, and hope. As you read the book, note the artful connections between the stories and the theme of ending the occupation in Palestine. What stories of peace do you tell? We will take time in our discussion to reflect on the book’s stories and our own. To register, email wdc@mennowdc.org, and a Zoom link will be sent out.

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Announcements
· MCC Borderlands Peace Camp, Jan. 19-25, 2025 Young adults, ages 18-30, are invited to join MCC in El Paso, TX and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico in January. This MCC Peace Camp will explore topics of peace and justice through the lens of migration, including the Biblical mandate of hospitality. Find out more and register by January 5 at mcc.org/borderlands-peace-camp.
· Serving And Learning Together (SALT) applications now open for 2025! Each year, MCC offers 80+ unique opportunities to serve with our local partners working for relief, development and peace around the world. Explore the numerous possibilities that match your passions, skills, and experience. If you’re between the ages of 18-30, the SALT program might be the epic adventure you’ve been waiting for. Check it out at mcc.org/salt
· MCC Open House, Tues., Dec. 3 from 2 p.m.—4 p.m. All are welcome to come see the updated space at MCC Central States in North Newton. Bring your Christmas shopping list to get your alternative Christmas gifts purchased from our tree. Visit with MCC staff, get a tour while you enjoy some snacks. We can’t wait to see you at the Open House, 121 E. 30th St, North Newton! mcc.org/open-house
· Giving Tuesday at MCC, Tues., Dec. 3 from 6:30 p.m.—8 p.m. We’re excited to host this annual evening of service to kick off your holiday season! This all-ages event is focused on service and fellowship. Please bring new dark colored hand towels with you – the more you bring, the more hygiene kits we can pack! There will be Christmas cards to write in and comforters to tie AND snacks to enjoy. What a great way to give back on Giving Tuesday! mcc.org/giving-Tuesday
· Yule love this! Join us for a live, online event Dec. 3, 11 a.m. CST as we take you behind the scenes of MCC’s Christmas Giving Guide. Discover the impact behind each gift and how your generosity makes a difference. Learn more and register to join this event at mcc.org/yule-love-this.

Bake Sale items are needed for the “Friends of Kidron Holiday Market, Sat., Dec. 7, 9 a.m.—1 p.m. They are asking for donations for the Friends of Kidron bake sale booth. Popular items are cinnamon/pecan rolls, coffee cakes, breads, cakes, zwiebach, pies, cookies, cupcakes, muffins, jelly/jam, candy/fudge, and other sweets. Please drop off the baked goods Fri., Dec. 6 in Kidron Hall from 9 to 4 p.m. or Sat., Dec. 7 at 8 a.m. All proceeds benefit the Kidron Health Care Benevolent Fund.

Kidron Bethel Village hosts a “Holiday Market” with handmade items & goods from local vendors, Sat., Dec 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kidron Hall. Enjoy holiday shopping and help support the Health Care Benevolent Fund at Kidron Bethel Village. Free admission.

Bethel College Announcements:
· Sun., Nov. 17: KIPCOR Film Series presents Food, Inc. 2, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. This is the sequel to the 2009 documentary Food, Inc. Audience talkback to follow with Ryan Goertzen-Regier of the Kansas Rural Center.
· Sun., Nov. 24: Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program, “Diversity and Complexity in Indian Kansas,” Eric Anderson, Haskell Indian Nations University, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College: “The Pandemic Portraits,” works by Nicholas Hill, through Dec. 7. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.

Life Enrichment program at Bethel College for Wed., Nov. 20. Life Enrichment is for people age 60 and above and is an excellent way to continue learning and meet people from the surrounding area in a relaxed setting.
9:30 a.m “Obsession: The Highlands and Islands of Scotland” Jim Richardson, National Geographic photographer, Lindsborg
    10:50 a.m. Music selections by the Bethel College Concert Choir,
    Chamber Singers, Woven and Open Road, Dr. Henry S. Waters, director of
    choral music and associate professor of music

The Newton Treble Clef Annual Vespers will be Sun., Dec. 1, 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 900 Columbus, Newton. Prelude begins at 2:45 p.m. with Connie Rickard, saxophone. Program includes: Treble Clef Chorus, Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble, and the Schrag Siblings. A freewill offering will be taken for the scholarship fund that is awarded to high school seniors who are pursuing a music major. Be our guest and begin your Christmas season.

All bakers and craft makers are invited to make items for 5 Places of Christmas which will be Sat., Dec. 7, from 10 a.m.—3 p.m. at Goerz House, Bethel College. Bethel College Women’s Association will again be selling baked goods, candy, craft items and poinsettias. Your homemade cookies, zwiebach, cinnamon rolls, peppernuts and poppyseed rolls are always great sellers. This year we are especially asking for homemade candies such as fudge, peanut clusters, peanut butter balls and peanut brittle as well as other non-chocolate candies. We are also looking for Christmas craft items to sell. Please bring your items to Goerz House on Friday, December 6, from 2-5 p.m. or on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9:30-10 a.m. Thank you for your support of Bethel College.

Mennonite Action Emergency Mass Meeting
Thursday, November 21 at 8pm EST / 5pm PST
Mennonite Action is holding an emergency mass organizing call on November 21st, 2024 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT.

Last November, we gathered to pray, grieve, and organize on Mennonite Action’s very first virtual mass call. Over 800 of us came together because we needed this community space to help process our shock, horror, and deep grief as the genocide in Gaza unfolded.

This year, in the wake of the election, we will gather to recommit ourselves to this movement for peace, justice and liberation. We will gather to process our fear and our grief about the future for our own communities and for Palestine. And we will prepare to continue to take mass, public action together.

To sign up, visit mennoniteaction.org/call

For more information about Mennonite Action, visit mennoniteaction.org

–BCMC Witness Commission and BCMC pastors

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements

Jr. High (Jan. 24-26) and Sr. High (Feb. 14-16) Snow Camps are coming again in 2025: The time has come to enjoy the beauty and chill of RMMC in the winter once again. Come play in the snow and on the ice and then be ready to come inside for good food, fellowship and worship together. Visit the camp web page (www.rmmc.org) for additional snow camp details and to register that you’re headed to the Colorado Rockies to start the new year!

Young Adult Snow Camp (Feb. 14-16) Young Adult Snow Camp continues to join the Jr. and Sr. High Snow Camp activities and fellowship with participants serving as program assistants AND participants at just the right young adult price . . . free!

Scrapbook Retreat, (Jan. 31-Feb. 2) 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.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA, Mennonite Central Committee Central States and Eastern Mennonite Seminary provided an in-person conflict transformation training to 17 participants on Sept. 26-28, 2024, in Akron, Pennsylvania. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/conflict-transformation-training/

Check out the September issue of Equipping, Mennonite Church USA’s quarterly resource newsletter for pastors and leaders here: mennoniteusa.org/equipping-sept-2024 Subscribe to Equipping here: mennoniteusa.org/equipping-subscribe

Menno Snapshots

Jon Carlson, moderator for Mennonite Church USA, reflects on trends in church attendance and what they mean for how we do church together. Read his reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/37-5

Sheryl Wilson, vice president of culture and belonging at Bethel (Kansas) College, gives advice on how bystanders can better assess a situation in which they witness harm done to others, so they know how to step up without overstepping. Read her thoughts here: mennoniteusa.org/bystanders-harms-done

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Freddy Barrón and Margrit Kipfer Barrón, who are serving with Mennonite Mission Network in Bolivia, request prayer for all regions around the world experiencing a lack of rainfall that is leading to devastating wildfires. Pray specifically for Chiquitania, near Santa Cruz, Bolivia, where fires are wiping out the world’s largest remaining area of healthy dry forest ecosystems.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for chaplains in WDC who are serving in hospitals, hospice, health-care communities, educational institutions, corporate settings and other organizations. Give thanks for their gifts of healing and care, and pray for God’s peace and presence to sustain them daily.

bcmcXpress 2025
Bethel College Mennonite Church This letter marks the beginning of bcmcXpress for 2025. bcmcXpress is the stewardship process used at BCMC to discern our individual financial commitment for the upcoming year.

The ministries at BCMC will be supported by the 2025 budget including peace and justice initiatives, outreach, pastoral ministries, youth ministries, faith formation, music programs, congregational care and many more. We ask you to prayerfully consider how you will support these ministries financially along with support for general operations of our physical plant in 2025. Thank you for the gifts you have shared in the past and thank you in advance for your part in creating ministry opportunities in the year to come.

To indicate the contributions you plan to make to the general budget in 2025, please complete and return the online intent form by Monday, November 25. You can access this form by pressing the button below. If you would like a paper copy you can pick one up from the ledge in the Gathering Place or call the church office.

For the online form press this button

bcmcXpress Form

2025 Budget Information

November 10, 2024 worship and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY,
November 10, 2024

Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 10, 2024

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr [VT 38] (J.S. Bach)– Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome & Prayer—Marlene Faul

*Hymn—Come, Thou Fount— VT 563

Children’s Conversation

Worship Music— Praise the Lord (George Frederic Handel)
Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Mark 12:38-44; Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17; 1 Kings 17:8-16—Bonnie Epp and Elizabeth Schmidt

*Hymn—I Bind My Heart This Tide—VT 556

Sermon—Generosity, Power, & Wealth
—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song— VT 581

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Eternal Light, Shine in My Heart—VT 554

*Spoken Benediction–Nathan Koontz

Sung Benediction—The Peace of God  (John Rutter)—Chancel Choir

Postlude—Precious Lord, Take My Hand [VT 610] (arr. Jack Schrader)
Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand

VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ben Lichti

Sunday’s centering music is an excerpt from a chorale prelude by J.S. Bach from his masterpiece 18 Leipziger Choräle. The original tune derives from the Gloria section of the mass, which is normally set to very energetic, thrilling music. Instead, in this setting of the tune, Bach’s writing conveys comfort, a balm for the soul. The gentle, slow accompaniment and pedal line provide a foundation for the richly ornamented chorale melody. This 16-century tune was set to a new text in Voices Together [VT 38] by Catholic composer and librettist Sister Delores Duffner in 2013 and is worth taking a moment to read. I have found working on this beautiful piece a good way to calm my mind after a stressful day or week, and I encourage you to look up the full work by searching “BWV 662” on youtube. I hope that it will be a balm for your soul, too.

On Sunday there will be a table outside the sanctuary with post-election prayer resources. You are invited to take any resources you like from this table to use during worship and to take home with you.

The Week at BCMC: November 10—November 17, 2024
Sunday, November 10, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz —10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
Volunteer attendants in Nursery today: Megan Kohlman and Kathy Stucky
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/MTrcnl_V7Es?feature=share

4-6 p.m. Mentor/Mentee Fall Get-Together in Fellowship Hall

Monday, November 11, 2024
6:30 p.m. Newton Chorale rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
9 a.m.       Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Room 14
4 p.m.       Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, November 13, 2024—Wednesday Night Supper
6 p.m.       Wednesday night supper in Fellowship Hall—PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TABLEWARE—BRING A BOWL FOR CHILI—Menu: Chili, Carrots with Ranch Dip, pickle spears, crackers, Cinnamon Rolls
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, November 14, 2024
6:30 p.m. Newton Chorale rehearsal in the Sanctuary
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bells rehearsal in Room B7
Saturday, November 16, 2024
1-4 p.m.    Newton Chorale dress rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Sunday, November 17, 2024
9:30 a.m.     Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Choir
10:30 a.m.   Faith Formation
4 p.m.           Newton Chorale Concert in the Sanctuary

A BCMC Mentor/Mentee Fall Get-Together will be Nov. 10, 4 to 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Mentors and Mentees come for pizza and games (trivia questions with prizes!) Please RSVP and dietary restriction requests to Kathy Stucky at 316-772-2479 (texts are welcome).

Women’s Fellowship, November meeting, will be Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Sue Moyo, originally from Zimbabwe and owner of Moyo’s Clothing Store downtown Main Street, will be our speaker and cook. She will cook a Zimbabwe meal for us. Reservations are needed. Call Marlene Faul, 316-283-3342 or email, marlene.violet@gmail.com by Thurs., November 14.

The Repair Coalition has asked us to remember, as we come upon Thanksgiving time, how our families have benefitted from past and present colonization, access to originally Indigenous lands, and how we continue to benefit from colonization today. Check the poster, “How To Be An Ally to Indigenous Peoples,” which offers us some great ally practices beginning with “Care for the Earth: Give Thanks Frequently.” Talk about the suggestions at your Thanksgiving table.

BCMC Offering for Nov. 3: Gen. Fund $7,842; Kitchen Fund $24; MCC Meat Canning $825; Gen Fund 2025 $10,000; Solar Fund $1,360; Wed. Supper $251; Clara Koehn Mem. $20.

Sing along…..All are invited to attend an hour long Community Hymn Sing led by Dr. William Eash, Professor Emeritus of Music, Bethel College. This event will be held at Eden Mennonite Church (401 18th Ave, Moundridge), Sunday afternoon, November 10 at 4 p.m. Be prepared to request your favorite hymn and a brief story, why it is a favorite. Refreshments served after singing.

Please plan to join us for supper and a program on Wednesday nights, November 13 and 20. The meal will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a program on “Exploring our Voices Together.”
For Nov. 13: This week Elizabeth Schmidt will bring information about the hymnal committees approach to including music from Indigenous communities. Join us for learning, singing, and discussion.
For Nov. 20: Our final Wednesday evening program this fall will be a hymn sing! Bring your song requests and your willingness to make a joyful noise.

Wednesday Supper Menus—Please bring your own tableware—For the next two suppers, bring a bowl!
Nov 13: Chili, Carrots with Ranch Dip, pickle spears, crackers, Cinnamon Rolls
Nov. 20: Italian Wedding Soup, Garlic breadsticks, Salad, Pumpkin dump cake

Thank you BCMC members who donated to BC pantry. I was thrilled to find the cups of soup, granola bars, etc. Items were delivered to the BC pantry which was almost bare. These donations help students who may find themselves in need of a great snack when the cafeteria is closed: athletes returning from a game, late night study groups, etc. So, get involved, clean out your pantries and cupboards, put them on the south table and I will deliver them to the BC pantry. With gratitude, Kathy Stucky

Invitation to join Fine Arts class for Advent! Starting on December 1, the Fine Arts class will be following the Sunday School/small group materials in Pastor Joanna’s book, Expecting Emmanuel. Fine Arts class meets in Room 22. Questions? Contact Pastor Elizabeth. All are welcome to join in during this season of longing and anticipation!

Habitat for Humanity of Harvey County and its BCMC Board Members Richard Friesen, Doug Penner, and Heather Zerger, invite you to join us at our annual Pork Chop Dinner fundraiser on November 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N. Anderson Ave, Newton. Dine-in and carry-out options are available. This is Harvey County Habitat’s largest fundraiser of the year and we need your generous donations to help ensure we can continue to build a new home for a qualifying family each year. To ensure we have enough meals, please reserve your pork chop meal (includes pork chop, potatoes, green beans, dessert and a drink) by visiting our website at https://harveycountyhabitat.org/pork-chop-dinner-reservations/ or scan the QR code on the flyer on the bulletin board in the hallway by the BCMC Office. Thank you for supporting the vision of Habitat for Humanity, where everyone has a decent place to live.

Can a Book of Stories Bring Peace to Palestine and Israel? Western District Conference (MC USA) Israel-Palestine Task Force invites you to join us for a book discussion group Feb. 25, 2025, 7 p.m. CST held on Zoom. We will be reading Apeirogon by Colum McCann. An apeirogon is a polygon with an observably infinite number of sides. McCann is an award winning author who writes a book of tiny chapters, each one a breath, a feeling, a story. The book is based on the real life experiences of two friends, an Israeli who opposes the occupation and a Palestinian who studies the Holocaust. They meet in a parent grief support group, as both have tragically lost their daughters. Their raw stories and their ardent peace work buoy the heart as the book takes us on a journey through love, loss, reflection, and hope. As you read the book, note the artful connections between the stories and the theme of ending the occupation in Palestine. What stories of peace do you tell? We will take time in our discussion to reflect on the book’s stories and our own. To register, email wdc@mennowdc.org, and a Zoom link will be sent out.

Everence will hold its Medicare workshop at its North Newton office, 3179 N. Main St., Suite 1B, Tues., Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m. Topics: 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. Those interested in attending should contact the Everence office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Announcements
· MCC Borderlands Peace Camp, Jan. 19-25, 2025 Young adults, ages 18-30, are invited to join MCC in El Paso, TX and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico in January. This MCC Peace Camp will explore topics of peace and justice through the lens of migration, including the Biblical mandate of hospitality. Find out more and register by January 5 at mcc.org/borderlands-peace-camp.
· Serving And Learning Together (SALT) applications now open for 2025! Each year, MCC offers 80+ unique opportunities to serve with our local partners working for relief, development and peace around the world. Explore the numerous possibilities that match your passions, skills, and experience. If you’re between the ages of 18-30, the SALT program might be the epic adventure you’ve been waiting for. Check it out at mcc.org/salt

Bethel College Announcements:
· Tues., Nov. 12: Bethel College Organ Recital Series presents Dr. Jacob
Hofeling, with music on a theme of science and space, 7 p.m., Administra-
  tion Building chapel
· Thurs., Nov. 14: Reception for “The Pandemic Portraits” (Nicholas Hill will not be present), 6-7 p.m., Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Exhibit closes Dec. 7. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, 2-4 p.m. Sundays.
· Sun., Nov. 17: KIPCOR Film Series presents Food, Inc. 2, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. This is the sequel to the 2009 documentary Food, Inc. Audience talkback to follow with Ryan Goertzen-Regier of the Kansas Rural Center.
· Sun., Nov. 24: Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program, “Diversity and
Complexity in Indian Kansas,” Eric Anderson, Haskell Indian Nations
University, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium.

· Life Enrichment program at Bethel College for Wed., Nov. 13. Life Enrichment is for people age 60 and above and is an excellent way to continue learning and meet people from the surrounding area in a relaxed setting.
9:30 a.m An Ever-Changing Institution: Evolving Services and Challenges
    in Public Libraries,” Dr. Cari Cusick, director, Newton Public Library
   10:50 a.m. “YouTubing,” “Farmer Derek” Klingenberg, Peabody

All bakers and craft makers are invited to make items for 5 Places of Christmas which will be Sat., Dec. 7, from 10 a.m.—3 p.m. at Goerz House, Bethel College.
Bethel College Women’s Association will again be selling baked goods, candy, craft items and poinsettias. Your homemade cookies, zwiebach, cinnamon rolls, peppernuts and poppyseed rolls are always great sellers. This year we are especially asking for homemade candies such as fudge, peanut clusters, peanut butter balls and peanut brittle as well as other non-chocolate candies. We are also looking for Christmas craft items to sell. Please bring your items to Goerz House on Friday, December 6, from 2-5 p.m. or on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9:30-10 a.m. Thank you for your support of Bethel College.

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

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Camp Mennoscah will be at Hesston, Tabor, and Bethel on November 11-13! We will start at Hesston College on the 11th and end on the 13th at Bethel College. Stop by the booth outside the cafeteria and say howdy! Summer staff applications will be available online beginning November 11.

A pizza gathering for those interested in summer staff will happen November 13th at 6:15pm at Back Alley Pizza in Newton. Call or text Olivia at 316-293-7313 to let her know you will be attending.

Other events and happenings:

There are currently materials on hand for 18 of 35 projects remaining on the HVAC renovation at the Retreat Center. Work groups can be of any size (within reason). Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 or Olivia at 316-293-7313 to set up a time for you or your group. If you are interested in working on a weekend, advance notice of two weeks is needed. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping. Willing hands and the ability to follow directions are the only requirements. (Activities for those under 18 are limited and likely not at the Retreat Center.)

Order Extra Copies Now!
Special Issue: 500 Years of Anabaptism

This January, Anabaptist World will celebrate the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism with a special commemorative issue of the magazine highlighting the history of the movement.

On January 21, 1525, in Zurich, Switzerland, a group of reform-minded Christians who met secretly to study the Bible decided to baptize each other. Defying the laws of church and state, their radical act marked the beginning of the Anabaptist movement.

Today, their spiritual descendants form a worldwide fellowship of Mennonites, Amish, Hutterites, Brethren and others.

The January 2025 issue of Anabaptist World, the independent magazine covering the global Anabaptist movement, will celebrate the anniversary. Order extra copies of the 500th anniversary issue now >

Special features in the January 2025 issue will include:How Anabaptism began, including stories of the martyrs who chose death rather than deny their faith.How the Radical Reformation changed the course of history, setting the foundations for democracy and the free-church movement.Testimonies of Christians today inspired by the examples of the first Anabaptists.An Anabaptist family tree illustrating the movement’s growth and diversity over five centuries.Art and photos of people, places and artifacts representing the Anabaptist faith tradition. A world map of Anabaptist population today.Plus all the news, commentary and features you’ll find in each monthly issue of AW.Order extra copies of this special issue for use in independent study, congregation-wide discussions, Sunday School classes or small groups. Extra copies are available for order now for just $8/copy.

Includes shipping and handling. Delivery available for U.S. mailing addresses only. For international shipping options, send an email with quantity and delivery details to jenniew@anabaptistworld.org.

Order by Friday, December 13 for delivery by mid-January 2025. Supplies are limited, so reserve your extra copies today!

Get extra copies of the 500th anniversary special issue

For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here
For Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR) Shorts Continuing Education press here
For Mennonite Education Agency “Advent at Home 2024” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Being a servant to one another” press here
For Breckward Update press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA’s Church Vitality Office has awarded the 2024 Thrive: Church Planting Grants to five church plants across the denomination: Iglesia Cristiana Roca de Refugio, in San Antonio, Texas; Moveable Feast, in Chicago, Illinois; Summit Street Church, in Beatrice, Nebraska; The Intention Church, an online church community; and Wild Church Fresno (California). Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/receive-thrive-grants

Season Two of MC USA’s “Lead/Follow” podcast for pastors and leaders has begun! This season focuses on reimagining church. Watch new episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple or Spotify! Watch or listen here: mennoniteusa.org/leadfollow/ View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/lead-follow-season-2-pdf View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/lead-follow-season-2-slide

MC USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: Conflict Transformation” initiative provides tools and resources to help church communities peacefully engage in dialog around difficult and divisive topics. Visit the webpage here: mennoniteusa.org/lpj/conflict-transformation

“What is the most important skill of a competent pastor?” That’s what Michael Danner and Rachel Ringenberg Miller of MC USA’s Church Vitality department ask pastors in their new podcast, “The Competent Pastor.” Learn about this new podcast specifically for pastors here: mennoniteusa.org/the-competent-pastor View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/slide/competent-pastor View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/slide/pp-comp-pastor

In recognition and celebration of our 15 years of service, Mennonite Church USA’s The Corinthian Plan invites all interested persons who are part of an MC USA conference or congregation to submit a health and/or wellbeing story. Submit your wellbeing story here: mennoniteusa.org/tcp-wellbeing-stories

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Tomorrow, Barb and Maria Thuma will complete a six-week Mennonite Mission Network assignment at La Casa Grande in Benin. This is Barb’s second year of serving at the children’s home and school. Pray that the seeds of God’s love that were sown while Barb was teaching English and Maria was teaching Spanish will help point their students toward Jesus.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for pastors and other leaders in WDC, that God would help them speak wisely and care compassionately for congregations and communities in the aftermath of the United States election.

November 3, 2024 worship and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY,
November 3, 2024

Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.

Daylight Saving time ends
Sunday, November 3, 2024
Turn your clock back one hour!

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 3, 2024

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music— If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee (Bach)— Karen Unruh

Welcome with Land Acknowledgement—Dianne Epp

*Hymn—O God, We Read the Holy Law—VT 571

Children’s Conversation—Joanna Harader and Suzanne Burch, Lucy Burch

Hymn—Come What May—VT 768

Scripture Reading—Psalm 146; Mark 12:28-34—Lois Preheim

Sermon—Do Not Trust in Rulers—Joanna Harader

*Hymn—This Is My Song—VT 710

Prayers of God’s People—Dianne Epp

*Hymn Come What May—VT 768

*Benediction

Postlude— O God, Our Help in Ages Past (Fleischer)— Karen Unruh

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together

Keyboard- Karen Unruh
Audio visual—Francis Toews

The Week at BCMC: November 3—November 10, 2024
Sunday, November 3, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
Volunteer attendants in Nursery today: Margaret Toews & Barb Voran
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/8j_VVaS9LCc?feature=share

4 p.m. Bethel Sings, a concert featuring all Bethel College vocal groups, Dr. Henry Waters, director, with the theme “Sing You Home” and featuring the Concert Choir’s KMEA 2025 concert repertoire. All are invited!
Monday, November 4, 2024
6:30 p.m. Newton Chorale rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Chapel will be open for prayer (see announcement
below)
Wednesday, November 6, 2024—Wednesday Night Supper
6 p.m.       Wednesday night supper in Fellowship Hall—PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TABLEWARE—Menu: Western Omelet Casserole, Frozen Fruit, Coffee Cake
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, November 7, 2024
2 p.m.      Finance Committee work session in Room 14
6:30 p.m. Newton Chorale rehearsal in the Sanctuary
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bells rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.       Church Board meeting in Room 14
Saturday, November 9, 2024
5-7 p.m.    Camp Mennoscah Fundraiser Meal in the Fellowship Hall
Sunday, November 10, 2024
9:30 a.m.     Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Choir
10:30 a.m.   Faith Formation
3-6 p.m.       Mentor-Mentee Event in Fellowship Hall

Land Acknowledgement from words by Mark Charles and VT #878
As we do on the first Sunday of each month, we acknowledge that we worship
  on the land of the Kanza, Osage, and Wichita.
We thank them for their care and respect for this land and acknowledge the
injustice of their forced removal.
We ask the Spirit to heal our histories and find new paths of right relationships with them and all of creation.

Going Beyond Land Acknowledgement:
–The Repair Coalition is focusing on the Truth and Healing Legislation introduced by Deb Haaland currently pending in Congress. The bill establishes the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States and sets forth its powers, duties and membership. The Commission must investigate the impacts and ongoing effects of the Indian Boarding School Policies (federal policies under which American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children were forcibly removed from their family homes and placed in boarding schools). Further, the commission must develop recommendations on ways to (1)protect unmarked graves and accompanying land protections; (2)support repatriation and identify the tribal nations from which children were taken; and (3)discontinue the removal of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children from their families and tribal communities by state social service departments, foster care agencies, and adoption agencies. See boardingschoolhealing.org. Now is the time to educate ourselves about this legislation to join the actions requested by the Repair Coalition.
–See also “Elevating Indigenous Innovation” by U.S. Secretary Deb Haaland in the July 2024 special issue of National Geographic on Indigenous Futures.

The Chapel room at church will be open for prayer on election day (November 5) from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will be prayer resources available and a quiet space for you to pause, breathe, and lift up your prayers for God’s peace in our hearts, our nation, and our world. You are invited to come at any time during the day and stay as long as you like.

The family of Elvera Voth would like to invite interested persons to a service of remembrance for Elvera on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2 p.m., at Kidron Bethel—Kidron Hall. Her expanded life sketch is on the Petersen Funeral Home website.

BCMC Offering for Oct. 27 Gen. Fund $8,727.50; Kitchen Fund $68; MCC Meat Canning $2,245; Gen Fund 2025 $1,122.16; Solar Fund $500; BCMC Mission and Service Endowment Fund $98,071.89; Wed. Supper $321; Plant Fund $50; Peace Garden $2,000; Donna Friesen Mem. $125; Clara Koehn Mem. $690.

For those who work with children and youth at Bethel College Mennonite Church: thank you! The Abuse Prevention and Response Committee has established an account with an organization called Protect My Ministry which will allow us to more easily comply with our church policy regarding training and background checks for church volunteers. You should have received an email inviting you to fill out some online paperwork. We greatly appreciate you taking a little time to help us get this new system up and running as we work to be a nurturing and safe community for people of all ages. Feel free to contact pastor Joanna, Jill Robb, or Dwight Krehbiel if you have any questions or would like to volunteer and have not received the email.

Please plan to join us for supper and a program on Wednesday nights, November 6—November 20. The meal will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a program on “Exploring our Voices Together.” This Wednesday (Nov. 6) Esther Eash will lead us in an exploration of some of the artwork included in our hymnal and the songs that accompany them. Join us for learning, singing, and discussion.
For Nov. 13: This week Elizabeth Schmidt will bring information about the hymnal committees approach to including music from Indigenous communities. Join us for learning, singing, and discussion.
For Nov. 20: Our final Wednesday evening program this fall will be a hymn sing! Bring your song requests and your willingness to make a joyful noise.

Wednesday Supper Menus—Please bring your own tableware
Nov. 6: Western Omelet Casserole, Frozen Fruit, Coffee cake
Nov 13: Chili, Carrots with Ranch Dip, pickle spears, crackers, Cinnamon Rolls
Nov. 20: Italian Wedding Soup, Garlic breadsticks, Salad, Pumpkin dump cake

Women’s Fellowship, November meeting, will be Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Sue Moyo, originally from Zimbabwe and owner of Moyo’s Clothing Store downtown Main Street, will be our speaker and cook. She will cook a Zimbabwe meal for us. Reservations are needed. Call Marlene Faul, 316-283-3342 or email, marlene.violet@gmail.comby Thurs., November 14.

A BCMC Mentor/Mentee Fall Get-Together will be Nov. 10, 4 to 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Mentors and Mentees come for pizza and games (trivia questions with prizes!) Please RSVP and dietary restriction requests to Kathy Stucky at 316-772-2479 (texts are welcome).

Invitation to join Fine Arts class for Advent! Starting on December 1, the Fine Arts class will be following the Sunday School/small group materials in Pastor Joanna’s book, Expecting Emmanuel. Fine Arts class meets in Room 22. Questions? Contact Pastor Elizabeth. All are welcome to join in during this season of longing and anticipation!

Sing along…..All are invited to attend an hour long Community Hymn Sing led by Dr. William Eash, Professor Emeritus of Music, Bethel College. This event will be held at Eden Mennonite Church (401 18th Ave, Moundridge), Sunday afternoon, November 10 at 4 p.m. Be prepared to request your favorite hymn and a brief story, why it is a favorite. Refreshments served after singing.

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Announcements
· MCC Borderlands Peace Camp, Jan. 19-25, 2025 Young adults, ages 18-30, are invited to join MCC in El Paso, TX and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico in January! This MCC Peace Camp will explore topics of peace and justice through the lens of migration, including the Biblical mandate of hospitality. Find out more and register by January 5 at mcc.org/borderlands-peace-camp.
· Serving And Learning Together (SALT) applications now open for 2025! Each year, MCC offers 80+ unique opportunities to serve with our local partners working for relief, development and peace around the world. Explore the numerous possibilities that match your passions, skills, and experience. If you’re between the ages of 18-30, the SALT program might be the epic adventure you’ve been waiting for. Check it out at mcc.org/salt!

Bethel College Announcements:
· Sun., Nov. 3: Bethel Sings, a concert featuring all Bethel College vocal
groups, Dr. Henry Waters, director, 4 p.m., with the theme “Sing You
Home” and featuring the Concert Choir’s KMEA 2025 concert repertoire.
Concert is at Bethel College Mennonite Church
· Mon., Nov. 4: “The Pandemic Portraits,” works by Nicholas Hill, opens in
the Regier Art Gallery in Lukyen Fine Arts Center at Bethel College
(reception Nov. 14). Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Tues., Nov. 12: Bethel College Organ Recital Series presents Dr. Jacob
Hofeling, with music on a theme of science and space, 7 p.m.,
  Administration Building chapel
· Sun., Nov. 17: KIPCOR Film Series presents Food, Inc. 2, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. This is the sequel to the 2009 documentary Food, Inc. Audience talkback to follow with Ryan Goertzen-Regier of the Kansas Rural Center.

· Life Enrichment program at Bethel College for Wed., Nov. 6. Life Enrichment is for people age 60 and above and is an excellent way to continue learning and meet people from the surrounding area in a relaxed setting.
9:30 a.m “Hope for the Homeless, One at a Time,” Brian Bisbee, executive
   director, New Hope Shelter, Newton
10:50 a.m. “Blizzards, Onion Rings and Dip Cones: Inside the World of
   Dairy Queen Ownership,” Helen Nachtigal, North Newton

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Help keep the HVAC project moving towards completion! Volunteers for the HVAC work at the Retreat Center are welcome Monday – Friday. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping out with this project. Willing hands are what is needed! Let us know when you are available, so we can prepare for you. For anyone interested in working on a weekend, two weeks notice is needed. Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 to sign up.

Other events and happenings:

Work at Camp Mennoscah does not stop when it’s not the summer! Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 for ideas of tasks you could help us complete. We will work with you to find a time and project.
Thank you to everyone who helped take out the dam! This activity has been taking place–as far as we know–since the beginning of camp. The boards are removed to allow the buildup of silt from behind the dam to wash away with rain.
Start tapping shoulders and thinking about the 2025 summer. Camp Mennoscah will be recruiting for summer staff (along with other camps) at Hesston, Tabor and Bethel Colleges from November 11-13, respectively. There will be a pizza meal on November 13 at a location and time yet to be determined for interested applicants. (The application is not yet open.)

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 World Conference “Info” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

The MC USA Executive Board has published its updated “Guidelines for Developing Organizational Resolutions and Church Statements in Mennonite Church USA” and appointed a new Resolutions Committee ahead of the Delegate Assembly on July 11-12, 2025, in Greensboro, North Carolina. The deadline for resolutions is Nov. 13, 2024. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/resolutions-committee/

As a denomination that seeks to extend peace and dismantle oppression and violence, MC USA has a distinct perspective on social justice issues and concerns that impact our communities. Learn more about MC USA’s faith values, ongoing peace and justice work and resources for further understanding in the new “Exploring the Issues” downloadable resource series. Read the first backgrounder on immigration here: mennoniteusa.org/resource/exploring-the-issues

Join MC USA’s Climate Justice Coordinator Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler in imagining a sustainable future for ourselves, our children, and our planet by participating in an online book study of the compelling and timely book, “So We and Our Children May Live” by Sarah Augustine and Sheri Hostetler. Drawing from Scripture, science, Indigenous wisdom, and personal stories, the authors invite us to open our hearts and our culture to deep, Spirit-led transformation. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/climate-justice-book-study

Open enrollment for The Corinthian Plan, MC USA’s healthcare plan for pastors and church workers, is Nov. 1-Dec. 31, 2024, with a start date of Jan. 1, 2025. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/learn-more-tcp

Menno Snapshots

Stanley Green, executive conference minister of Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference, offers this prayer, calling us to conflict transformation and peace, while asking God for wisdom and courage to enact change in a world full of discord and despair. Read it here: mennoniteusa.org/prayer-conflict-transformation

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Join Mennonite Mission Network in praying that this Tuesday’s elections in the United States will take place without violence and that the leaders who are elected will lead the country in ways of justice and peace.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregations and members during this election week in the United States, as they seek to live faithfully and bear witness to the way of Jesus in today’s world.

October 27, 2024 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY,
OCTOBER 27, 2024

Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.

PUMPKIN PATCH INVITATION!
Faith Formation invites the congregation to P and M Pumpkin Patch in rural Moundridge! Join us Saturday October 26, 5-7pm for intergenerational fellowship. We will have a campfire reserved for a hotdog and s’mores dinner.

Want to come? Great! Find a friend to carpool with and let the admissions booth know you are with BCMC.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 27, 2024

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music— Morning Song [VT 623] (arr. Joseph Martin) (piano)
Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome & Prayer—Elaine Schurr

*Hymn—All Things Bright and Beautiful—VT 177

Children’s Conversation—Jim Robb

Scripture Reading—Genesis 1:1-5—Janet Friesen

*Hymn—Joyous Light of Heavenly Glory—VT 504

Scripture Reading—John 3:17-21—Janet Friesen

Worship Music—True Light (Hampton)—Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Sermon—Connecting the Night and Day—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Darkness Is Not Dark to You, God—VT 200

Prayers of God’s People—Dale Schrag, Mara Oswald

*Hymn—Now, on Land and Sea Descending—VT 503
(People with October birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal)

*Birthday Blessing and Benediction

Postlude— Toccata from Suite Gothique (L. Boëllmann) (organ)
Will Wiebe-Friesen

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

Sunday morning’s choral anthem melds the energetic spiritual “This Little Light of Mine” with a 10th century text excerpted from Grigor Nerekatzi’s Book of Mournful Chants: “Don’t let the light that you’ve given me die, and don’t desert my mind, but let the one who serves you praise you again and again.” The piano centering music is a setting of the shape-note tune MORNING SONG, found in our hymnal (VT 623) with a moving text by Adam Tice, text editor of Voices Together. The postlude, a spooky and sinister toccata by French composer Léon Boëllmann, brings to mind the line from the anthem, “Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine!” There’s a lot of hiding under a bushel in this piece, but listen for the final chord when that light really gets to shine.

The Week at BCMC: October 27—November 3, 2024
Sunday, October 27, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
Volunteer attendants in Nursery today: Mary Ellen Hodge & Jeanette Leary
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/OjIu7CxZ4nA?feature=share

Monday, October 28, 2024
12 p.m.     Bethel College concert choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
3 p.m.        Bethel College choral group rehearsal in the Sanctuary
6:30 p.m. Newton Chorale rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
12 p.m.     Bethel College concert choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
3 p.m.       Bethel College choral group rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Wednesday, October 30, 2024—Wednesday Night Supper
12 p.m.     Bethel College concert choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
3 p.m.       Bethel College choral group rehearsal in the Sanctuary
6 p.m.       Wednesday night supper in Fellowship Hall—PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TABLEWARE—Menu: Tombstone Casserole, Spooky Fruit Salad, Witches Brew Brownies
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, October 31, 2024
12 p.m.     Bethel College concert choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
1:30 p.m. Care Coordinator meeting in Room 14
3 p.m.       Bethel College choral group rehearsal in the Sanctuary
6:30 p.m. Newton Chorale rehearsal in the Sanctuary
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bells rehearsal in Room B7
Friday, November 1, 2024
12 p.m.     Bethel College concert choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
3 p.m.       Bethel College choral group rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Saturday, November 2, 2024
2 p.m.       Memorial service for Elvera Voth at Kidron Bethel Village Kidron Hall
Sunday, November 3, 2024
9:30 a.m.     Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader
10:30 a.m.   Faith Formation

Pastor Joanna Harader will be out of the office Oct. 28 & 29.
Pastor Elizabeth Schmidt will be on vacation Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Pastor Nathan Koontz will be on vacation Friday, November 1.

The family of Elvera Voth would like to invite interested persons to a service of remembrance for Elvera on Nov. 2, 2 p.m., at Kidron Bethel—Kidron Hall. Her expanded life sketch is on the Petersen Funeral Home website.

Please plan to join us for supper and a program on Wednesday nights, October 30—November 20. The meal will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a program on “Exploring our Voices Together.” We will use material from the Voices Together editorial team to explore a variety of themes in our new(ish) hymnals and beyond. There will be opportunities for discussion and plenty of singing!

Wednesday Supper Menus—Please bring your own tableware
Oct. 30: Tombstone Casserole, Spooky Fruit Salad, Witches Brew Brownies
Nov. 6: Western Omelet Casserole, Frozen Fruit, Coffee cake
Nov 13: Chili, Carrots with Ranch Dip, pickle spears, crackers, Cinnamon Rolls
Nov. 20: Italian Wedding Soup, Garlic breadsticks, Salad, Pumpkin dump cake

BCMC Offering for Oct. 13 Gen. Fund $18,507; MCC Meat Canning $650; Library Reserve Fund $6; Solar Fund $1,580.
For Oct. 20 Gen. Fund $11,732; Wed. Supper $617; Meat Canning $205; Sr Hi Youth $100; Library Reserve Fund $5; Kitchen Fund $63; Women’s Fellowship $390.

BCMC Financial Report
The following is a BCMC financial report of the general fund income and expenses on September 30 at the end of the third quarter (75% of the year).
Total income $335,757 62% of budget
Total expense $370,461 69% of budget
Net income -$34,704
— Finance Committee

Looking ahead to Advent:
This year as we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we will explore the stories of the women from Jesus’ genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17). For our worship in Advent, we will use the book Pastor Joanna has written: Expecting Emmanuel. In addition to worship material, the book contains daily devotional readings and a Sunday School/small group guide.

Invitation to join Fine Arts class for Advent! Starting on December 1, the Fine Arts class will be following the Sunday School/small group materials in Pastor Joanna’s book, Expecting Emmanuel. Fine Arts class meets in Room 22. Questions? Contact Pastor Elizabeth. All are welcome to join in during this season of longing and anticipation!

For those who work with children and youth at Bethel College Mennonite Church: thank you! The Abuse Prevention and Response Committee has established an account with an organization called Protect My Ministry which will allow us to more easily comply with our church policy regarding training and background checks for church volunteers. You should have received an email inviting you to fill out some online paperwork. We greatly appreciate you taking a little time to help us get this new system up and running as we work to be a nurturing and safe community for people of all ages. Feel free to contact pastor Joanna, Jill Robb, or Dwight Krehbiel if you have any questions or would like to volunteer and have not received the email.

The church office is looking for anyone interested in helping to usher at funerals. We would like to assemble a pool of people who might be willing to greet people at the sanctuary doors, direct them to the Chapel, if necessary, or the nursery or restrooms and help them find a seat in the sanctuary. You would be a friendly and helpful presence. If you would consider doing this for the families and friends attending memorial services, please contact the church office.

Gather at the Warkentin House Sunday, October 27, at 4 p.m. for the Warkentin House hymn sing and faspa meal. The hymn sing will be led by Andrew Voth and accompanied by Karen Bauman-Schlabaugh. Reserve a spot by emailing warkentinmuseum@gmail.com. Suggested donation of $15.

Newton Area church’s Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Meat Canning dates are October 29, 30, and 31. Make checks to BCMC with “MCC Meat Canning” in the memo line. We also need volunteers to help with the canning. The link for work signup is: https://tinyurl.com/MeatCanning2024 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 Meat Canning Representative

Harvey County Circle of Hope invites you to their 12th Annual Celebrity Servers Fundraiser event Sat., Nov. 2, 5 to 8 p.m. , a 3-course meal served at the Water’s Edge Restaurant, Hesston. Reservations strongly recommended: call 316-284-0000; or email—info@peaceconnections.org; or visit—peace connections.org/events—RSVP by October 30.

Habitat for Humanity of Harvey County and its BCMC Board Members Richard Friesen, Doug Penner, and Heather Zerger, invite you to join us at our annual Pork Chop Dinner fundraiser on November 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N. Anderson Ave, Newton. Dine-in and carry-out options are available. This is Harvey County Habitat’s largest fundraiser of the year and we need your generous donations to help ensure we can continue to build a new home for a qualifying family each year. To ensure we have enough meals, please reserve your pork chop meal (includes pork chop, potatoes, green beans, dessert and a drink) by visiting our website at https://harveycountyhabitat.org/pork-chop-dinner-reservations/ or scan the QR code on the flyer on the bulletin board in the hallway by the BCMC Office. Thank you for supporting the vision of Habitat for Humanity, where everyone has a decent place to live.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Live at a distance? Wish you could read larger print? Want a good audiobook that will help you grow in faith? Wish you could access the library from your phone? The Western District Conference Resource Library has something new just for you! Launching November 1, you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks from the Resource Library! See more at mennowdc.org/library or contact the library at crlib@mennowdc.org

Bethel College Announcements:
· Sun., Oct. 27 & Mon., Oct. 28: 72nd Annual Menno Simons Lectures, “Russian Mennonite Diasporas on Four Continents in the Age of Empires, Revolutions and Extremes Since the Late 18th Century,” with Dr. Eric Schmaltz, professor of history at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, 7 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Lecture 1: “Pioneers in the East: Mennonite Migrations and Settlements in the Former Russian Empire and the Former USSR, 1786-Present”; Lecture 2: “Pioneers in the West: Russian Mennonite Diasporas to North America (Belize, Canada, Mexico and the United States), 1874-Present”; Lecture 3: “Pioneers in the South: Russian Mennonite Diasporas to South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay), 1874-Present”
· Tues., Oct. 29: Bethel College Orchestra Halloween Concert, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. You’re invited to come in costume (you might win a prize)!
· Sat., Nov. 2: Kauffman Museum bird walk, 8 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets (2801 N. Main St., North Newton 67117). Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail.
· Sun., Nov. 3: Bethel Sings, a concert featuring all Bethel College vocal groups, Dr. Henry Waters, director, 4 p.m., with the theme “Sing You Home” and featuring the Concert Choir’s KMEA 2025 concert repertoire; Bethel College Mennonite Church
· Tues., Nov. 12: Bethel College Organ Recital Series presents Dr. Jacob Hofeling, with music on a theme of science and space, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Life Enrichment program at Bethel College for Wed., Oct. 30. Life Enrichment is for people age 60 and above and is an excellent way to continue learning and meet people from the surrounding area in a relaxed setting.
9:30 a.m “Serengeti on my Mind: A Photographic Safari,” Jim Griggs, McPherson
10:50 a.m. “Longevity: Key Elements to Success,” Lona Kelly LMSW, Depart-
ment on Aging, Newton

Supportive Communities Network (SCN)
Bethel College Mennonite Church is a member of the Supportive Communities Network (SCN) of the Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests (BMC). The online events below are offered through BMC for member individuals and congregations. You are welcome to join any of these calls:

Parents/Caregivers of Trans & Queer Kids – Support Circle Oct 28 (Online)
Monday, October 28
6p Central Time
Sign up for Zoom link here (free)
This circle is a BMC Zoom group for parents and caregivers of Queer, trans and gender non-conforming children: a space to support and encourage one another, share resources, and build community as people loving our queer kids! Light facilitation by Rachael, queer parent of a non binary kiddo and Mennonite pastor. If you can’t make this day and time but you’re interested, register for the Zoom and you will receive a follow up email about an alternative session. Folks can also email bmc@bmclgbt.org to RSVP or with questions.

SCN Meeting/Training (Online)
Thursday, November 14th
1p Central Time for 90 minutes
Sign up for Zoom link here
These quarterly(ish) SCN calls are held to foster connection, resourcing, and organizing among SCN member groups. We alternate topics and try to rotate through the spectrum of need and experience within this network. November’s call will offer a workshop on “Beyond the Pride Banner,” helping groups take the next step in lgbtqia+ affirmation. Once you’ve joined SCN, crafted your welcome statement, and the pride flag has been hung, what’s next? The language we use in worship, the theology we preach, the lyrics in the songs we sing, and the words we use to pray matter. Pastor Liz Ullery Swenson will help us explore ways to take the next step in embodying God’s expansive diversity.

Trans 101 Workshop for Churches
Wednesday, November 6th
2p Central Time
Hosted by BMC’s colleagues at Transmission Ministry Collective (TMC): As part of our new Church Partnership Program, TMC will be holding a series of online workshops throughout the fall, specifically geared towards churches and faith communities that want to better support their trans community members and expand their understanding of trans-inclusive theology and pastoral practice. Our first 90-minute workshop, “Trans 101,” will be held on Wednesday, November 6th at 3pm ET/12pm PT. It will provide a comprehensive overview of core concepts, terminology, and best practices to increase understanding and inclusion of transgender and gender-expansive people. Sign up using this form to receive information about this and future TMC workshops!

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond (October 16) press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond (October 23) press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level press here
For KIPCOR Continuing Education “Shorts” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News from around the world press here

The Public is invited to attend “The Przechowko Mennonite Cemetery: Its History & Restoration by Dr. Michal TargowskiOctober 26 at 7:00at the Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Goessel, KsDr Targowski will share about the work being done to preserve the Przechowko village cemetery, one of the oldest Mennonnite cemeteries in Poland and the resting place for the ancestors of many Low German descendants that migrated in 1874. The event will be livestreamed from the Mennonite Heritage & Agricultural Museum Facebook Page.

Questions: contact Kris Schmucker, Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church Historian, at 620-747-2872From MC USA National Peace and Justice MinistriesDear Bethel College Mennonite,Register to participate in the Borderlands Peace Camp, January 19-25, 2025!MCC Peace Camps are one-week, hands-on learning experiences for young adults to explore dynamics of Christian discipleship, including building community together, experiencing personal transformation and applying Anabaptist foundations of peace and justice to real world issues.The Borderlands Peace Camp will explore topics of peace and justice through the lens of migration, including the Biblical mandate of hospitality. Participants will learn about the migration experience, identity and our perception of “strangers,” migration trauma and resilience, the complexity of ethics and law, and the ways in which the church can respond to these challenges.Join us in Ciudad Juarez and El Paso, where we will see the current realities at the Mexico-U.S. border, explore the root causes of migration from a peacebuilding perspective, and learn how community-based organizations and churches are accompanying migrants.Register now!Peace Camps are one way to encourage and support the next generation of the Church to live out an active faith as peacemakers. Young adults, ages 18-30, and church leaders who work with young adults are invited to apply. MCC covers all costs of travel, lodging and meals beyond the $250 registration fee. We encourage churches, schools, families and friends to support participants in the registration fee where possible. This is an opportunity not to be missed, so tap someone on the shoulder or come join yourself! Warmest regards,Nathan Toews
Peace Education Coordinator
MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries
Dear Bethel College Mennonite,Having conversations about climate change can feel daunting. But when we do, we may find we have many of the same concerns as our friends and neighbors, rooted in shared values, beliefs, and interests. But how do we have these sometimes difficult conversations? As part of our ongoing commitment to care for God’s creation, MCC is encouraging our supporters to talk about climate. Drawing on Peaceful Practices: A guide to healthy communication in conflict, we will be sharing resources and tools for how to have conversations about climate change that can lead to understanding and action.Sign up to talk climate and practice peaceHere is a preview of some of our resources: Talking climate, practicing peace (podcast):Peacebuilder and author of MCC’s Peaceful Practices curriculum Jes Stoltzfus Buller joins MCC’s Relief, Development and Podcast to respond to listeners’ climate conversation questions. Virtual workshop: Talk climate, practice peace. On November 13, practice how to talk with others about climate change using curiosity, compassion and dialogue. Spots are limited, so register today! Take the challenge and be a brave peacemaker by talking climate and practicing peace! By signing up you will receive a series of four emails with tips and tools on how to navigate differences and uncover shared beliefs and interests. We hope you join us in this powerful climate action! Warmest regards,
Kirstin De Mello
Climate Advocacy and Education Coordinator
MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

Save the date! MC USA is pleased to announce that the 2025 biennial national gathering and leading faith formation event, Follow Jesus ‘25, will take place July 8-12, 2025, at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/convention View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/fj25_ad View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/follow-jesus-25-slide

Call for blogs! Members of MC USA who were not raised in a Mennonite tradition or people who grew up in MC USA but feel that they have actively chosen to remain Mennonite as they grew into their faith are invited to submit a 500-900 word “Menno by Choice” blog about why they have actively chosen to be a Mennonite. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/form-choice-request View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/choice-slide View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/choice-blog-slide

Menno Snapshots

Susan Kragt, co-founder and spiritual director with Grand Rapids (Michigan) Mennonite Fellowship, a congregation affiliated with Central District Conference, grew up in the Reformed Church of America, but found herself co-leading a small house church that had Anabaptist leanings, which led her and her church on a journey to joining Mennonite Church USA. Read more about her journey here: mennoniteusa.org/why-mennonite
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Today, Mennonite Mission Network’s Mennonite Voluntary Service participants from Arizona, California and Colorado are concluding their five-day fall retreat in Salt Lake City, Utah. Pray that they may return to their learning and service placements inspired and energized by the renewal they experienced in worshipping together and in sharing their experiences.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” It all comes down to God, and church planting is His work. We are partners in this work, but any growth we witness is due to God, Lets pray to God who gives the growth, to give us wisdom, let’s pray to keep planting churches and find those who plant, as well as those who water. Let’s pray for God to give us the spiritual growth essential to accomplish God’s work. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 -WDC Church Planting CommissionBethel College Mennonite Church is an open and affirming congregation
centered in the life and teachings of Jesus. Embracing the divine within each person, we warmly welcome any and all into fellowship without regard to race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability,
economic status, marital status, or age.

October 13, 2024 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY,
OCTOBER 13, 2024

Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 13, 2024

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—There is no shadow... [VT 419] (Brenda Portman)
Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome & Prayer—Payne Claassen and Mary Ellen Hodge—VT 854—Mentee/Mentor

*Hymn —We Long to Know Her—VT 44

Children’s Conversation—Joanna Harader

Worship Music—Et in terra pax hominibus– [excerpted from Vivaldi’s Gloria (ca. 1715)]–
Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
Scripture Reading—Psalm 22:1-15—Hugo Boschmann

*Hymn—My God, My God—VT 696

Scripture Reading—Job 23:1-9—Hugo Boschmann

Sermon—When God Goes Missing—Joanna Harader

*Hymn—Joyful Is the Dark—VT 281

Prayers of God’s People—Emma Gering and Jill Robb— Mentee/Mentor

*Hymn—God, Be the Love—VT 43

*Benediction

Postlude—I Know That My Redeemer Lives [VT 347] (arr. Dale Wood )
Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ben Lichti

Today’s choral and instrumental music features some creative settings of familiar hymns as well as some unfamiliar languages. The anthem, Et in terra pax hominibus, is excerpted from Vivaldi’s Gloria (ca. 1715), a component of the Latin mass. In English, its text reads: and on earth, peace to persons of good will. The organ setting There is no shadow… was written in 2021 by Brenda Portman and is built on the first verse of the hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness. The postlude, an energetic Easter hymn from the Sacred Harp, continues the themes expressed in the anthem and Psalm reading.

The Week at BCMC: October 13—20, 2024
Sunday, October 13, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
Volunteer attendants in Nursery today: Megan Kohlman and Margaret Toews
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/HSRbcx09B9M?feature=share

Monday, October 14, 2024
11 a.m.      Memorial service for Clara Koehn in the Sanctuary
6:30 p.m. Community Playschool Board meets in Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
7 p.m.        Women’s Fellowship meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, October 16, 2024—Wednesday Night Suppers Begin
6 p.m.         Wednesday night supper in Fellowship Hall—PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TABLEWARE. Menu is Mexican Bar, Strawberry Margarita IceBox Pie. $6 for individuals; $18 for a family
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, October 17, 2024
4 p.m.         Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
6:30 p.m.   Chancel Bells rehearse in Room B7
Saturday, October 19, 2024
4 p.m.          Memorial for Donna Friesen in Kidron Bethel Village—Kidron Hall
Sunday, October 20, 2024
9:30 a.m.     Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Bells
10:30 a.m.   Faith Formation

Please plan to join us for supper and a program on Wednesday nights, October 16-November 20. The meal will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a program on “Exploring our Voices Together.” We will use material from the Voices Together editorial team to explore a variety of themes in our new(ish) hymnals and beyond. There will be opportunities for discussion and plenty of singing!

Be sure to mark your calendar for October 23 when we will have a special Wednesday program: a concert from singer/songwriter Jon Troast. Jon is a folk musician who grew up and lives in the Midwest and gives house concerts across the country. A talented instrumentalist and singer/songwriter, his music is engaging, and his lyrics are deep. A treat for all ages, you won’t want to miss this special concert.

Dates for your calendars
· Women’s Fellowship  meets the third Tues., Oct. 15, at 7p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Program by Mary Ellen Hodge, “Autism 101.” Mary Ellen also teaches teachers about autism. Come and learn more.
· Wednesday night suppers at 6 p.m. will be Oct. 16 through Nov. 20. Be sure to read the announcement about the Wednesday programs on the next page.
· Sat., Oct. 19, 4 p.m. Memorial service for Donna M. Friesen at Kidron Bethel Village Kidron Hall
· Faith Formation Commission is sponsoring a visit to the P & M Pumpkin Patch, Sat., Oct. 26, 3-7 p.m. All are invited!

BCMC Offering for Oct. 6: Gen. Fund $6,866; Kitchen Fund $5; Solar Fund $500.

We offer sympathy to the family of Clara Koehn. Clara died Oct. 7 at the age of 99. She had been a resident of Presbyterian Manor in Newton.  Her memorial service will be at BCMC on Mon., Oct. 14, 11 a.m. with a faspa immediately following.

The family of Elvera Voth would like to invite interested persons to a service of remembrance for Elvera on Nov. 2, 2 p.m., at Kidron Bethel—Kidron Hall. Her expanded life sketch is on the Petersen Funeral Home website.

Bulletin announcements have to be submitted to the church office no later than Thursday to be included in the following Sunday’s bulletin.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month! On October 20, stop by the table at the back of the sanctuary to pen a thank you note to our pastors. The notes will be delivered on October 27. And remember – Pastors happily receive words of appreciation all year long! Staff Congregation Relations Committee

Monica Lichti will be on vacation the week of October 14-20. The church office will be closed on Monday, and will be closed afternoons for the rest of the week.

Looking ahead to Advent:
This year as we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we will explore the stories of the women from Jesus’ genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17). For our worship in Advent, we will use the book Pastor Joanna has written: Expecting Emmanuel. In addition to worship material, the book contains daily devotional readings and a Sunday School/small group guide. If you would like to order a copy of the book for yourself (at a steep author’s discount) please let the church office know. We will place an order at the end of October

Faith Formation Commission is collecting donations for the Bethel College food pantry. Unopened food items can be placed on the table by the south entrance and will be delivered to the BC food pantry. FFC thanks the congregation for participating.

The Visual Arts Committee has installed “The Migration Series” in the Gathering Space. In 1962 Bob Regier illustrated articles in The Mennonite with five wood block print illustrations. Four of the prints are on display and the fifth “The Mennonite Flight from Russia” is part of a special exhibit at Kauffman Museum through May 25, 2025.

From the Finance Committee on behalf of the Church Board:
As the third quarter of our church year ends, we reflect on the many things for which we are grateful. We give thanks for the gifts that have been given this year by those volunteering time to the church or our benevolences; caring for family, neighbors and friends; raising prayers on behalf of those who are hurting, grieving or fighting injustice; and donating monetary offerings toward our annual budget. Each of these gifts strengthens our community as we work together to be the church right where we are.

A six-week grief support group will be offered through Bethel College Mennonite Church for interested individuals. To indicate interest, or to learn more, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Pastor for Congregational Care.

Interested in becoming a member of Bethel College Mennonite Church?
If you are interested in becoming a member, or transferring membership, or learning more about membership at BCMC, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Pastor of Congregational Care. She will be happy to visit with you!

Jill Robb and Megan Kohlman will be leading a book study of the book Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn’t Have to Heal From by Meredith Miller. If you don’t have kids or your kids are grown up, come anyway! We will be discussing this book from the perspective of parents, a faith community that supports parents, and individuals who grew up in a faith community (maybe even one you had to heal from). We plan to begin the book study Oct. 13 and discuss chapters 1, 2, and 3. Meet us in the blue Sunday School room (Room 26) on the 2nd floor. You can purchase Woven from Faith and Life bookstore, Amazon, or your favorite independent bookstore. We look forward to the conversation!

Western District Conference (WDC) invites you to subscribe to their weekly Tuesday announcement email “WDC News & Updates” to receive announcements from WDC, WDC Congregations, and their institutional partners as well as weekly articles from WDC staff, credential updates, and upcoming events. To subscribe, visit the following link: http://eepurl.com/hKcbDX or contact the WDC Office at wdc@mennowdc.org or 316-283-6300.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements

Up to a million people in Lebanon have been displaced in the last few days due to increasing military attacks. The grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues. Mennonite Central Committee continues to respond to the needs of displaced people in Lebanon and Gaza. MCC is providing relief to recently displaced people in Lebanon with food, hygiene, bedding and psychosocial support. Pray for an end to the violence and for a just peace in Israel and Palestine. Donate online at mcc.org/palestine-israel

Bethel College Announcements:
· Thurs., Oct. 24: Bethel College’s 2nd biennial Senses & Aging Symposium, with Tena M. Alonzo and Mollie Heiden, Beatitudes Campus, Phoenix, speaking on “Living with Dementia,” 6-8:30 p.m., Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village
· Fri., Oct. 25: The Bethel College Department of Visual Arts and Design and the Newton Chapter of the AAUW present Phyllis Pease, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center.
· Sun., Oct. 27 & Mon., Oct. 28: Annual Menno Simons Lectures, “Russian Mennonite Diasporas on Four Continents in the Age of Empires, Revolutions and Extremes Since the Late 18th Century,” with Dr. Eric Schmaltz, professor at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, 7 p.m. Sun., 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Mon., Krehbiel Auditorium. Lecture 1: “Pioneers in the East: Mennonite Migrations and Settlements in the Former Russian Empire and the Former USSR, 1786-Present”; Lecture 2: “Pioneers in the West: Russian Mennonite Diasporas to North America (Belize, Canada, Mexico and the United States), 1874-Present”; Lecture 3: “Pioneers in the South: Russian Mennonite Diasporas to South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay), 1874-Present”
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center: “SMOL,” art by Audra Miller, through Oct. 25. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m. (closed Sun.-Tues., Oct. 13-15, for fall break).
· Life Enrichment program at Bethel College for Wed., Oct. 16. Life Enrichment is for people age 60 and above and is an excellent way to continue learning and meet people from the surrounding area in a relaxed setting.
9:30 a.m. “MCC Meat Canner and Other Stories,” Jason Unruh, Peabody
   and Maynard Knepp, Hillsboro
10:50 a.m. “Bridging the Secular with the Sacred: Using Music to Navigate
   Life’s Journeys,” the Misguided Professors: Dr. Christine E. Crouse-Dick (Bethel
   College) and Dr. Christopher Dick (Tabor College)

Everence® will hold a Social Security and retirement income webinar Tues., Oct. 15, starting at 6:30 p.m. Topics: Social Security strategies, including when to begin taking benefits, risks that can impact your retirement savings plus strategies to help your income last throughout retirement. There will be time for questions. Information presented by staff from the Everence offices in Central Kansas. To register contact Everence at central.kansas@everence.com or 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294. Once you have registered, information to access the webinar will be sent to you.

Gather at the Warkentin House for a hymn sing and faspa on Oct. 27, 4 p.m. Hymn sing will be led by Andrew Voth and accompanied by Karen Bauman-Schlabaugh. Reserve a spot by emailing warkentinmuseum@gmail.com. Suggested donation of $15.00

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

The dam will be taken out on Sunday, October 20, at 2pm. Meet at the shelter area (look for people and things happening). Spectators welcome, as are people to help take out the boards and clean them. Taking the dam out is not for younger ages due to the weight of the boards, but spectators of all ages are most welcome! Be prepared for whatever weather/temperatures there are. It’s a fun time for both those helping and those watching!

Other events and happenings:

The November 1-3 Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat will be the only retreat for the Fall. There is still space at this retreat. Lodging and crafting will be held at Main Camp in the bunkhouses and dining hall. Register here. We’ll see you for another fun weekend!
Start tapping shoulders and thinking about the 2025 summer. Camp Mennoscah will be recruiting for summer staff (along with other camps) at Hesston, Tabor and Bethel Colleges from November 11-13, respectively. There will be a pizza meal on November 13 at a location and time yet to be determined for interested applicants. (The application is not yet open.)
The auction of the first Camp Mennoscah tee shirt quilt was a (silent) race to the end at Bethel College’s Fall Fest. (There are several more quilts yet to come, if you missed out on this bidding war.) Thank you to everyone who stopped by the booth to chat, buy a tee shirt, pull a donation envelope, bid on the quilt or whatever else! It was a hoot to see everyone.
Volunteers needed–come enjoy the cooler weather! Volunteers for the HVAC work at the Retreat Center are welcome Monday – Friday. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping out with this project. Willing hands are what is needed! Let us know when you are available, so we can prepare for you. For anyone interested in working on a weekend, two weeks notice is needed. Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 to sign up.

Mennonite Church USA’s Peace and Justice ministry has launched the latest Learn, Pray, Join initiative with a focus on conflict transformation. Learn more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/lpj-conflict-transformation/

Read more about the initiative here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/tag/conflict-transformation/

Dear Bethel College Mennonite Church,
October 10 was World Day Against the Death Penalty.
As we remember this day, we are so grateful for the support of the members of BCMC. Thank you for your witness on this important issue!
I’m writing today to invite you to join us on Nov. 16th for “All In For Repeal”, the 2024 Annual Conference. It is being held from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Kansas University Memorial Union in Lawrence.
Our keynote is Mr. Herman Lindsey, the Executive Director of Witness to Innocence. He was sentenced to death in Florida and spent three years on death row despite being innocent.
Witness to Innocence is an organization of and for men and women who have been wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death.
If you have any questions or need anything else, just let me know.
Thanks again for your support!
Peace,
Willmar T. Harder
Secretary, Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty
620-899-8918
bmcpastor@gmail.com
chair@ksabolition.org

For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Seeds of Peace” Press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network Fundraiser press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board and staff responded with disappointment and significant questions about Mosaic Mennonite Conference’s announcement recommending withdrawal from the denomination. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/mc-usa-says-better-together

Season Two of MC USA’s “Lead/Follow” podcast for pastors and leaders has begun! Watch new episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple or Spotify! Watch or listen here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/leadfollow/ View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/lead-follow-season-2-pdf View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/lead-follow-season-2-slide

Menno Snapshots

Subscribe to PeaceMail to receive MC USA’s blogs, news and resources in one weekly email. Subscribe to PeaceMail here: mennoniteusa.org/peacemail

In recognition and celebration of our 15 years of service, Mennonite Church USA’s The Corinthian Plan invites all interested persons who are part of an MC USA conference or congregation to submit a health and/or wellbeing story. Submit your wellbeing story here: mennoniteusa.org/tcp-wellbeing-stories

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: On Tuesday, participants will embark on Mennonite Mission Network’s first Just Peace Pilgrimage to South Africa. Pray for them as, for the next two-plus weeks, they will immerse themselves in the country’s struggle against apartheid and wrestle with the church’s role in upholding racial segregation in South Africa and the United States.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for WDC congregations that are hosting special events during this fall season, as they share food and fellowship with their wider community, and invite participation in ministry and mission projects.

Daylight Saving time endsSunday, November 3, 2024Turn your clock back one hour!

Daylight Saving time ends
Sunday, November 3, 2024
Turn your clock back one hour!