Category Archives: Announcements

January 19, 2025 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
JANUARY 19, 2025

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/qdk6kumGjJY?feature=share

This Sunday in worship we will consider the story of Jesus at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11), so I thought I’d share a picture of Ryan’s and my wedding reception (July 5, 1997). Maybe you can take a bit of time this weekend to look at some pictures and remember some stories from weddings that you have attended over the years. I look forward to worshiping with you all on Sunday! — Joanna Harader

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
January 19, 2025
Second Sunday after the Epiphany

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music–Adoration (Florence Beatrice Price)– Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome & Prayer–Ada Schmidt-Tieszen

*Hymn–Here in This Place–VT 10

Children’s Conversation–Barb Koontz

Worship Music–Veni Jesu (Luigi Cherbini)–Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Cherubini ‘s choral setting of the Latin text, “Veni Jesu Amor mi” loosely translates “Come to me, O Jesus, my love.”

Scripture Reading–John 2:1-11–David Sprunger

*Hymn– Over My Head–VT 594

Sermon–Prompting Miracles–Joanna Harader

*Hymn– Lift Every Voice and Sing–VT 611

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn–You are Salt for the Earth–VT 297

*Benediction

Postlude–Improvisation on We Shall Overcome–(Carl Haywood)

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

Today’s centering music and postlude are both pieces composed by black American composers. Florence Price (1887-1953), composer of Adoration, is noted as the first African American symphonic composer. She composed prolifically, producing chamber music, symphonic works, choral music, art song, and works for piano and organ, the vast majority of which was only published many decades after her death. Carl Haywood, a long-serving professor of organ and choral music at Norfolk State University, a historically black university, composed his Improvisation on We Shall Overcome for Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2012. This hymn (VT 803) is a gospel song deeply associated with the U.S. civil rights movement, and it still bears a message important to us today. The limited available organ repertoire composed by African American women and men is expanding, and I look forward to sharing more of it with you in the future.
While the bulk of commonly played organ literature is the work of white male composers, these pieces by two African American composers are both moving and thrilling and have been fun to work up. I look forward to sharing more of their music with you in the future. —Will Wiebe-Friesen

The Week at BCMC: January 19—26, 2025
Sunday, January 19, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship — 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/qdk6kumGjJY?feature=share

January 20, 2025
11 a.m.      Memorial service for Dorothea (Dotty) Janzen in the Sanctuary
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, January 23, 2025
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.        Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
Saturday, January 25, 2025
8:30 a.m. Leadership Retreat at Grace Hill Mennonite Church, 10218 SE 12th St., Whitewater
Sunday, January 26, 2025—500th Anniversary of Anabaptism
9:30 a.m.   Worship with testimonies from BCMC members; music by the Chancel Choir         10:30 a.m. Faith Formation

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. For the Financial Report booklet press here. There will be paper copies in the Gathering Place.

Upcoming Memorial Services:
· January 20, 11 a.m.: Dorothea (Dotty) Janzen’s memorial service at BCMC. Live stream link is:
https://youtube.com/live/pVqebh4X4K8?feature=share

· Helen Paul’s memorial service will be at Kidron Bethel Village, Kidron Hall on Feb. 28 at 2:30 p.m.

BCMC Offering for Jan. 12: Gen. Fund $8,403.59; Kitchen Fund $8; Leona Kaufman Mem. $240.

From the Finance Committee
As the financial year of our church ends, we offer gratitude for the generosity shared in donating monetary offerings toward our annual budget. Each gift is important to the process of fulfilling our mission. A brief report is listed below.
The following is a BCMC financial report of the general fund income and expenses on December 31, 2024 (100% of the year).
Total income $511,397 95% of budget
Total expense $504,305 94% of budget
Net income $7,092

Greetings!
I am looking for volunteers who would be willing to provide a morning snack for our youth on Sunday mornings. Items could be, but not limited to, cinnamon rolls, fruit, cookies, etc. We generally have 4-7 young persons participate in Sunday School and would be gracious for yummy treats before their lessons starts. If you are able to volunteer, please email me at jill@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org.

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

“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” will be Sunday, February 23, at noon. You are welcome to sign-up Sunday, January 19, or Sunday, January 26, in the Gathering Place. Indicate whether you would like to be a host or guest. Hosts provide main dish, beverage, and maybe bread. Guests are assigned a side dish – vegetable, salad, dessert, or maybe bread. Experience this event interacting with some of our congregational members, as assigned, on a social level.

Board Game Night to support the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery: Pastor Joanna is currently working with other members of the Coalition to develop a board game that addresses issues connected to Indigenous justice. To raise awareness of and money for this project, the Indigenous Task Force is hosting a board game night on Friday, February 21, at 7 p.m. in the church Fellowship Hall. We will have a prototype of the Coalition game available along with plenty of other game options. There is no charge to attend the event, but we will receive donations for the Coalition from those who would like to contribute.

The Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference notes that several of their churches have been affected by the wildfires that continue to burn in Southern California. They are requesting donations toward the needs of PSMC families who have lost homes and to the needs of the wider community. You can donate through their website. (Be sure to select “Relief for Victims of SoCal Fires” from the donation drop-down menu.)

FROM BETHEL COLLEGE
· Mon., Jan. 20: Bethel College’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center, with local pastor (retired) and community leader Larry Lee.
· Sat., Jan. 25: Kauffman Museum annual Kansas Day event, “At Home on the Range,” noon-4 p.m., museum parking lot and grounds. Featuring food trucks, exhibits and activities indoors and out, and much more. For more information, see the Kauffman Museum Facebook page or kauffmanmuseum.org
· Sun., Jan. 26: Bethel College Music Department Honors Recital, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel, featuring freshman, sophomore and junior vocal and instrumental students who performed exceptionally during the fall 2024 semester.

Bethel College will offer a new course, “Introduction to Hymnology”, in Spring 2025, taught by Dr. Henry S. Waters, Director of Choral Music and Associate Professor of Music. The course will survey the history of hymns, mostly from the hymnal Voices Together, and analyze hymns through many lenses including music theory, poetry and theology. The class will meet weekly on Mondays at 6-7 pm, beginning Mon., Jan 27, in the Chapel of the Administration Building. Community members may Audit the course for $100 (or $50 for persons age 65+), or enroll for credit at a higher fee. To request the enrollment form, email registrar@bethelks.edu or visit the Registrar’s Office in the Administration Building between 8 am -12 pm, or 1-5 pm.

The Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus is getting organized for our 2025 season. Those who sang last year should have received information from Aaron Stucky (stuckya2003@yahoo.com). For those who would like to join this year please contact Aaron or myself, Joe Peters, joep67117@gmail.com or 316-288-7031, or join us at our first rehearsal on Jan. 26. We sing so others may live.

Volunteer at New Hope Shelter: BCMC is part of a 24-congregation network providing volunteer support for evening shifts at New Hope Shelter. About five weeks per year, we carry in several meals for 25-30 people and have two volunteers stay through the evening to support a staff person. As volunteers come and go, we can always use more help to cover this commitment. If you could help occasionally by contributing food for a meal or spending an evening at the shelter, email Cynthia Linscheid at cdlin319@gmail.com. New Hope Shelter serves homeless men, women, and children from Harvey, Butler, Marion, and McPherson counties. Thanks to all who have volunteered their time and service at New Hope, either recently or in the past!

Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) is hosting a 75th Anniversary Annual Celebration in Wichita this February 14-15. As part of the celebration, MDS will be hosting a volleyball tournament and cornhole tournament! The tournaments will be held Sat., Feb. 15 at Ridgepoint Church in Wichita. The cornhole tournament is at 1 p.m. and the volleyball tournament is from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. They are looking for local teams or individuals to join the fun! Everyone is invited! If you are interested in registering a team or as an individual, please let Kaelan Swartley at kswartley@mds.org know by Jan. 27. If you are looking to form or join a team with others from Western District Conference, contact the WDC office at wdc@mennowdc.org and we can connect you with others who may be interested. Volunteers are needed to help with meals (meals are free for volunteers), welcome and hospitality, driving shuttle vans between hotels and church, and helping with meeting room preparation. Please contact Ada Schmidt-Tieszen at 316 842-9751 or adast@bethelks.edu for more information.

Peace Connections is hosting a Bridges Out of Poverty Free Training Jan. 31 and Feb. 7. This training is a great way to help individuals understand the impacts of poverty by exploring the root causes of poverty, increase personal understanding and identify ways to reduce barriers between each other. For information or to sign up for the two-part training go to www.peaceconnections.org

Newton Community for Racial Justice will hold its annual anti-racism training Feb. 13-15. 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. Registration: $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

Anabaptism at 500 Celebration
January 21 is the 500th anniversary of what is noted as the beginning of Anabaptism: the baptism of George Blaurock, Conrad Grebel, and a dozen others in Zurich, Switzerland. We have the opportunity to participate in many online and in-person events over the next several weeks to celebrate this significant anniversary:
· Saturday, Jan. 18 at 8 a.m. (Central), the Global Anabaptist Read-a-Thon begins! This will be streamed on the Anabaptism at 500 Facebook page for 90+ hours. Tune in to hear 500 voices (including Pastor Joanna’s) from 42 countries read through the entire Bible.
· Sunday, Jan. 19, 3 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite Church: Hymn Festival
· Tues., Jan. 21, 6-7:30 p.m. (Central), at College Mennonite Church (Goshen, IN) and online: a worship service celebrating 500 years of the Anabaptist movement. You can find the livestream link the day of the event on the Anabaptism at 500 Facebook page.
· Sundays, Jan. 26 and Feb. 2: BCMC worship will highlight various aspects of our Anabaptist heritage and identity.

Anabaptism at 500! This year, Anabaptists around the world are celebrating the 500th anniversary of the first Anabaptist baptism on January 21, 1525. As part of this world-wide celebration, MennoMedia has published the Anabaptist Community Bible, which two different BCMC Sunday School classes contributed to. And if you’d like to read through the Bible in 2025, you can find a reading chart here

From Mitch Stutzman at MennoMedia on the Anabaptism at 500 livestream:
How to access the Anabaptism at 500 worship service on January 21 and the video stream of Global Anabaptist Read-a-thon.
Both of these livestream events will be available on the Anabaptism at 500 Facebook page. Neither of these events require a registration. Simply visit the Facebook page and you will be able to access the live event. As you share with your friends and faith community about the worship service and the video of folks from around the world reading through the bible together, please direct people to the Anabaptism at 500 Facebook page.

The other nuance is related specifically to the Global Anabaptist Read-a-thon. As we prepare the final edit of the video of all of these voices from around the world we are realizing that the recording is much longer than we anticipated (Turns out, it takes a long time to read straight through the whole Bible)! Because of the length of the experience the livestream of the read-a-thon will begin on the Anabaptism at 500 Facebook page at about 9:00 am Eastern, Saturday, January 18, and run through Tuesday evening when the worship time starts in Goshen. This read-a-thon has been a massive undertaking with a lot of moving pieces and we are excited to see how it comes together over the next few days.

Long story short, look to the Anabaptism at 500 Facebook page for both events. Make sure to check back frequently starting on Saturday morning to take in the voices reading scripture. Blessings to you as we anticipate a full weekend and the launch of a season of commemoration around this important moment in our collective story.

For Mennonite Disaster Service 75th Anniversary press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here

Dear Intersections readers: Greetings! I am happy to announce the publication online of the winter 2025 issue of Mennonite Central Committee’s publication, Intersections, on the topic of MCC and Mennonite World Conference (MWC). The issue can be found here. The publication of this Intersections issue coincides with MWC marking its centennial of fostering inter-Anabaptist fellowship and with the global Anabaptist movement commemorating the 500-year-old legacy of the global Anabaptist movement. Authors in this issue reflect the global Anabaptist fellowship represented by MWC. MCC, as these articles reflect, has been intertwined with MWC since the latter’s founding in 1925—partnership among MCC, MWC, and Anabaptist churches worldwide remains vibrant and strong today. As always, your thoughts and questions about Intersections are always welcome!
Warm regards, Alain Epp Weaver

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

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

WANTED: Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, Campers, Tractors, Farm Machinery and anything of value to be sold at this year’s Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale. Your donations can be used as a Charitable Tax Donation. Call Jerry Toews, 620 367 8257 for more information.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Only one week left to order Camp Mennoscah Hoodies! Click here to order online (https://forms.gle/QmPwMxrxD8ii9tRH6) or contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. The camp sign logo will be on the chest. Youth sizes are $40. Adult sizes S – XL are $40 and sizes 2XL – 4XL are $45. Colors can be found in the ordering form. Youth colors do not match adult colors exactly due to color availability. Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 with questions. Ordering closes January 20. Available ONLY through this online order. We will NOT have extras on hand later (sorry).

Other events and happenings:

The Spring Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat is March 14-16. Registration will open in February. All activities will take place at Main Camp in the dining hall and bunkhouses.
The application for 2025 Summer Staff is open.Staff positions are needed for nature, office, music, lifeguards, crafts and grounds/maintenance. Further information available on the Camp Mennoscah webpage under Programs/Summer Youth Camps or contact 620-297-3290.
The 2025 Summer Youth Camp Schedule is available. See online at campmennoscah.org for the summer schedule. There has been a change in age groups for the camps. There are two Junior Camps for those going into grades 6, 7 and 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.

From Mennonite Church USA
At its meeting on Nov. 14-16, 2024, in Destin, Florida, the MC USA Executive Board affirmed a call from the denomination’s Racial Ethnic Council (REC) to increase awareness of the historical record of BIPOC Mennonites and to fund BIPOC contributions to the MC USA Archives. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/eb-rec

Sometimes, a congregation may have a known sex offender in attendance or an individual displaying characteristics typical of a sex offender. Join Nancy Kauffmann, MC USA’s interim denominational minister of Church Safety, Paul Unruh, a retired social worker, and Yolanda Kauffman, licensed master social worker, on January 28, 2024, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT for a webinar that will focus on understanding the behaviors of those who commit sexual offenses and what appropriate accountability looks like to ensure that the congregation remains a safe space for everyone, including the sex offender. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/register-jan-safe-church

Word&Note at Plymouth Congregational Church in Wichita (Jan 31-Feb 2)
Plymouth Congregational Church’s annual Word&Note weekend conference is soon approaching. It will have two guest presenters: Sarah McCammon (NPR Politics) and Mark Miller (Lecturer in Sacred Music). Sarah will give presentations on her recent book The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church and there will be an entire concert of Mark Miller’s moving and forward-thinking music Saturday evening entitled “Songs of Justice & Joy.” He will also give a presentation on Saturday afternoon on “Worship & Music in a Time of Crisis.” There is a a discounted rate of $100 for the entire weekend ($135 value). See the Plymouth Congregational Church website for more information.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the South American celebration of Anabaptism at 500, taking place in Cusco, Peru. Pray that during these five days of worship, learning and fellowship, Anabaptists will experience renewed inspiration to carry their rich spiritual legacy into current contexts.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for WDC congregations observing Anabaptism at 500 (the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Anabaptist movement in 1525) through special events and celebrations during the coming year, and pray for faithfulness in our commitments to follow Jesus as Anabaptist / Mennonite Christians now and in the future.

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.

January 12, 2025 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
JANUARY 12, 2025

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.

You are encouraged to stay at home again this Sunday. We will be streaming the service in the sanctuary at 9:30 a.m., and we recommend you watch from home. If you come to the church, parking and the entryways will still be icy and snowy, you put yourself at a high risk of falling. Parking will especially be limited as snow drifts impede access to the church from the south, west, and north. The east parking lot, though still slick, will have some drop-off access to the northeast and southeast entryways.

The Service of Remembrance will be held and live streamed at 4:00 in the afternoon. Exercise the same caution with that service.

Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
snow on snow,
in the bleak mid-winter,
[not so] long, long ago.
  Christina Rossetti
–
Nathan Koontz (he, him)
Co-Pastor
Bethel College Mennonite Church

A note from Monica Lichti – Thank you to Kevin Neufeld for working really hard to remove lots of snow and ice from the east parking lot and church sidewalks. Also thanks to Marlin Lichti for shoveling entrances and throwing down ice melt!

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
January 12, 2025

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music– Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome & Prayer–John Sheriff

*Hymn–Be Thou My Vision– VT 549

Children’s Conversation– Kathy Stucky

Worship Music–Country Dance (C.M. von Weber)– Rebecca Schloneger and Will Wiebe-Friesen

Scripture Reading–John 1:1-5; Proverbs 8:22-36– Richard Friesen

*Hymn–In the Beginning–VT 270

Sermon–Sophia Christ–Nathan Koontz

*Hymn–Praise to the Living God–VT 204

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn–O God, Our Help in Ages Past–VT 203

*Benediction

Postlude

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

The Week at BCMC: January 12—19, 2025
Sunday, January 12, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship — 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/_uUj8rcts7Y?feature=share

4 p.m. Service of Remembrance in the Sanctuary
YouTube Link for Service of Remembrance:
https://youtube.com/live/5-CgsEfm7BY?feature=share
For the Service of Remembrance bulletin press here

Wednesday, January 15, 2025
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, January 16, 2025
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
Sunday, January 19, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation

The congregation is invited to enjoy a piece of cake in the Gathering Space during fellowship time today, January 12, to help Glen and Karen Ediger celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, which was December 28th.

BCMC Offering for Dec. 29: Gen. Fund $10,567.74; Plant Fund $50; Gen Fund 2025 $2000; Flower Fund $20; Kitchen Fund $14.01; Solar Fund $2,000; Dotty Janzen Mem. $103; Women’s Fellowship $581.

We offer sympathy to Nathan Kaufman and family on the death of Nathan’s wife, Jill Kaufman. Jill died Dec. 27 at Kidron Bethel Village. The memorial service was held on January 2 at Kidron Hall, Kidron Bethel Village, and may be viewed at the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/@KidronBethelVillage/streams

Greetings!
I am looking for volunteers who would be willing to provide a morning snack for our youth on Sunday mornings. Items could be, but not limited to, cinnamon rolls, fruit, cookies, etc. We generally have 4-7 young persons participate in Sunday School and would be gracious for yummy treats before their lessons starts. If you are able to volunteer, please email me at jill@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org.

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.

Changes for your BCMC Directory
· Al and Sue Penner no longer have a land-line. Add Sue’s cell phone: 620-727-0941
· Omar Voran’s new address in Wichita: Cedarhurst Senior Living, 11820 W. 29th Street N, #14, Wichita, KS 67205

Upcoming Memorial Services:
· January 13, 10:30 a.m.: Leona Kaufman’s memorial service at Eden
Mennonite Church, 401 18th Ave., Moundridge. Zoom link is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88103194061?
pwd=pMzTgraQS8KPtIOZldMYMtX6iqZ6Go.1
Meeting ID: 881 0319 4061
Passcode: 576696
January 20, 11 a.m.: Dorothea (Dotty) Janzen’s memorial service at BCMC
· Helen Paul’s memorial service is pending (Helen died Dec. 25, 2024)

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

The Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus is getting organized for our 2025 season. Those who sang last year should have received information from Aaron Stucky (stuckya2003@yahoo.com). For those who would like to join this year please contact Aaron or myself, Joe Peters 316-288-7031 or joep67117@gmail.com or join us at our first rehearsal on January 26. We sing so others may live.

Volunteer at New Hope Shelter: BCMC is part of a 24-congregation network providing volunteer support for evening shifts at New Hope Shelter. About five weeks per year, we carry in several meals for 25-30 people and have two volunteers stay through the evening to support a staff person. As volunteers come and go, we can always use more help to cover this commitment. If you could help occasionally by contributing food for a meal or spending an evening at the shelter, please email Cynthia Linscheid at cdlin319@gmail.com. New Hope Shelter serves homeless men, women, and children from Harvey, Butler, Marion, and McPherson counties. Thanks to all who have volunteered their time and service at New Hope, either recently or in the past!

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

Register now for the 500 Years of Anabaptism & Swiss Alps Tour, May 21-31, 2025. Sites: The Swiss Alps, Swiss Mennonite sites, & the 500 Year Celebration in Zurich on May 29. Preview the tour at www.tourwithweldon.com. For information & registration details contact Weldon Martens at weldon.martens@gmail.com or 402-202-9276

Peace Connections is hosting a Bridges Out of Poverty Training Jan. 31 and Feb. 7. This training experience is a great way to invest in your community and expand resources, to help individuals understand the impacts of poverty. This FREE training will explore the root causes of poverty, increase personal understanding and identify ways to reduce barriers between each other. For more information or to sign up for this two-part training, please visit www.peaceconnections.org

Bethel College Announcements
· Sun., Jan. 12: Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program, “A Mennonite Sojourn in Central Asia, 1880-1935,” with historian John Sharp, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium.
· Mon., Jan. 20: Bethel College’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center, with local pastor (retired) and community leader Larry Lee.
· Sat., Jan. 25: Kauffman Museum annual Kansas Day event, “At Home on the Range,” noon-4 p.m., museum parking lot and grounds. Featuring food trucks, exhibits and activities indoors and out, and much more. For more information, see the Kauffman Museum Facebook page or kauffmanmuseum.org

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.

Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) is hosting a 75th Anniversary Annual Celebration in Wichita this February 14-15. As part of the celebration, MDS will be hosting a volleyball tournament and cornhole tournament! The tournaments will be held Sat., Feb. 15 at Ridgepoint Church in Wichita. The cornhole tournament is at 1 p.m. and the volleyball tournament is from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. They are looking for local teams or individuals to join the fun! Everyone is invited! If you are interested in registering a team or as an individual, please let Kaelan Swartley at kswartley@mds.org know by January 27. If you are looking to form or join a team with others from Western District Conference, contact the WDC office at wdc@mennowdc.org and we can connect you with others who may be interested.
Volunteers are needed to help with meals (meals are free for volunteers), welcome and hospitality, driving shuttle vans between hotels and church, and helping with meeting room preparation. Please contact Ada Schmidt-Tieszen at 316 842-9751 or adast@bethelks.edu for more information or sign up at the back of the sanctuary on Sunday, January 12. Thanks!

Newton Community for Racial Justice will hold its annual anti-racism training Feb. 13-15. 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. Registration: $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, 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.

Anabaptism at 500! This year, Anabaptists around the world are celebrating the 500th anniversary of the first Anabaptist baptism on January 21, 1525. As part of this world-wide celebration, MennoMedia has published the Anabaptist Community Bible, which two different BCMC Sunday School classes contributed to. You can find a copy in our church library. And if you’d like to read through the Bible in 2025, you can find a reading chart in a BCMC email. Our primary time for congregational celebration will be our worship service on January 26. BCMC will sing 16th century/Anabaptist hymns, hear reflections by two members, see a banner, and pray for wisdom as we observe this anniversary. On February 2, Dale Schrag will preach as we continue to mark Anabaptism 500.

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 on-line today!

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

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Camp Mennoscah Hoodies available for ordering! Click here to order online (https://forms.gle/QmPwMxrxD8ii9tRH6) or contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. The camp sign logo will be on the chest. Youth sizes are $40. Adult sizes S – XL are $40 and sizes 2XL – 4XL are $45. Colors can be found in the ordering form. Youth colors do not match adult colors exactly due to color availability. Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 with questions. Ordering closes January 20. We need a minimum of 15 hoodies ordered to proceed. Available ONLY through this online order.

Other events and happenings:

Thank you for your generosity over the holiday season! Your gifts, prayers, and service to support Camp Mennoscah’s ministry are much appreciated. We’re a bit behind on getting receipts and thank yous sent, but you are not forgotten. Thank you oh so muchly!
The application for 2025 Summer Staff is open.Staff positions are needed for nature, office, music, lifeguards, crafts and grounds/maintenance. Further information available on the Camp Mennoscah webpage under Programs/Summer Youth Camps or contact 620-297-3290.
The 2025 Summer Youth Camp Schedule is available. See online at campmennoscah.org or attached for the (corrected) schedule. There has been a change in age groups for the camps. There are two Junior Camps for those going into grades 6, 7 and 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.For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here

For Mennonite Central Committee “The Great Winter Warm-Up” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Registration is open for MC USA’s Hope for the Future conference, Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2025, at Goshen (Indiana) College. This year’s unique event will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Damascus Road Anti-racism Process and its pivotal role in the Anabaptist commitment to justice and reconciliation. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/30-damascus Register here: mennoniteusa.org/hftf-2025-register View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/hff-25-registration-pdf View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/hff-25-registration-slide

On January 14, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, join Sarah Bixler, associate dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, and host, Michael Danner, associate executive director for Church Vitality at MC USA, for a presentational webinar titled, “Mindsight: Compassionate Pastoral Attention to Self and Others.” Learn more and register here: mennoniteusa.org/webinar/mindsight-ems

Beginning on January 18, 2025 the Anabaptism at 500 Read-a-thon will be available to stream online and will conclude on January 21, 2025, with a live-streamed worship/celebration in Goshen, Indiana (USA) as we read together the final passage from Revelations and celebrate the launch of the Anabaptist Community Bible. Tune in to the MennoMedia (https://www.facebook.com/MennoMedia) and Anabaptism at 500 (https://www.facebook.com/Anabaptismat500) Facebook pages to watch the livestream!

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network praises God for the 29 SOOP volunteers serving in Arizona and Florida this month. Pray that these SOOPers will be a blessing to vulnerable populations, as they serve between two weeks and four months.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for congregations that are hosting visits from listening teams during the coming months as part of the WDC Listening Process, that they would be blessed through sharing and conversation together about how God is at work in their community and how WDC can support their congregational ministry.

January 5, 2025 worship service and announcements

Weather Watch for this Sunday – January 5
We in the church office, and our Church Board Moderator/Chair, Brad Kohlman, are watching the weather reports for this coming Sunday. Be sure to check your email Saturday afternoon to see if there are any decisions regarding the Sunday morning service and the Sunday afternoon service of remembrance.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
JANUARY 5, 2025

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
January 5, 2025
Epiphany

Land Acknowledgement—John Waltner

Centering Music—We Three Kings (arr. Diane Bish)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome & Prayer—John Waltner

*Hymn—Arise Your Light Is Come! —VT 273

Children’s Conversation—Kathy Stucky

*Hymn—The First Noel, the Angel Did Say—VT 250

Scripture Reading—Matthew 2:1-15—Ron Sawatsky

Sermon—Small Steps—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Hark! the Herald Angels Sing—VT 247

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Joy to the World—VT 240

*Benediction

Postlude— Nun ist sie erschienen (arr. Steve Vincent)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual—Ben Lichti

Land Acknowledgement compiled 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:
Last month the Repair Coalition launched their Rematriation project: the Landback Fund. You can watch the recording of the introductory webinar on YouTube Channel here. During the webinar Coalition leaders told the story of how this fund came to be, how you can participate, and invited audience questions.

If you have specific questions about the fund, what to contribute, or about rematriation in your context, we invite you to attend a Landback Coffee Hour!Join us by Zoom on the first Monday of each month at 4pm PT / 7pm ET.Register for Landback Coffee Hour

The Week at BCMC: January 5—12, 2025
Sunday, January 5, 2025—Epiphany
9:30 a.m. Worship — 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/zJfCtRmpoOI?feature=share

4 p.m. Service of Remembrance in the Sanctuary
YouTube Link for Service of Remembrance:
https://youtube.com/live/5-CgsEfm7BY?feature=share

Wednesday, January 8, 2025
6:30 p.m.   Gifts Discernment Committee meeting in Room 14
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, January 9, 2025
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.        Church Board meeting in Room 14
Sunday, January 12, 2025
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation

The congregation is invited to enjoy a piece of cake in the Gathering Space
during fellowship time next Sunday, January 12, to help Glen and Karen Ediger celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, which was December 28th.

BCMC Offering for Dec. 29: Gen. Fund $10,567.74; Plant Fund $50; Gen Fund 2025 $2000; Flower Fund $20; Kitchen Fund $14.01; Solar Fund $2,000; Dotty Janzen Mem. $103; Women’s Fellowship $581.

We offer sympathy to Nathan Kaufman and family on the death of Nathan’s wife, Jill Kaufman. Jill died Dec. 27 at Kidron Bethel Village. The memorial service was held on January 2 at Kidron Hall, Kidron Bethel Village, and may be viewed at this link: https://www.youtube.com/@KidronBethelVillage/streams

Upcoming Memorial Services:
· January 13, 10:30 a.m.: Leona Kaufman’s memorial service at Eden
Mennonite Church, 401 18th Ave., Moundridge
· January 20, 11 a.m.: Dorothea (Dotty) Janzen’s memorial service at BCMC
· Helen Paul’s memorial service is pending (Helen died Dec. 25, 2024)

Changes for your BCMC Directory
· Al and Sue Penner no longer have a land-line. Add Sue’s cell phone: 620-727-0941
· Omar Voran’s new address in Wichita: Cedarhurst Senior Living, 11820 W. 29th Street N, #14, Wichita, KS 67205

Bethel College Announcements
· Sun., Jan. 12: Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program, “A Mennonite Sojourn in Central Asia, 1880-1935,” with historian John Sharp, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium.
· Mon., Jan. 20: Bethel College’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center, with local pastor (retired) and community leader Larry Lee.
· Sat., Jan. 25: Kauffman Museum annual Kansas Day event, “At Home on the Range,” noon-4 p.m., museum parking lot and grounds. Featuring food trucks, exhibits and activities indoors and out, and much more. For more information, see the Kauffman Museum Facebook page or kauffmanmuseum.org

Save the Date! The 2025 WDC Annual Assembly will be Aug 8-9, 2025 at Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston, KS. This means the Assembly Resolutions due date is April 10, 2025. 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!

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.

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. 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: stephaniew@mennonitemission.net

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 World Conference “Courier” press here
For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Registration for Mennonite Church USA’s Follow Jesus ’25 convention will open Jan. 6, 2025, for early-bird pricing. The denomination’s biennial faith formation gathering will take place at Koury Convention Center, in Greensboro, North Carolina, July 8-12, 2025. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/registration-jan6 Register here: convention.mennoniteusa.org/ View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/follow-jesus-early-bird-pdf View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/follow-jesus-early-bird-slide

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

Menno Snapshots

In the wake of the 2024 presidential election, Michael Danner considers what it means to live and interact with the government as Anabaptist followers of Jesus. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/every-4-years

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the Nigeria Mennonite Church and the Nigeria Anabaptist Peace Center, as they work for peaceful communities in their multi-cultural context, where Muslim-Christian relations are often challenging.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for the faithful prayers, financial gifts and participation of WDC members in supporting conference and congregational ministries this past year, and pray for generous contributions to WDC as the conference completes its fiscal year in January.

December 29, 2024 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
DECEMBER 29, 2024
The worship service begins this Sunday at 10 a.m. Bring Christmas goodies to share after the service. No Sunday School this 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 9:45 a.m., (worship on December 29 begins at 10 a.m. — No Sunday school this Sunday), 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/WUCNfHyHJmE?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
December 29, 2024
First Sunday After Christmas

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Verlene Garber

Welcome & Prayer—Darlene Dick

*Hymn—O Come, All Ye Faithful—VT 241

Children’s Conversation—Esther Kreider Eash

*Hymn—Good Christian Friends, Rejoice—VT 261

Scripture Reading—Luke 2:1-7—Brad and Lincoln Kohlman

*Hymn—Still, Still, Still—VT 264

Scripture Reading—Luke 2:8-20—Brad and Lincoln Kohlman

*Hymn—Angels, from the Realms of Glory—VT 265

Reflection—Birth Plan—Joanna Harader

*Hymn—Love Came Down at Christmas—VT 255

Prayers of God’s People—Darlene Dick

*Hymn—Go Tell It on the Mountain—VT 252

*Benediction

Postlude—Verlene Garber

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

The Week at BCMC: December 29, 2024—January 5, 2025
Sunday, December 29, 2024—First Sunday After Christmas
10 a.m. Worship followed by Christmas goodies, treats, and snacks in the
Gathering Place—No Sunday School
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/WUCNfHyHJmE?feature=share

The church office will also be closed December 30 and 31.
9:30 a.m. January 5, 2025—Epiphany Sunday — Sermon by Nathan Koontz
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
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.

Pastor Joanna Harader will be on vacation from December 30, 2024 to January 13, 2025.

We offer sympathy to the family of Leona Kaufman. Leona died Dec. 24 at Pine Village, Moundridge. Services are pending.

We offer sympathy to the family of Helen Pauls. Helen died Dec. 25 at Kidron Bethel Village.

The memorial service for Dorothea (Dotty) Janzen will be Jan. 20, 2025, 11 a.m. at BCMC.

BCMC Offering for Dec. 22: Gen. Fund $13,947; Caring Fund $200; Kitchen Fund $5; Solar Fund $1,000; Kurt Friesen Memorial (for Organ Fund) $5,000.

Mark your Calendars! “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” will be Feb. 23 for the noon meal with sign-up for hosts and guests on Jan. 19 and 26. Sponsored by Hospitality Commission.

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.
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.

Western District Conference seeks a half-time Program Director for WDC’s Kids Meet Christ (KMC) worship and faith formation initiative, beginning Feb. 1, 2025. This program is made possible through Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative, designed to help congregations more fully and intentionally engage children in intergenerational corporate worship and prayer practices. The KMC Program Director will serve as a member of the WDC staff, collaborating with other staff and the Resource Commission to implement the KMC initiative over the 5-year grant period. For position description and application form, see https://mennowdc.org/employment/. Interested applicants please submit application form and letter of interest to the Conference Minister at heidirk@mennowdc.org.

Kauffman Museum invites you to visit during the holidays. The museum is closed Mondays, New Year’s Day; open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bethel College Announcements
Sat., Jan. 4 : 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., Jan. 12: Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program, “A Mennonite Sojourn in Central Asia, 1880-1935,” with historian John Sharp, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium.
Mon., Jan. 20: Bethel College’s annual celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, 7 p.m., with local pastor (retired) and community leader Larry Lee; Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Sat., Jan. 25: Kauffman Museum annual Kansas Day event, “At Home on the Range,” noon-4 p.m., museum parking lot and grounds. For more information, see the Kauffman Museum Facebook page or kauffmanmuseum.org

From the Mennonite World Conference press here
Merry Christmas from Mennonite Church USA press here
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
From Mennonite Mission Network “News from around the World” press here

Dear Bethel College Mennonite,“If we are silent, then these stones will cry out!” (Luke 19:40). Are you a young adult concerned about the global threats of climate change and forced migration, the groanings of Creation and the shouting out of stones, and eager to join a collective cry for positive change? The Stones cry out Peace Camp from March 10-15, 2025, may be for you! MCC Peace Camps are one-week, hands-on learning experiences for young adults to build community together, experience personal transformation and apply Anabaptist foundations of peace and justice to real world issues. As climate change and other environmental pressures create difficult living conditions, more and more people are forced to leave their homes. The Stones cry out Peace Camp will grapple with ways to address the two intersecting issues of climate and migration. Together, participants will delve into alternative visions for a society rooted in hospitality and share these powerful messages in person with members of Congress. The Stones cry out Peace Camp will take place at the MCC Welcoming Place in Akron, Pennsylvania, a beautiful and restful area that intentionally emphasizes ecological restoration. Activities will include: Group exercises and discussionsNature-based experiences and “church in the wild”Visits with local organizationsA mini-advocacy training, drawing from Biblical stories of speaking truth in love to powerA day trip to Washington, D.C., to advocate to members of Congress!

MCC 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 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! In peace, Nathan Toews
Peace Education Coordinator
MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries

Announcements from Mennonite Church USA
Save the Date for Follow Jesus 25! See you July 8-12, 2025 in North Carolina. Watch the video here: mennoniteusa.org/follow-jesus-25-video

Menno Snapshots

While reflecting on her job description as the conference minister for Mountain States Mennonite Conference, Amy Zimbelman came up with a song about some of her favorite things to answer the question “So what do you … do?” Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/a-few-of-my-favorite-things-msmc

Lynette McIntosh-Madrigal, a member of Mennonite Church USA’s Women in Leadership Steering Committee, shares how she has experienced conflict transformation among inner-city youth in Fresno, California. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/conflict-in-youth-ministry

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Alfonsina and José Oyanguren, who are engaged in multiple ministries, including teaching and accompanying Toba-Qom communities in Argentina’s Chaco region. Pray that the Oyangurens will continue to be God’s agents for transformation and that our Toba-Qom brothers and sisters will be able to live ever more fully into God’s abundant life.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: As we enter the New Year, we pray for peace and joy for our loved ones and neighbors. May Christ’s presence guide their lives with love and hope. We also remember our brothers and sisters around the world, trusting in God’s love to unite us as we step into a new season of grace and renewal. -WDC Church Planting Commission

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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