Category Archives: Announcements

Retreat at Camp Mennoscah – April 28, 2024

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
APRIL 28, 2024
RETREAT AT CAMP MENNOSCAH

There will be no worship service in the Bethel College Mennonite Church building this Sunday, April 28 Please come join the worship service at Camp Mennoscah at 10 a.m. If you are coming for breakfast, it will be served from 8 to 9 a.m. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. The service from Camp Mennoscah will not be live-streamed.

There will be 3 baptisms in the Ninnescah River at the worship service this Sunday. Their faith statements appear below.

A complete schedule of the BCMC Camp Mennoscah Retreat can be found at this link: BCMC Mennoscah Retreat Information.

Faith Statements of Bethel College Mennonite Church Baptism Candidates

Justin Zerger

Bethel College Mennonite Church has always been a place for my family to call home. Being able to officially join this community and commit to nurturing my faith while walking on the path God has set before me is an opportunity that I hold with great regard. BCMC is a community that laid the foundation of my faith journey and has guided me and watched me grow as a person and Christian. BCMC led me to Camp Mennoscah, a place where I first understood to invite God into the lead of my life, and one of the places this relationship still feels the strongest today. My decision to get baptized is my commitment to following Jesus as an example and incorporating the values of peace, love, forgiveness, and non-violence that the Mennonite community has instilled in me, into my everyday life. As a member of the Mennonite Church, I hope to be a nurturer of faith, a lending heart and hand, and a loving neighbor, as a gardener of God’s creation.

Lucy Burch

I’ve attended BCMC my whole life and found it to be a loving and welcoming community. There have been churches that I’ve visited, but BCMC has definitely been the church I’ve enjoyed the most. The friends I’ve made here have been very encouraging and helpful. My relationship with God has mostly been confusing my whole life. I wasn’t able to connect with God in my daily life but it was totally different at Camp Mennoscah and Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp. I’ve always felt God at Camp Mennoscah, usually while we’re singing or just enjoying nature. It has been an important place for me as it helped me to begin exploring my faith deeper. At RMMC, I see God through the relationships while people are playing games, working in the kitchen, or enjoying the mountains/nature. The environment there is very cheerful and it has also played a big role in my faith journey. Working in the kitchen at RMMC was very exciting for me. I got to work with some amazing friends and we saw our work pay off when everybody sat down to eat. I love being able to give back to my community by volunteering. It really puts in perspective how helping someone a little bit can go a long way. As I continue my faith journey, I would also like to give back to the church. I want to be as kind and as welcoming as the rest of our community has been to me.

Mara Oswald

When I was younger, I attended New Creation Fellowship Church in Newton. New Creation began the foundation for my faith journey. From music, to worship, to prayer, I started to develop my understanding of the way I wanted to follow Jesus. In elementary school, I attended my first year of Camp Mennoscah. Camp has become one of the places in which I feel the strongest connection to my faith. Every year I attend camp, I continuously learn more about myself through music, food, nature, and fellowship. Around 5th grade, my mom suggested I begin attending Wednesday night activities at Bethel College Mennonite Church. I started by attending cherub choir, then bell choir, now youth group, and Sunday services. BCMC welcomed me as I created new friendships while strengthening my connection with the church. Wednesday nights offered experiences I’d never had before, and the opportunity to grow my community came at a time when I needed it most. I especially value the time of year when we have supper in fellowship hall. Getting to spend time with my grandparents and other members of the church has particularly helped me in grounding my faith with BCMC. I cherish the moments in which I get to learn new things. These activities better lead me in the direction of how to become more established in the beliefs I have been connected to since birth. As I’ve grown older I’ve begun to pay closer attention to sermons, and I can achieve a better understanding of the structure of church. Without my participation in attending Camp, New Creation, and BCMC, I would not be able to develop my faith as it is today. I’m grateful for the practices I have learned, the beliefs I hold, and the community I have built while getting older. I am particularly excited to see where this step in my faith journey takes me, and I thank everyone who helped me get here.

Roger Neufeld Smith’s Whereabouts
Roger will be back in Newton on Wednesday, May 1 and return to Topeka on Sunday, May 5. Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)

The Next Week at BCMC: April 28-May 5, 2024
Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28, 2024—Camp Mennoscah Retreat
BCMC Retreat at Camp Mennoscah—There will be no worship service in the BCMC building on Sunday, April 28
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
4:30 p.m.    Abuse Prevention and Response Committee meeting in Rm 14
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, May 2, 2024
4 p.m.         Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
7 p.m.         Church Board meeting in Room 14
Saturday, May 4, 2024—Candidating Weekend
Sunday, May 5, 2024—Candidating Weekend Continues
9:30 a.m.    Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by
Chancel Choir; Sharing and Q & A with Joanna
4 p.m.          Woven and Open Road (a cappella women’s and men’s
ensembles from Bethel College) Concert in the Sanctuary

BCMC Offering for April 21, 2024: General Fund $9,722.50; Caring Fund $790; Kitchen Fund $32; Women’s Fellowship $550; Solar Fund $1,500.

Thank you, Barbara Thiesen!
A huge THANK YOU to Barbara Thiesen for her eight years as BCMC Music Coordinator (the last two as co-coordinator with Verlene Garber). We have appreciated your attention to detail as you gave leadership and scheduling oversight to special music, organists, ensembles, maintenance of instruments, and so much more. Barbara will be leaving this position as of May 31.

Music Co-Coordinator Position at BCMC — BCMC is looking for a Music Co-Coordinator. This is a 12-month part-time position that is shared with Music Co-Coordinator Verlene Garber. This position is responsible for overseeing and scheduling keyboard maintenance, music ensembles, organists, special music, etc. We hope to have the position filled by June 1. Inquiries may be addressed to Esther Kreider Eash, Chair, BCMC Worship Commission at ekeash@gmail.com. Application forms are available from Monica Lichti, BCMC Office/Facilities Manager at 316-283-3667 or office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org

Living With Loss Support Group
Living with Loss support group will be offered May 7^th through June 11^th.  The support group is open to all who have experienced the death of a loved one, divorce, unemployment or any other life experience that has created grief.
Living with Loss support group is co-facilitated by Elizabeth Schmidt, Pastor for Congregational Care at Bethel College Mennonite Church, and Dr. Gary Blaine.  Dr. Blaine is a retired chaplain and certified in grief counseling and grief group facilitation, as well as palliative care and hospice care.
The meetings will last six weeks, beginning at 5:30 P.M. at Bethel College Mennonite Church.  The support group is open to anyone and requires a minimum of six participants for the group to form.  The cost is $10.00 per week. The group will gather for six weeks.  The group will be closed to new participants after the second session.
To register, please call Pastor Schmidt at (316) 283-3667 or Dr. Blaine at (316) 239-5474.
— Elizabeth Schmidt

Candidating Weekend is May 3-5, 2024

Candidating weekend for our pastoral candidate, Joanna Harader, will be May 3-5. Below is a biography of Joanna Harader, and a schedule of candidating weekend events. We encourage all to participate in the opportunities to get to know Joanna and her husband, Ryan Ellett. The congregational vote on whether to call Joanna as our Co-Pastor will be May 19, during the congregational meeting. The vote has been scheduled for two weeks following Joanna’s candidating weekend because Sun., May 12 is Bethel College Baccalaureate at BCMC.
BCMC Pastor Search Committee

Joanna Harader to Candidate at BCMC May 3-5, 2024
Joanna is currently the pastor at Peace Mennonite Church in Lawrence, Kansas where she’s served as its pastor since June 2006 – just shy of 18 years. She is a gifted preacher, teacher, and advocate for the marginalized, and skilled at making Scripture relevant to our lives today. Those who know her well describe Joanna as authentic, compassionate, and patient. She is well-grounded in Anabaptist beliefs and is an active and accomplished writer. Generating worship materials that echo Scripture in a contemporary setting gives her joy.

Joanna grew up in the American Baptist tradition, the child of two pastors. She was drawn to the Mennonite faith while in graduate school, when she and her husband became members of Peace Mennonite. It was her experience at this congregation, along with teaching Bible and theology classes at Ottawa University (Ottawa, KS), that drew her to Mennonites and to being a pastor. Joanna holds a BA in creative writing from Emory & Henry College (now Emory & Henry University at Emory, VA), a Master of Theological Studies from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary at St. David’s, PA), a Master in English Literature from the University of Kansas at Lawrence, KS, and a Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Theological Seminary at Shawnee, KS.

Joanna and her husband, Ryan Ellett, have served as foster parents and currently have three young adult children and one 3-year-old granddaughter. James and Jasmine, along with granddaughter Camilla, live and work in Lawrence. Grace is in her second year of college, currently studying abroad in Chile. Ryan, who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in curriculum and development, works with the Lawrence school system and plans to remain in his current position for the immediate future, which means Joanna and Ryan plan to maintain two households. If BCMC calls Joanna, she will be full-time with BCMC.

Joanna joyfully relates to college students and at the request of some students from KU formed a Bible study group on campus. She enjoys playing board games and has a soft spot for her cat and her dog, Toni, who would move with her to Newton. Joanna allows you to be yourself without being judged and without fear that your problems, personality, or questions will overwhelm her. She is grounded in prayer and has chosen the Mennonite expression of faith. Below is a picture of Joanna and Ryan

Candidating Weekend Schedule
Joanna Harader at BCMC
May 3-5, 2024

Friday, May 3
7:00 p.m. Dessert with Indigenous Justice group at Doug and Raylene Penner’s
(25 Lakewood Circle, North Newton)*

Saturday, May 4
7:30 a.m. Breakfast with Search Committee at Ron & Lois Preheim’s (3005 South Kansas Rd, Newton)*
9:15 a.m. Meet with Monica Lichti at Church Office, BCMC
9:45 a.m. Meet with church staff, Room 14, BCMC
10:30 a.m. Meet with Staff Congregation Relations Committee, Room 14, BCMC
11:15 a.m. Break
11:30 a.m. Meet with Worship Commission in Chapel, BCMC
12:15 p.m. Lunch with Church Board in Fellowship Hall
1:45 p.m. Tour church with John Waltner, Jeanette Leary (Community Playschool) and Facilities Committee representative*

Meet and Greet Sessions with Sunday School classes, Gathering Place, BCMC
2:30 p.m. Open Circle and Seekers SS Classes
3:15 p.m. Fine Arts and Fellowship SS Classes
4:00 p.m. Break
4:15 p.m. Issues and Christianity and Catacombs SS Classes
5:00 p.m. Bible Study SS Class and anyone unaffiliated with a SS class
6:00 p.m. Supper with Deacon Commission and spouses, at Wes and Ada Schmidt-Tieszen’s (209 SE 2nd St, Newton)*
7:30 (ish) View potential housing option in North Newton

Sunday, May 5
9:00 a.m. Mic check
9:30 a.m. Worship at BCMC, Joanna will preach and provide the Childrens’ Conversation
10:45 a.m. Sunday School elective, Joanna will share her faith journey and there will be a Q&A time, Sanctuary*
12:00 p.m. Lunch with Agape class and Youth, Fellowship Hall*
1:30 p.m. Meet and greet with BCMC members at Kidron (Classroom A)*
3:00 p.m. Closing session with Search Committee (Classroom A)*

PLEASE WEAR YOUR NAMETAG.

*Ryan Ellett will join these sessions.
The vote to call Joanna to BCMC will take place during the congregational meeting on May 19, 2024.

Bethel College Announcements
TODAY (Sun., April 28) – Masterworks concert at Bethel College, 4 p.m., featuring the Bethel College Oratorio Chorus, orchestra and soloists, performing Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb and Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, with Dr. Henry S. Waters conducting; Memorial Hall

Tues., April 30 – Bethel College Voice Studio recital, Soyoun Chun, instructor, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel

Weds., May 1 – Jazz on the Green at Bethel College, 7:30 p.m. (rain venue: Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center)

Sat., May 4 – Kauffman Museum bird walk, 7 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 (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).

Sun., May 5 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum with Stan Senner of the National Audubon Society, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. Senner will speak on “Birds and Birding Connect Kansas to the World.”
Sun., May 5 – Woven and Open Road joint concert, 4 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church (NOTE TIME CHANGE)
Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – Senior Art Exhibit II, featuring the work of Morgan Marsh. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.

Hesston College Announcement

May 10 – International Chorale Concert

The Hesston College International Chorale kicks off their biannual European tour with a performance at Hesston Mennonite Church on Friday, May 10 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The chorale consists of members from the Bel Canto Singers and the Global Voices choir. The performance is free to the public and available via livestream at hesston.edu/livestream.

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcement
Volunteer opportunities for RMMC. Rocky Mountain is seeking volunteers to assist with camps this summer. The ministry at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp is possible because of the dedication of countless volunteers. Available short term positions are typically two weeks or less with help needed in food service, maintenance and housekeeping. Our goal is to do our best at matching the needs of the camp with the ability, gifts and talents of our volunteers. Please call us to discuss your willingness and desire to join us or visit our volunteer page rmmc.org. Thank you for your support!

Come join us for “A Century of Mennonite Quilts” at the Wellness Center at Pine Village by Moundridge on Saturday, May 4 from 9:00 to 4:00 and Sunday, May 5 from 1:00 to 4:00 for a display of 110 years of Mennonite art expressed through fabric. We will have quilts representing all the decades from the 1920’s to the 2020’s, and most of the reasons, methods, and sources of materials. This is one of the events celebrating 150 years since our ancestors came to the US from the Ukraine in 1874. All are welcome to appreciate the beauty and talent of many resourceful people who used fabric they had or created new designs. Donna Zerger and her Quilt Committee are bringing over 50 quilts to show you.

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

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board, meeting via Zoom on March 15-16, 2024, affirmed a clean audit and a new strategic plan that seeks to reimagine church in new ways. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/executive-board-plan

The Schowalter Foundation, North Newton, Kansas, has provided $10,000 to fund up to four semester-long internships at the Mennonite Church USA Archives and to help digitize fragile resources in 2024. Oscar J. Murguia, a third-year history major at Goshen (Indiana) College, has been awarded the 2024 spring semester internship. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/schowalter-archive-interns

Menno Snapshots

Dr. Lesley F. McClendon presented this devotional at the Mennonite Church USA Executive Board meeting recently. She reflects on what reimagining the church means and how we can stay true to the gospel message, while also accommodating our rapidly changing needs as a culture. Read it here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/reimagining-church

Request an MC USA staff person to speak at your assembly, congregation, Sunday school or event. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/speaker

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Jonah and Memee Yang, who minister in Thailand from a base in Minnesota. Pray for them as they travel to Thailand twice per year to teach Hmong and Thai students in Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary’s Journey Program (Jonah) and through Mennonite Women’s Sister Care seminars (Memee).
Western District Conference Prayer Request: We welcome the season of Spring this month. It is a time of planting seeds, the leaves and perennials returning, new birth, and the fresh restoring rains. Please pray with us for our church plant pastors and leaders. We ask for them to be filled with the joy, love and energy for their work. We ask for showers of blessings. -WDC Church Planting Commission

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.

Worship service and announcements for April 21, 2024

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR APRIL 21, 2024
CREATION CARE 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/ffrSFlZK_Ow?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 21, 2024
“Creation Care Sunday”

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—I Sing the Mighty Power of God (arr. La Plante)–Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome—Roger Neufeld Smith

*Hymn—For the Beauty of the Earth—VT 120 v.1-4

Children’s Conversation—Bill Swartley

*Hymn—All Things Bright and Beautiful—VT 177 v.1 & 4

Kin-dom Report—Plastic Recycling Project—Jane Goering

Anthem—Come unto me (Bernice Johnson Reagon)–Chancel Choir—Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Psalm 104—VT 185

Reflections
Celebrating the Earth and Life—Dwight Krehbiel
What’s next for the Creation Care Task Group?—Creation Care Task Group

*Hymn of Response—This is God’s Wondrous World—VT 180

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—The Garden Needs Our Tending Now—VT 788

*Benediction

Postlude

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

The Next Weeks at BCMC: April 21-May 5, 2024
Sunday, April 21, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship Service; 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/ffrSFlZK_Ow?feature=share
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
11 a.m.   Staff Meeting
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, April 25, 2024
3:45 p.m.    Worship Commission meeting by Zoom
7:00 p.m.    Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28, 2024—Camp Mennoscah Retreat
BCMC Retreat at Camp Mennoscah—There will be no worship service in the BCMC building on Sunday, April 28
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
4:30 p.m.    Abuse Prevention and Response Committee meeting in Rm 14
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, May 2, 2024
4 p.m.         Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
7 p.m.         Church Board meeting in Room 14
Saturday, May 4, 2024—Candidating Weekend—See insert for schedule
Sunday, May 5, 2024—Candidating Weekend Continues
9:30 a.m.    Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by
Chancel Choir; Sharing and Q & A with Joanna
4 p.m.          Woven and Open Road (a cappella women’s and men’s
ensembles from Bethel College) Concert in the Sanctuary

In celebration of the approval of our solar energy project, pick up an earth-shaped cookie in the Gathering Place after worship.

We are fortunate to have excellent denominational resources for helping us care for the earth. MC USA has the Climate Justice Ministry (formerly the Mennonite Creation Care Network) with newly appointed Coordinator Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler. Among many other things, this group offers Green Energy Grants for things like solar energy projects! See https://climatejustice.mennoniteusa.org/. Mennonite Central Committee also sponsors Climate Action for Peace to help support people around the world who suffer the effects of climate change. See https://mcc.org/what-we-do/initiatives/climate-change for their monthly calendar for daily creation care actions we all can take.

Please join Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus at their concert today, April 21, 4 p.m. at Tabor College.  The concert will include the Newton Children’s Community Choir, the Flannelbacks, and the Menno Brass.

BCMC Offering for April 14: General Fund $18,035.47; MCC $500; MCC Sale $20; Caring Fund $100; Kitchen Fund $40; Solar Fund $18,200; Elizabeth Raid Memorial $40.

So far this year the at the end of March the church has had about $35,000 more expenses than it has had income. The congregations response to budget needs has ranged from mixed to disappointing.   However the month of March was a bit better with a deficit of only $3500. While we have started out rather poorly, we have a lot of time to accept the challenge and get it turned around.   Finance Committee

The current library theme is Poetry! We want to highlight our new “Mennonite Poetry” corner as well as the many other fine poetry books we have in the library. Those are found behind the check out desk as well as the south wall of the children’s/youth room. Keep reading and keep puzzling!   Library Committee

Roger Neufeld Smith will be driving back to Topeka Sunday afternoon. He will be back in Newton on Wed., May 1. Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)

Future Events at BCMC:
· Trip Report on a Visit to New BCMC Member Max Ediger on April 21:
Max Ediger joined the BCMC fellowship in the last year to become our most distant member, currently living in Cambodia. Max has spent his life in service in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, much of it with MCC. Recently, his childhood friend, Dennis Loepp and wife Dori of Turpin, OK, traveled to visit Max and tour with him in Vietnam and Cambodia. They will give an informal report on Max’s work, family and their travels together at BCMC Fellowship Hall today, Sun. Apr.21, at 3 p.m. Max’s cousins and friends in the area will join interested persons in our congregation to hear this report. You are welcome!
· The BCMC Mennoscah Retreat is approaching quickly, and there is still plenty of room to sign up! Come out on Saturday, Sunday, or stay for both – we’ll have a great time! If you don’t want to drive yourself… find a crew to carpool with! Worship will be at 10 AM on Sunday, April 28, if you just want to come for worship and lunch on Sunday. Please use the following link BCMC Retreat Registration to sign up, or visit with/email Adam Robb if you’d prefer. To help with meal planning, it would be appreciated if you can register by Monday, April 22. Please reach out to Adam if you have questions. Hope you can make it!
· Candidating weekend for our pastoral candidate, Joanna Harader, will be May 3-5. See below for a biography of Joanna Harader, and a schedule of candidating weekend events. We encourage all to participate in the opportunities to get to know Joanna and her husband, Ryan Ellett. The congregational vote on whether to call Joanna as our Co-Pastor will be May 19, during the congregational meeting. The vote has been scheduled for two weeks following Joanna’s candidating weekend because Sun., May 12 is Bethel College Baccalaureate at BCMC.
   BCMC Pastor Search Committee
· Congregational Meeting and New Co-Pastor Vote:
The next congregational meeting will take place Sun., May 19, 10:45 a.m. during the Sunday School hour. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary and made available live on YouTube only while the meeting is in progress; it will not be recorded. Remote viewers can text their votes to a number available in the May 19 bulletin and announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items will include a vote for acceptance of the Search Committee’s and Board’s recommendation to approve Joanna Harader as our new full-time co-pastor; approval of new board members and officers; and reports from several committees and commissions. Congregants can access report booklets in May. The youth will host a fundraising luncheon following the meeting.

We offer sympathy to Ken and Annette, Katherine and Elizabeth Lamp , on the death of Ken’s mother, Wilda “Pat” Lamp, who died April 15, at 90 years old, in Katy, TX.

We offer sympathy to Marilyn Schmidt and her extended family on the death of her husband, Howard, April 13, 2024, in Newton, KS.
Graveside committal service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday April 22nd at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton with Pastor Nathan Koontz presiding. You are welcome to attend.
Here is a link to Howard’s obituary: https://www.petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/howard-schmidt

The memorial service for Howard will be at BCMC on June 1, 11 a.m. with a lunch in Fellowship Hall immediately following.

Candidating Weekend is May 3-5, 2024

Candidating weekend for our pastoral candidate, Joanna Harader, will be May 3-5. Below is a biography of Joanna Harader, and a schedule of candidating weekend events. We encourage all to participate in the opportunities to get to know Joanna and her husband, Ryan Ellett. The congregational vote on whether to call Joanna as our Co-Pastor will be May 19, during the congregational meeting. The vote has been scheduled for two weeks following Joanna’s candidating weekend because Sun., May 12 is Bethel College Baccalaureate at BCMC.
BCMC Pastor Search Committee

Joanna Harader to Candidate at BCMC May 3-5, 2024
Joanna is currently the pastor at Peace Mennonite Church in Lawrence, Kansas where she’s served as its pastor since June 2006 – just shy of 18 years. She is a gifted preacher, teacher, and advocate for the marginalized, and skilled at making Scripture relevant to our lives today. Those who know her well describe Joanna as authentic, compassionate, and patient. She is well-grounded in Anabaptist beliefs and is an active and accomplished writer. Generating worship materials that echo Scripture in a contemporary setting gives her joy.

Joanna grew up in the American Baptist tradition, the child of two pastors. She was drawn to the Mennonite faith while in graduate school, when she and her husband became members of Peace Mennonite. It was her experience at this congregation, along with teaching Bible and theology classes at Ottawa University (Ottawa, KS), that drew her to Mennonites and to being a pastor. Joanna holds a BA in creative writing from Emory & Henry College (now Emory & Henry University at Emory, VA), a Master of Theological Studies from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary at St. David’s, PA), a Master in English Literature from the University of Kansas at Lawrence, KS, and a Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Theological Seminary at Shawnee, KS.

Joanna and her husband, Ryan Ellett, have served as foster parents and currently have three young adult children and one 3-year-old granddaughter. James and Jasmine, along with granddaughter Camilla, live and work in Lawrence. Grace is in her second year of college, currently studying abroad in Chile. Ryan, who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in curriculum and development, works with the Lawrence school system and plans to remain in his current position for the immediate future, which means Joanna and Ryan plan to maintain two households. If BCMC calls Joanna, she will be full-time with BCMC.

Joanna joyfully relates to college students and at the request of some students from KU formed a Bible study group on campus. She enjoys playing board games and has a soft spot for her cat and her dog, Toni, who would move with her to Newton. Joanna allows you to be yourself without being judged and without fear that your problems, personality, or questions will overwhelm her. She is grounded in prayer and has chosen the Mennonite expression of faith. Below is a picture of Joanna and Ryan

Candidating Weekend Schedule
Joanna Harader at BCMC
May 3-5, 2024

Friday, May 3
7:00 p.m. Dessert with Indigenous Justice group at Doug and Raylene Penner’s
(25 Lakewood Circle, North Newton)*

Saturday, May 4
7:30 a.m. Breakfast with Search Committee at Ron & Lois Preheim’s (3005 South Kansas Rd, Newton)*
9:15 a.m. Meet with Monica Lichti at Church Office, BCMC
9:45 a.m. Meet with church staff, Room 14, BCMC
10:30 a.m. Meet with Staff Congregation Relations Committee, Room 14, BCMC
11:15 a.m. Break
11:30 a.m. Meet with Worship Commission in Chapel, BCMC
12:15 p.m. Lunch with Church Board in Fellowship Hall
1:45 p.m. Tour church with John Waltner, Jeanette Leary (Community Playschool) and Facilities Committee representative*

Meet and Greet Sessions with Sunday School classes, Gathering Place, BCMC
2:30 p.m. Open Circle and Seekers SS Classes
3:15 p.m. Fine Arts and Fellowship SS Classes
4:00 p.m. Break
4:15 p.m. Issues and Christianity and Catacombs SS Classes
5:00 p.m. Bible Study SS Class and anyone unaffiliated with a SS class
6:00 p.m. Supper with Deacon Commission and spouses, at Wes and Ada Schmidt-Tieszen’s (209 SE 2nd St, Newton)*
7:30 (ish) View potential housing option in North Newton

Sunday, May 5
9:00 a.m. Mic check
9:30 a.m. Worship at BCMC, Joanna will preach and provide the Childrens’ Conversation
10:45 a.m. Sunday School elective, Joanna will share her faith journey and there will be a Q&A time, Sanctuary*
12:00 p.m. Lunch with Agape class and Youth, Fellowship Hall*
1:30 p.m. Meet and greet with BCMC members at Kidron (Classroom A)*
3:00 p.m. Closing session with Search Committee (Classroom A)*

PLEASE WEAR YOUR NAMETAG.

*Ryan Ellett will join these sessions.
The vote to call Joanna to BCMC will take place during the congregational meeting on May 19, 2024.

Bethel College Announcements
· Sun., April 21 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Josie Epp, piano, 4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Sun., April 21 – Sunday-Evening-at-the-Museum with Dr. Kim Perez, Fort Hays State University, 7 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. Perez’s topic is the role and impact of pioneering women in ornithology, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Perez will also speak in convocation at Bethel College Mon., April 22, 11 a.m., in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. These lectures are supported by the Bethel College Women’s Association Carolyn Schultz Lectureship.
· Weds., April 24 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Fri., April 26 – Senior Art Exhibit II opens in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center featuring the work of Morgan Marsh (reception May 10). Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Sat., April 27 – “Walking the Talk: Listening Relationships in a Changing Climate,” symposium at Bethel College, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Free and open to the public. Keynote speaker is Dr. Sheena Wilson, University of Alberta, along with others from across Kansas; see https://www.bethelks.edu/academics/convocation/walking-the-talk/walking-the-talk-listening-relationships-in-a-changing-climate/
· Sun., April 28 – Masterworks concert at Bethel College, 4 p.m., featuring the Bethel College Oratorio Chorus, orchestra and soloists, performing Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb and Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, with Dr. Henry S. Waters conducting; Memorial Hall
· Tues., April 30 – Bethel College Voice Studio recital, Soyoun Chun, instructor, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Weds., May 1 – Jazz on the Green at Bethel College, 7:30 p.m. (rain venue: Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center)
· Sun., May 5 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum with Stan Senner of the National Audubon Society, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium
· Sun., May 5 – Woven and Open Road joint concert, 4 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church (NOTE TIME CHANGE)

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

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

For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here

Hesston College Announcements

April 21 – Prairie Window Concert: The Brother Brothers

Join Dyck Arboretum April 21 to hear The Brother Brothers. The Brother Brothers are the indie folk duo of Adam and David Moss. The identical twins were born and raised in Peoria, Ill. and originally based in Brooklyn, but have been ultimately and profoundly shaped by a life surrounded by travel and the web of community worldwide. The recently released January Album is a collection of songs that speak to the parts of oneself that want to up and throw sedentary worldly possessions in the trash and leave town. Crust & Crumb will serve at intermission. Learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events.

April 26 to 27 – Pen to Paper to Performance

Hesston College theatre’s playwriting festival is back! “Pen to Paper to Performance” brings to life nine winning 10-minute play submissions written by area playwrights and will be performed both nights at 7 p.m. A talkback with the playwrights will follow each performance. Read more about the festival at hesston.edu/theatre.

May 10 – International Chorale Concert

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

Mennonite Church USA is pleased to announce that the 2025 MC USA biennial national gathering and leading faith formation event, Follow Jesus ‘25, will take place July 8-12, 2025, at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. Shé Langley was named the new director of event planning. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/convention-details-director

Mennonite Church USA’s Climate Justice Ministry is receiving applications for the Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund grant, from now through June 15, 2024. The Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund provides funds to assist MC USA congregations interested in forms of renewable energy. The term, “net zero energy,” describes buildings or communities that generate enough energy to meet their own needs. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/green-energy-grants

Menno Snapshots

Spiritual director Lester Lind of the Mennonite Spiritual Directors Network reflects on the beginning of his calling and career as he prepares to retire. Read his reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/reflections-calling-career

Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler, Mennonite Church USA’s climate justice coordinator, visited West Union Mennonite Church, Parnell, Iowa, and spoke about climate change. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/rivels

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: MMN praises God for Alfonsina and José Oyanguren’s two decades of ministry in the Argentine Chaco and for the exciting audio and visual ministries they are developing. Pray for the Christian radio programs, which help the Toba-Qom people better understand the biblical message, and for the impact that the Jesus Film is having in communities in the Chaco.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for generous financial support for WDC congregations and their ministries, and for WDC as it equips and connects with congregations and ministry leaders across the conference.

Worship Service and Announcements for April 14-21, 2024

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 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.

Don Kaufman Memorial Service

The memorial service for Don Kaufman is Saturday, April 13, 2024, 11 a.m. in the BCMC Sanctuary. A lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall. The live stream link for the service is: https://youtube.com/live/_XqZ-Ikg-AY?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 14, 2024
Third Sunday of Easter

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Here I am Lord (Shutte/Tucker)—Chancel Bells, Verlene Garber, director

Welcome and Prayer—Wynn Goering

*Hymn—Listen, God is Calling—VT 765

Children’s Conversation—Kathy Stucky

Kin_dom Report—Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale—Jim Robb

Anthem—I Got Shoes (Arnold)–Chancel Bells

Scripture Reading—Ephesians 4:1-7,11-13—Sandra Zerger
.
Sermon—Live Worthy of Your Calling–Roger Neufeld Smith

*Hymn—Here I Am, Lord—VT 545

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Be Thou My Vision—VT 549

Benediction

Postlude

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

This Week at BCMC: April 14-21, 2024
Sunday, April 14, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship Service; 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/1piuKvFxRYs?feature=share
Monday, April 15, 2024—Office will be closed
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
7 p.m. Women and Girls Tea in Fellowship Hall sponsored by Women’s Fellowship
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
6:30 p.m.   Gifts Discernment Committee meeting in Room 14
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, April 18, 2024
7:00 p.m.    Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, April 21, 2024—Creation Care Sunday
9:30 a.m.    Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; music by
Chancel Choir     10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
3 p.m.          Trip Report from Denny and Dori Loepp on their visit to Cambodia to see Max Ediger —in Fellowship Hall

All women and girls are invited to the Women’s Fellowship Tea, Tues., April 16, 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Program: “And A Little Taste of Theatre” with Judy Harder. All are invited—come join us!

Future Events at BCMC:
· Trip Report on a Visit to New BCMC Member Max Ediger on April 21:
Max Ediger joined the BCMC fellowship in the last year to become our most distant member, currently living in Cambodia. Max has spent his life in service in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, much of it with MCC. Recently, his childhood friend, Dennis Loepp and wife Dori of Turpin, OK, traveled to visit Max and tour with him in Vietnam and Cambodia. They will give an informal report on Max’s work, family and their travels together at BCMC Fellowship Hall on Sun. Apr.21, at 3 p.m. Max’s cousins and friends in the area will join interested persons in our congregation to hear this report. You are welcome!
· April 27-28 BCMC Church Retreat at Camp Mennoscah! See below for registration.
**May 3-5 Candidating Weekend at BCMC – See announcement below.
· May 19, congregational meeting in the sanctuary during the Sunday school hour

BCMC Retreat at Camp Mennoscah
Registration is LIVE for the BCMC Camp Mennoscah Retreat, which is on April 27 & 28! Arrival can officially happen after 1 PM on Saturday, and you are welcome to come for Saturday, Sunday, or both, with the option to spend the night. The retreat concludes with Sunday morning worship at 10 AM and lunch at 11:30 AM. If interested in attending, you can use the link here: Camp Mennoscah Retreat Registration – April 27/28, 2024 to sign up. This is very helpful in terms of planning for meals. If you would like more information about the retreat, it can be found at this link: BCMC Mennoscah Retreat Information. If you have any questions, please reach out to Adam Robb in church OR via email or phone – both of which are in the directory!

Roger Neufeld Smith will be in Newton until Sunday afternoon, April 14, when he will drive back to Topeka. He will be back in Newton on Wednesday morning, April 17 and stay in Newton until Sunday afternoon, April 21. Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)

BCMC Offering for April 7: General Fund $26,596.16; MCC Meat Canning $500; Caring Fund $50; Kitchen Fund $22; Solar Fund $15,572.32

The current library theme is Poetry! We want to highlight our new “Mennonite Poetry” corner as well as the many other fine poetry books we have in the library. Those are found behind the check out desk as well as the south wall of the children’s/youth room. Keep reading and keep puzzling! Library Committee

Please join Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus at their concert on April 21, 4 p.m. at Tabor College. The concert will include the Newton Children’s Community Choir, the Flannelbacks, and the Menno Brass.

Mark your Calendars for Candidating Weekend
Candidating weekend for our pastoral candidate, Joanna Harader, will be May 3-5, 2024. Please be on the lookout soon for details of the schedule of events for the weekend. We encourage all to participate in the opportunities to get to know Joanna and her husband, Ryan Ellett. The congregational vote on whether to call Joanna as our Co-Pastor will take place on May 19, 2024 during the congregational meeting. The vote has been scheduled for two weeks following Joanna’s candidating weekend because Sunday, May 12 is Bethel College Baccalaureate at BCMC.
BCMC Pastor Search Committee

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

Save the Date! Western District Conference Annual Assembly, August 2-4, First Mennonite Church, Beatrice, NE. Assembly is the primary resourcing and fellowship event of the year. Many workshops, onsite and virtual. Faith formation and Family Festival for all ages. Worshipping God together. Join us!

Women & Girls Save the Date! Edimental Gardening for Every Growing Space, featuring Renata Goossen will be sponsored by Western District Women in Mission at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton, Fri., April 19, 5-6 p.m. Browse and purchase plants from Renata’s Plant Bus. Bring a salad to share for supper to start at 6 p.m. The evening program, 6:30—7:30, will feature music by Prairie Highway and Renata speaking on her topic of edimental gardening, plants that are both edible and ornamental. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more details about the evening schedule and our other WDWM activities.

Bethel College Announcements
· Sun., April 14– Bethel College Heritage Roll of Honor Memorial Service, 2 p.m., Administration Building chapel or online at https://youtube.com/live/iZJ0fdOHc8M?feature=share Reception following in the Mantz Library lounge.
· Sun., April 14 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Peter Buller, piano and oboe, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Weds., April 17 – Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Thurs., April 18 – You’re invited to a virtual estate planning webinar, hosted by Bethel College Advancement and led by Cindy Wiens and Randy Pankratz, Adrian & Pankratz LLC, Newton; Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82173808179 This webinar is free, with no pre-registration required – just show up using the Zoom link. Questions? Contact George Leary, Director of Development, 316-284-5226 or gleary@bethelks.edu
· Fri., April 19 – Bethel College’s Faculty Lecture Series concludes with Siobhán Scarry, professor of English, “’To Wander or to Dwell’: Contending with Gendered Constructions of the Citizen/Subject in Poems about Nature,” 11 a.m., Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village
· Sat., April 20 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Phillip Balzer, piano, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Sun., April 21 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Josie Epp, piano, 4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Sun., April 21 – Sunday-Evening-at-the-Museum with Dr. Kim Perez, Fort Hays State University, 7 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. Perez’s topic is the role and impact of pioneering women in ornithology, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Perez will also speak in convocation at Bethel College Mon., April 22, 11 a.m., in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. These lectures are supported by the Bethel College Women’s Association Carolyn Schultz Lectureship.
· Weds., April 24 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Sat., April 27 – “Walking the Talk: Listening Relationships in a Changing Climate,” symposium at Bethel College, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Free and open to the public. Keynote speaker is Dr. Sheena Wilson, University of Alberta, along with others from across Kansas; see https://www.bethelks.edu/academics/convocation/walking-the-talk/walking-the-talk-listening-relationships-in-a-changing-climate/
· Sun., April 28 – Masterworks concert at Bethel College, 4 p.m., featuring the Bethel College Oratorio Chorus, orchestra and soloists, performing Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb and Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, with Dr. Henry S. Waters conducting; Memorial Hall
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – annual Student Art Exhibit, featuring the work of 41 students (artist books, ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting and print-making) through Fri., April 19. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.

Bethel College Women’s Assocation Task Group will host a 4-session reading/discussion of So We and Our Children May Live by Sarah Augustine and Sheri Hostetler in the upcoming months before Sarah Augustine visits our area during Fall Festival at Bethel College. Watch for time and place. Anyone interested in reading and thinking together is invited.

Volunteer at New Hope Shelter: BCMC is one of 24 local congregations providing regular volunteer support to New Hope Shelter in Newton. New Hope serves homeless men, women, and children from Harvey, Butler, Marion, and McPherson counties. About five times a year, BCMC and Faith Mennonite partner to cover one week of evening shifts. We provide a meal for 25-30 people and two volunteers who stay through the evening to support an evening staff person. We can always use more help to meet this commitment, and participation can be regular or occasional. Our next shift will be May 1-7. If you’re interested or would like more details, email Cynthia Linscheid at cdlin319@gmail.com. Thank you to all who have volunteered for New Hope, either recently or in the past!

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements

SPRUCE BEETLE PACKET WORKDAY APRIL 27TH – Since 2015, camp has continued the effort to minimize the impact of the spruce beetle’s desire to make a home and reproduce in the mature Engelmann spruce trees here at RMMC. Pheromone packets disbursed around camp facilities are intended to “communicate” to the beetles that camp’s part of the forest has a “no vacancy” sign and they should move on elsewhere. Please signup to come help with this year’s distribution by visiting our Volunteer page and select “Signup for Maintenance“. Friday night accommodations are offered by request and breakfast will be served Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. and lunch at 12:30 p.m. Hope to have you join us!

SPRING MENNONITE QUILTERS RETREAT – Camp’s first quilters retreat for 2024 is coming April 25-28. These retreats are a great opportunity to get away and get those projects done that have been waiting. While there will be some short, fun breaks, the main focus of this weekend will be giving participants plenty of time to sew. Bring lots of projects, or that one big project you’ve been waiting to start. Sharing ideas, tips and techniques are part of the weekend along with bringing any show and tell items to share with the group. To register, please visit the camp website at www.rmmc.org.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Two full scholarships are available from the Camp Mennoscah Scholarship Endowment. The endowment was generously gifted to Camp Mennoscah to assist campers who would not otherwise be able to attend camp. Applications need to be received by May 1. Campers of diverse backgrounds will receive higher priority. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for the application form.
Other events and happenings:

Register for the 2024 Summer Youth Camps! Send a child, grandchild or invite a friend to come to a week of fun-filled faith in the midst of creation. The theme for the summer is Linked By Love and looks at how God’s love teaches us about faith and commitment. Register online!
Learn to make–and get to eat–verenike casserole, bierocks, and Sunday Sandwiches! Parents can receive a discount up to full camp fees. No great skill is needed. The head cook will direct you in what needs to be done to make yummy meals for campers and staff. Kitchen staff are needed for PreJunior 2, Junior 1, Junior 2, Junior High 1, Junior High 2, and Senior High Camps! Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
Nurses needed for the weeks of Junior High 2 (July 7-12) and Junior 2 (July 14-19). Nurses must be an RN and can receive a stipend or a parent discount. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org if you are interested. You are needed to make summer youth camps healthy and successful!
More volunteer fun than just the Retreat Center project! Many volunteers are still needed for the Retreat Center project, but volunteers are also needed for other camp tasks–mowing, clearing trails, weeding the flower beds. Contact us at 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. Thank you to the many volunteers who have already helped with all the camp projects!
There are openings for the Spring Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat, April 19-21! Lodging will be in the bunkhouses and activities will be in the Dining Hall. Bunkhouses are heated and space heaters will be available for the Dining Hall, if the weather is cool. This retreat is later than usual, so we’re hoping for balmy spring weather for good walks and beautiful nature. Register here!

Hesston College Announcements

April 19 to 30 – Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition

This annual exhibit will feature unique works of art created by Hesston College students through a variety of mediums. The works are judged by an outside juror and awards will be given for the best pieces. The exhibit will be held in the Regier-Friesen Gallery of the Laban Peachey Center, 325 S College Dr, Hesston, and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. An awards reception will be held April 24, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Katie Petersen, an art professor from Sterling College, will act as this year’s guest juror.

April 21 – Prairie Window Concert: The Brother Brothers

April 26 to 27 – Pen to Paper to Performance

Let’s Talk About Ukraine
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its second year, the costs of the conflict continue to rise. Professor Matthew Cotton will bring us information on the historical relationship between Ukraine and Russia, the current status of the conflict, and how it has reshaped global politics in the 21st century. Matthew D. Cotton is a PhD Candidate in history at the University of Washington (Seattle). He earned his Masters degree from the University of Kansas in Russian, Eastern European, and Eurasian studies. Matt has spent time in both Russia and Ukraine.
Come learn with us on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at First Mennonite Church of McPherson, 1161 E. Ave. A, McPherson, Kansas. The public is invited. Refreshments served. Free to attend.
This event is part of the 150^th Celebration of our Ancestors coming to the U.S. in 1874 which will culminate August 23-25, 2024 with many activities at Eden Mennonite Church, rural Moundridge.

Join Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler, MC USA’s climate justice coordinator, and Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, MC USA’s denominational minister for Peace and Justice, for the second of four webinars in MC USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: Climate Justice: Seeking Shalom” initiative. This webinar will explore how we can live in resistance to a culture that spoils our home and causes disproportionate suffering for people of color, while also living in hope-filled engagement that nurtures life for all people and all of creation. Panelists will include Andrew Hudson, pastoral intern at Covenant Mennonite Fellowship; Sibonokuhle Ncube, co-regional director for Africa and Europe at Mennonite Mission Network; and Sarah Werner, communications coordinator for Central District Conference.Register here Learn more here

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

For Mennonite Church USA “Bring the Peace” Nominations press here
Nominations for our 2024 #BringThePeace awards are due by April 19!

The award recognizes the work of denominational peacemakers and is sponsored by MC USA’s Church Peace Tax Fund. We invite you to submit your recommendations for nominees bycompleting this form before April 19: mennoniteusa.org/btp-2024-award-nominations

We are seeking to honor two courageous peacebuilders who have a diversity of experience and are actively engaged in resisting war and promoting peace in their respective congregation and community:

A legacy peacemaker, who has been faithful in promoting peace across their lifetime and/or life’s work.
A young peacemaker (age 16-25), who can help to inspire other young leaders.
The #BringThePeace awards provide each recipient with a $300 grant. The Church Peace Tax Fund, which sponsors these awards, is a way for people to engage in MC USA’s peacebuilding work. It also provides funding for educational programs that address militarism and promote ways of living out Jesus’ peace.

If you have any questions, please contact Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, denominational minister for Peace and Justice, at Lorrainesa@mennoniteusa.org.

Mennonite Central Committee Announcement: May 26-31: Restorative Justice Peace Camp for young adults (Chicago, Illinois) – This peace camp will dive into creative ways to implement justice in local communities. Learning from experienced restorative justice practitioners in Chicago, we will witness incredible ways that transformation is possible through restorative justice. Register today! mcc.org/events/restorative-justice-peace-camp

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

Mennonite Church USA honored seven community elders at its 11th Hope for the Future Conference, Feb. 9-11, 2023, in Dallas, Texas. Read more about the seven honorees here: mennoniteusa.org/news/hftf24-honorees

Join Amy Zimbelman, Conference Minister of Mountain States Mennonite Conference, on April 23, 2024, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT for a panel discussion of pioneering women in ministry. We will hear from Dianne Garcia, who recently planted a church ministering to asylum-seekers in San Antonio, Texas, and Marilyn Miller, who is the first woman ordained to pastoral ministry in the General Conference Mennonite Church. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/webinar/registration-wil-april23

Menno Snapshots

Nancy Kauffmann, interim denominational minister of Church Safety for Mennonite Church USA’s Church Vitality office, tells of how two churches handled situations of abuse within their own congregations and how our response can affect the light of life of the person experiencing abuse. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/light-of-life-turned-on

Equipping, Mennonite Church USA’s quarterly email newsletter for pastors and leaders, features resources submitted by MC USA conferences, congregations, agencies, ministry partners, constituency groups and affiliated schools and colleges. View the most recent issue here: mennoniteusa.org/equipping-jan-2024 Subscribe to Equipping here: mennoniteusa.org/equipping-subscribe

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: JCS International, a MMN partner in Mongolia, requests continued prayer for herder families, as they struggle to survive this year’s dzud (winter disaster), which has caused suffering across 90% of the country, with more than two million animal deaths. Pray that transportation routes will open, so aid can be delivered to remote areas.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC ministers gathering this week for a retreat sponsored by the WDC Ministerial Leadership Commission.

Worship Service and Announcements for April 7, 2024

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 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
April 7, 2024
Second Sunday of Easter

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music–My Song is Love Unknown, arr. Leavitt–Peter Buller, English horn; Will Wiebe-Friesen, organ

Land Acknowledgement & Call to Worship—Lauren Friesen

*Hymn—Spirit, Working in Creation—VT 50

Children’s Conversation—(MCC Relief Sale liaisons-bucks)—Esther Kreider Eash

Anthem—Ave verum Corpus (William Byrd)
Chancel Choir, Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
Ave verum Corpus (William Byrd) translation
Hail, true Body, born of the Virgin Mary,
Who has truly suffered, was sacrificed on the cross for mortals,
Whose side was pierced, whence flowed water and blood:
Be for us a foretaste (of heaven) during our final examining.
O Jesu sweet, O Jesu pure, O Jesu, Son of Mary, have mercy upon me. Amen.

Scripture Reading—Acts 4:32-35, John 20:19-31—Timothy Schrag

*Hymn—Breathe on Me, Breath of God—VT 737

Sermon—Believing as Entrusting—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—I Know That My Redeemer Lives (verses 1,3,5,6)—VT 347

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing—VT 359

*Benediction
Postlude—Let There Be Peace on Earth (arr. Wiebe-Friesen)–
Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together

Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ben Lichti

[Welcome and thank you to Peter Buller.   Peter is a student at Bethel College and will perform a junior recital on piano and oboe in the Administration Building chapel on April 14 at 7 p.m.]

This Week at BCMC: April 7-14, 2024
Sunday, April 7, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship Service; 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/RiCMJqHthP8?feature=share
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
9 a.m.        Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Room 14
6:30 p.m.   Community Playschool Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
7:15 p.m.   Community Playschool Corporation meeting in Fellowship Hall
7:30 p.m.   Finance Committee meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, April 11, 2024
7:30 p.m.    Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
Friday, April 13, 2024
11 a.m.       Memorial for Don Kaufman in the Sanctuary followed by lunch in FH
Sunday, April 14, 2024
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; music by Chancel Bells
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation

Please join Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus at one or both of our concerts this year: The first is April 7 at Bethel College 4 p.m. The second is April 21 at Tabor College 4 p.m. This year we are including the Newton Children’s Community Choir, the Flannelbacks and the Menno Brass.

Roger was so sorry to miss the BCMC Easter celebrations due to a bout with COVID. He was able to be in the BCMC office this week with a mask. He returned to Topeka after the Church Board meeting on Thur. April 4. On Friday Cynthia and he will be traveling to Ohio to visit family and (hopefully) experience the solar eclipse. He will return to Newton next Wednesday, April 10 and preach in worship on Sunday, April 14 . Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)

Save the Date: All women and girls are invited to the Women’s Fellowship Tea, Tues., April 16, 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Program: “And A Little Taste of Theatre” with Judy Harder.

BCMC Offering for March 31: General Fund $2,569; Wed. Supper $495.10; MCC Sale $50; Caring Fund $1,010; Library Reserve Fund $5; Solar Fund $7,000;
Nancy Hilty Mem. $100.

Creation Care: Thank you for your support in reaching our 1,000 pound goal of collecting plastic bags for recycling. Our last day of collection will be April 12 however Bill Eash has graciously accepted the responsibility of continuing this project. The composite bench has arrived! Suggestions for placement of the bench would be welcome. Vern and Jane Goering

A great big THANKS to Vern and Jane Goering for all of their work in taking care of those 1,000 pounds of plastic bags! They faithfully collected, photographed, and weighed all 1,000 pounds and took them to the collection center

GOING BEYOND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
–BCMC was invited by the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery to join with other churches who will be joining an amicus brief (friend of the court) to the Supreme Court of the United States in support of Apache Stronghold. John Kliewer is spearheading the BCMC effort to sign on. Apache Stronghold has 90 days to appeal the ruling of the 9th Circuit Court who found against their case (6-5) to protect Oak Flat from Resolution Copper on March 1. Dr. Wendsler Nosie reacted to the ruling: “Oak Flat is like Mount Sinai to us–our most sacred site where we connect with our Creator, our faith, our families, and our land. The ruling targets the spiritual lifeblood of my people, but it will not stop our struggle to save Oak Flat.” Congregations, organizations, and denominations are being asked to sign onto an amicus brief before July 1.
Other ways to support Apache Stronghold: 1. PRAY 2. Contact your representatives using the SOFA toolkit 3. Sign/share the‘I Support the Sacred’ petition 4. In April the Repair Coalition will be learning about amicus briefs for Apache Stronghold’s appeal to the Supreme Court and praying for the protection of sacred land in the Prayer and Action Hour: Friday, April 26th, 4-5 p.m. All are invited to join. Register for the Prayer and Action Hour Zoom link here

–BCWA Task Group will host a 4-session reading/discussion of So We and Our Children May Live by Sarah Augustine and Sheri Hostetler in the upcoming months before Sarah Augustine visits our area during Fall Festival at Bethel College. Watch for time and place. Anyone interested in reading and thinking together is invited.

Future Events at BCMC:
· April 13, 11 a.m., memorial service for Don Kaufman followed by lunch in Fellowship Hall.
· Trip Report on a Visit to New BCMC Member Max Ediger on April 21:
Max Ediger joined the BCMC fellowship in the last year to become our most distant member, currently living in Cambodia. Max has spent his life in service in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, much of it with MCC. Recently, his childhood friend, Dennis Loepp and wife Dori of Turpin, OK, traveled to visit Max and tour with him in Vietnam and Cambodia. They will give an informal report on Max’s work, family and their travels together at BCMC Fellowship Hall on Sun. Apr.21, at 3 p.m. Max’s cousins and friends in the area will join interested persons in our congregation to hear this report. You are welcome!
· April 27-28 BCMC Church Retreat at Camp Mennoscah! Registration is LIVE for the BCMC Camp Mennoscah Retreat, which is on April 27 & 28! Arrival can officially happen after 1 PM on Saturday, and you are welcome to come for Saturday, Sunday, or both, with the option to spend the night. The retreat concludes with Sunday morning worship at 10 AM and lunch at 11:30 AM. If interested in attending, you can use the link here: Camp Mennoscah Retreat Registration – April 27/28, 2024 to sign up. This is very helpful in terms of planning for meals. If you would like more information about the retreat, it can be found at this link: BCMC Mennoscah Retreat Information. If you have any questions, please reach out to Adam Robb in church OR via email or phone – both of which are in the directory!

Chancel Choir Director Position at BCMC: BCMC is looking for a Chancel Choir Director to begin in August 2024. This is a part-time position, August 15-May 15. As part of the team of musicians on the church staff, the director is responsible for music selection, rehearsals, and performances of the Chancel Choir. The choir sings approximately two times per month during September—May and participates in a Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols service and Easter Sunday service. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:30. Inquiries should be addressed to Barbara Thiesen, BCMC Music Coordinator at thiesenjba@gmail.com Application forms are available from Monica Lichti, BCMC Office/Facilities Manager at office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org or 316-283-3667.

We offer sympathy to JoAnn Funk. JoAnn’s oldest sister, Virginia Kaufman, age 100, died March 20, 2024 at The Cedars, McPherson, KS. The funeral was April 5, at Eden Mennonite Church, Moundridge.

The annual meeting of the Community Playschool Corporation will be held Tues, April 9, 7:15 p.m. at the Bethel College Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall. Interested members of the congregations supporting Community Playschool are invited to attend. Entrance to the building will be at the south side of the church and make your way to the lower level of the church by stairs or elevator.

Volunteer at New Hope Shelter: BCMC is one of 24 local congregations providing regular volunteer support to New Hope Shelter in Newton. New Hope serves homeless men, women, and children from Harvey, Butler, Marion, and McPherson counties. About five times a year, BCMC and Faith Mennonite partner to cover one week of evening shifts. We provide a meal for 25-30 people and two volunteers who stay through the evening to support an evening staff person. We can always use more help to meet this commitment, and participation can be regular or occasional. Our next shift will be May 1-7. If you’re interested or would like more details, email Cynthia Linscheid at cdlin319@gmail.com. Thank you to all who have volunteered for New Hope, either recently or in the past!

Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale is next weekend! Come on Friday evening or Saturday to volunteer, eat great food, walk in the 5K, bid on an auction item, add a knot to an MCC comforter, or meet a friend. Everything you spend will go to the world-wide relief, development, and peace efforts of Mennonite Central Committee.
· PIES & ZWIEBACK — We currently need 5 more pies and 17 dozen more zwieback. Please come to the back of the sanctuary immediately after worship today to sign up and get tins and bags.
· Plants & Baked Goods Deliver — Did you sign up to make pies or other baked items? Do you have plants or other garden items ready to share? Please bring your baked goods and plants to BCMC on Friday or by 7:30 Saturday morning for transport to the sale. Baked goods go to the BCMC kitchen and plants to the south entry. Make sure everything is labeled!
· Volunteers STILL needed! The volunteer page at https://kansas.mccsale.org/ lists many wonderful opportunities to serve or sell food, help with auctions, and so much more. If you have trouble signing up online, ask for help from one of the BCMC liaisons.
· Auction Items! BCMC members and friends have donated many items to be sold at one of 4 different KMRS auctions. Go to “Auction Item Listings” and “Quilt Gallery” to see some of the wonderful donations.
· The My Coins Count jug in the Gathering Place is IMPRESSIVELY HEAVY. Today is the last Sunday to add coins and bills — and checks to KMRS. Thank you to everyone who has added coins to provide better access to clean water!
· More Information: Check out the KMRS website https://kansas.mccsale.org/ or ask a BCMC liaison: Steve & Elaine Schurr, William & Esther Kreider Eash, and Brad & Diane Born.

More Mennonite Relief Sale Announcements

MCC Sale – April 12 & 13, 2024

Thank you to all churches for contributing towards the budget of the MCC Sale. Proceeds from the Sale will go to MCC

There are still 343 open spots for Volunteers for the weekend. We need New Year Cookie fryers; Feeding the Multitude workers; verenike gravy makers; Barrell Train drivers; and many others. Go to Sign-Up Genius to sign up to help at the Sale. https://kansas.mccsale.org/volunteer/

Friday Evening Auction will be held in Sunflower North Building, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Check out the featured items on KMRS website or Facebook.

Buildings will be open 4:00 – 8:00 Friday; and open up 8:00am on Saturday. Quilt Auction and General Auction begin at 8:45. Silent Auction bids will start Friday evening and continue Saturday until 1:00. Children’s Auction is Saturday at 10:00. Check out website www.kansas.mccsale.org for pictures of auction items.

Feeding the Multitude is returning to the serving line format offering verenike with ham gravy, sausage, bohne berroggi, borscht, cherry moos, and zwiebach. You can dine in or have your food packaged in clamshell for carry out.

**NEW THIS YEAR** There will be a Christmas Décor booth in the Sunflower South building. Peggy Regier, Christmas decorator for 35 years, will be selling her collection of ornaments, wall hangings, vintage toy horse, etc.

Hope to see you Friday and Saturday supporting MCC by Sowing Seeds of Hope, Seeds of Love.

Jim Robb,

KMRS Chair
.

Bethel College Announcements
TODAY (Sun., April 7) – KIPCOR Film Series presents Estamos Unidos, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. The film by Alvaro M. Morales follows a migrant caravan’s journey from Honduras to Mexico City in 2019. A talkback with the director (via Zoom) follows the screening; a freewill offering will be taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.

You’re invited to a virtual estate planning webinar, hosted by Bethel College Advancement and led by experts from Everence and Adrian & Pankratz LLC of Newton.
• Thurs., April 11, 6-7 p.m. – Dennis LeFevre, Everence; Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84488722318
• Thurs., April 18, 6-7 p.m. – Cindy Wiens & Randy Pankratz, Adrian & Pankratz; Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82173808179
These webinars are free, with no pre-registration required – just show up using the appropriate Zoom link. Questions? Contact George Leary, Director of Development, 316-284-5226 or gleary@bethelks.edu

Fri., April 12 – Bethel College’s Faculty Lecture Series continues with Jean Woods, assistant professor of biology, “Walking in Nature: Can you hear what the birds are saying?”, 11 a.m., Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village. And save the date for a one-day symposium, “Walking the Talk: Listening Relationships in a Changing Climate,” April 27 on the Bethel campus.

Sun., April 14 – Bethel College Heritage Roll of Honor Memorial Service, 2 p.m., Administration Building chapel or online at https://youtube.com/live/iZJ0fdOHc8M?feature=share Reception following in the Mantz Library lounge.
Sun., April 14 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Peter Buller, piano and oboe, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel

Weds., April 17 – Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Sat., April 20 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Phillip Balzer, piano, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Sun., April 21 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Josie Epp, piano, 4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Sun., April 21 – Sunday-Evening-at-the-Museum with Dr. Kim Perez, Fort Hays State University, 7 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. Perez’s topic is the role and impact of pioneering women in ornithology, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Perez will also speak in convocation at Bethel College Mon., April 22, 11 a.m., in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center.
Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – annual Student Art Exhibit, featuring the work of 41 students (artist books, ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting and print-making) through Fri., April 19. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
SAVE THE DATE: Sun., April 28 – Masterworks concert at Bethel College, featuring the Bethel College Oratorio Chorus, orchestra and soloists performing Rejoice in the Lamb by Benjamin Britten and Dona Nobis Pacem by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

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

Mental Health First Aid: Sat. April 27, from 8:30am-5pm Prairie View will conduct a Mental Health First Aid Training at Eden Mennonite Church, 401 18th Ave, Moundridge, KS. $30 covers the training, materials, and lunch. There is space for 30 people. Register online here by April 19.

Hesston College Announcements

April 19 to 30 – Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition This annual exhibit will feature unique works of art created by Hesston College students through a variety of mediums. The works are judged by an outside juror and awards will be given for the best pieces. The exhibit will be held in the Regier-Friesen Gallery of the Laban Peachey Center, 325 S College Dr, Hesston, and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. An awards reception will be held April 24, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Katie Petersen, an art professor from Sterling College, will act as this year’s guest juror. April 21 – Prairie Window Concert: The Brother BrothersJoin Dyck Arboretum April 21 to hear The Brother Brothers. The Brother Brothers are the indie folk duo of Adam and David Moss. The identical twins were born and raised in Peoria, Ill. and originally based in Brooklyn, but have been ultimately and profoundly shaped by a life surrounded by travel and the web of community worldwide. The recently released January Album is a collection of songs that speak to the parts of oneself that want to up and throw sedentary worldly possessions in the trash and leave town. Crust & Crumb will serve at intermission. Learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events.April 26 to 27 – Pen to Paper to PerformanceHesston College theatre’s playwriting festival is back! “Pen to Paper to Performance” brings to life nine winning 10-minute play submissions written by area playwrights and will be performed both nights at 7 p.m. A talkback with the playwrights will follow each performance. Read more about the festival at hesston.edu/theatre. May 10 – International Chorale Concert The Hesston College International Chorale kicks off their biannual European tour with a performance at Hesston Mennonite Church on Friday, May 10 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The chorale consists of members from the Bel Canto Singers and the Global Voices choir. The performance is free to the public and available via livestream at hesston.edu/livestream.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

“Do we know what it means to remove chains?” asked Joanne Gallardo, co-conference minister for Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference at Mennonite Church USA’s 11th Hope for the Future conference on Feb. 9-11. Gathering in Dallas, Texas, 70 Black, Indigenous and people of color considered the theme, “Breaking Chains, Mending Walls,” which centered on Isaiah 58. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/breaking-chains-hftf24

On April 15, 2024, at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, join Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler, MC USA’s climate justice coordinator, for the second of four webinars in MC USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: Climate Justice: Seeking Shalom” initiative. This webinar will explore how we can live in resistance to a culture that spoils our home and causes disproportionate suffering for people of color, while also living in hope-filled engagement that nurtures life for all people and all of creation. Panelists will include Andrew Hudson, pastoral intern at Covenant Mennonite Fellowship; Sibonokuhle Ncube, co-regional director for Africa and Europe at Mennonite Mission Network; and Sarah Werner, communications coordinator for Central District Conference. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/webinar/registration-climate-april15
View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/april-15-climate-webinar View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/april-15-webinar-pdf

Menno Snapshots

Earlier this year, James Rissler and Glen Guyton, executive director of Mennonite Church USA, embarked on a pilgrimage through civil rights sites. James reflects on how this Sankofa Journey affected his view of race relations in the U.S. and in the Mennonite church. Read his reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/sankofa-journey-reflection

Mennonite Church USA is seeking nominees for its 2024 #BringThePeace awards. The annual award is given to two honorees: a legacy peacemaker in recognition of their life’s work and a young peacemaker (age 16-25), who can help inspire other young leaders. Submit your recommendations for nominees by completing this form before April 19: mennoniteusa.org/btp-2024-award-nominations View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/BTP-award-noms-2024 View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/BTP-2024-pdf

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: The deadline to apply for MMN’s two-week Youth Venture programs is April 15. Pray that young people who would like to spend two weeks this summer making friends in Benin, for ages 15-22, or South Korea, for ages 18-22, and people of all ages who are interested in learning more about injustice in the United States, will find a way to participate.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: During this Easter season, give thanks for the living presence of Christ embodied by WDC congregations within their local communities.

Worship Service and Announcements for Easter Sunday – March 31, 2024

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
Easter Sunday – March 31, 2024

Bethel College Mennonite Church Worship Service and Announcements for
March 31, 2024
Easter Sunday
Christ Among Us!

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/qemk2qYw9gk?feature=share

EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE AND EASTER WORSHIP SERVICE AT BCMC–MARCH 31, 2024

The Easter Sunrise Service, hosted by the Senior High Youth Group, will be Sunday, March 31, 7:10 a.m., at Hank and Elaine Prouty’s home, 332 N. Hoover Road, Newton. (Thank you Hank and Elaine!)
Please bring a dish to share for the breakfast potluck to follow. Coffee, water, orange juice, milk and table service will be provided.

BRING OR WEAR A HAT TO CHURCH ON EASTER!
Bring a Garden Hat on Easter Sunday! All gardeners, past and present, are invited to stand briefly at some point during the children’s conversation, while wearing an outdoor work hat.

Easter Sunday Service at BCMC-March 31, 2024
Come for the 9:45 a.m. Prelude for Easter—Will Wiebe-Friesen will be playing an organ prelude for the worship service on Easter Sunday. Come to enjoy the special Easter music.
The Easter worship service is at 10 a.m. with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Choir; March birthday blessing; No Sunday school

A small potting shed will be open to visitors immediately following worship. Come to the chapel and say hello to our friends – gardeners, plants, and seeds!

The Deacons Commission invites you to donate to the BCMC Caring Fund, which has been depleted due to the needs in our community. A fishbowl will be available for your donation in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your continued support.
The Deacons Commission

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
March 31, 2024
Easter Sunday
Christ Among Us!

Prelude—Crown Him with Many Crowns (arr. Westenkuehler)
Were You There? (arr. Bish)
I Know That My Redeemer Lives (arr. Wood)
Christ ist erstanden [VT 358] (J.S. Bach)—Will Wiebe-Friesen, organ

Christ Candle Lighting

Call to Worship—Esther Kreider Eash
One: When it is still dark, we come seeking Jesus.
Many: The risen Christ is here among us!
One: The stone has been rolled away, walls torn down.
Many: The risen Christ is here among us!
One: The burial cloth removed, his body transformed.
Many: The risen Christ is here among us!
One: Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter, and John see and believe.
All: We find the risen Christ among us who has made all things new!
The tomb is empty, the way of Love has prevailed!
One: Peace be with you!
Many: Peace be with you!

*Hymn—Lift Your Glad Voices—VT 340

Anthem—The Earth Is Risen (Gwyneth Walker)—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Children’s Conversation—Judy Harder

*Hymn—Now the Green Blade Rise—VT 353

Scripture Reading—John 20:1-18; Acts 10:34-43—Jim Robb, Mary Jane Waltner

*Hymn—The Risen Christ—VT 345

Meditation—The Gardener—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Christ the Lord Is Risen Today—VT 346

Prayers of God’s People
Prayer of Rejoicing
One: Risen Jesus, you make all things new.
Many: You call us by name to come to you.
One: You come preaching peace and forgiving sins.
Many: You prepare a feast for us and wipe away all tears.
All: You bring life everlasting. We rejoice in your salvation, Lord of all!

*Hymn—Thine Is the Glory—VT 355—People with March birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal

*Birthday Blessing & Benediction

Postlude—In Thee Is Gladness (arr. Portman)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

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

The Easter Lilies Easter morning were shared by the following people:
Given by
John & Jan Albertson–In memory of: Herman & Clara Siemens; William and Evelyn Albertson
Marlene Faul, Sharon, Mary & Families–In memory of James O.Faul
Carol Flickinger & Roger Juhnke– In memory of Ray & Cornelia Juhnke;Virgil & Anna Grace Flickinger
Keith & Judy Harder–In memory of Tim Harder
Barb & Dick Koontz–In honor of Elmer “Bob” Delk;
In memory of Elbert & Ruth Koontz,
In memory of Aldene Delk
Jennifer & Matt Koontz & family– In memory of Imogene Scott
Sondra Koontz– In memory of Philip Koontz
John & Rachel Pannabecker–In memory of Our Parents
Marles Preheim & Family–In memory of Norma Preheim
Lonny & Mary Regier–In memory of Ron Roupp
Louise Thieszen–In memory of Carl Thieszen
Lenore Waltner & Family–In memory of James Waltner

Staff Vacations: Elizabeth Schmidt will be on vacation April 2-9. Roger Neufeld Smith will be on vacation Apr. 5-9.

BCMC Offering for March 24: General Fund $8,080; Caring Fund $933.50; Flower Fund $30; Kitchen Fund $7; Women’s Fellowship $500; Solar Fund $2,000; Wed Supper $253.75

Roger will be back in Newton Mon., Apr. 1 and will remain until the Church Board meeting April 4. Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)

Chancel Choir Director Position at BCMC: BCMC is looking for a Chancel Choir Director to begin in August 2024. This is a part-time position, August 15-May 15. As part of the team of musicians on the church staff, the director is responsible for music selection, rehearsals, and performances of the Chancel Choir. The choir sings approximately two times per month during September—May and participates in a Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols service and Easter Sunday service. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:30. Inquiries should be addressed to Barbara Thiesen, BCMC Music Coordinator at thiesenjba@gmail.com Application forms are available from Monica Lichti, BCMC Office/Facilities Manager at office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org or 316-283-3667.

This Week at BCMC: March 31—April 7, 2024
Sunday, March 31, 2024
9:45 a.m. Prelude—10 a.m. Worship —No Sunday School Today—Happy Easter!
YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/qemk2qYw9gk?feature=share
Monday, April 1, 2024
10 a.m.    Library Committee meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
4 p.m.         Abuse Prevention & Response Committee meeting in Room 14
6:30 p.m.    Gifts Discernment Committee meeting in Room 14
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, April 4, 2024
10:30 a.m. Staff meeting
4 p.m.         Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
7 p.m.         Church Board meeting in Room 14
Sunday, April 7, 2024
9:30 a.m.    Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Choir
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation

Future Events at BCMC:
· April 13, 11 a.m., memorial service for Don Kaufman followed by lunch in Fellowship Hall.
· April 27-28 BCMC Church Retreat at Camp Mennoscah MARK YOUR
CALENDARS! It’s nearly time for the annual BCMC retreat (no Halstead First Mennonite this year) at Camp Mennoscah! The retreat is April 27 & 28, and will again feature all kinds of fun activities. Come for Saturday, Sunday, or both! There will be meals and all sorts of fun activities, including Sunday morning worship (there will be no live-stream), at 10 a.m. The registration form and schedule has been emailed. We look forward to seeing you again on the sandy soil of the Ninnescah! If you can’t register on-line, call or email the church office.

Registration is LIVE for the BCMC Camp Mennoscah Retreat, which is on April 27 & 28! Arrival can officially happen after 1 PM on Saturday, and you are welcome to come for Saturday, Sunday, or both, with the option to spend the night. The retreat concludes with Sunday morning worship at 10 AM and lunch at 11:30 AM. If interested in attending, you can use the link here: Camp Mennoscah Retreat Registration – April 27/28, 2024 to sign up. This is very helpful in terms of planning for meals. If you would like more information about the retreat, it can be found at this link: BCMC Mennoscah Retreat Information. If you have any questions, please reach out to Adam Robb in church OR via email or phone – both of which are in the directory!

The BCMC Witness Commission encourages you to attend a peace vigil this Wed., April 3, 7 p.m., in front of the Bethel College Ad Building, to mourn the deaths in Gaza and Israel since Oct. 7, 2023 and to call for peace. This event is hosted by the Bethel College Community for Justice and Peace (a student group) All are welcome.

The Bethel College Community for Justice and Peace is asking for community help ringing the bell as part of our demonstration to mourn the loss of life in Gaza and Israel. 33 hours of ringing for 33,000 lives. Wednesday at 7:00 PM, outside of the Administration Building, our demonstration event will kick off the ringing until 10:30 PM that night, and then Thursday and Friday 7:30 am-10:30 pm. Please use the signup sheet below to sign up! Thank you for participating in this historic event on Bethel College campus.
Bell-Ringers: Sign Up Sheet

Please join Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus at one or both of our concerts this year: The first is April 7 at Bethel College 4 p.m. The second is April 21 at Tabor College 4 p.m. This year we are including the Newton Children’s Community Choir, the Flannelbacks and the Menno Brass.

The annual meeting of the Community Playschool Corporation will be held Tues, April 9, 7:15 p.m. at the Bethel College Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall. Interested members of the congregations supporting Community Playschool are invited to attend. Entrance to the building will be at the south side of the church and make your way to the lower level of the church by stairs or elevator.

Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS)–April 12 & 13, 2024–is one way to support the world-wide relief, development, and peace efforts of Mennonite Central Committee.
· Volunteers needed! The volunteer page at https://kansas.mccsale.org/ lists opportunities for next Saturday April 6 (make Bohne Beroggi in Moundridge or Verenike in Hillsboro) or for April 12-13 to serve or sell food, fry verenike, help with auctions, and so much more. If you have trouble signing up online, ask for help from one of the BCMC liaisons.
· PIES & ZWIEBACK! Because it’s Easter, there is no table of bags & tins today. Next Sunday, the sign-ups will return to the back of the sanctuary after church. We currently need 5 more pies and 17 dozen more zwieback. FYI — The request for zwieback is more this year because it’s back on the Feeding the Multitudes menu. If you want to sign up before next Sunday, contact Esther Eash.
· The My Coins Count jug in the Gathering Place is VERY HEAVY! Check out the sign by the jug to learn how heavy it is. We have ONE MORE SUNDAY (April 7) to add coins and bills so more people can have better access to clean water.
· Auction Items! BCMC members and friends have donated many items to be sold at one of 4 different KMRS auctions. You can see pictures and descriptions of some of these offerings on the KMRS website under “Auction Item Listings” … and look at the lovely offerings in the quilt gallery.
· More Information: The KMRS posterboard & table in the Gathering Place, the KMRS website https://kansas.mccsale.org/ or ask a BCMC liaison: Steve & Elaine Schurr, William & Esther Kreider Eash, and Brad & Diane Born.

Mennonite Central Committee invites you to take the challenge: A month of climate actions for peace! Sign up to get your free calendar with a different climate action you can take each day in April. From learning to praying to advocating, this month of activities will help you take action to address climate change. Join the challenge as an individual, family, church or small group. Sign up today for A Month of Climate Actions for Peace at mcc.org/month-climate-action-peace!

Mennonite Central Commitee’s Sharing With Appalachian People (SWAP) home repair program is seeking summer staff in Kimball, West Virginia or Elkhorn City, Kentucky. These three-month positions for Job Site Coordinators and Meals Coordinators will allow you to explore new cultures, develop skills, build friendships and live out your faith. Applicants should be at least 19 years old, but the roles are not limited to young adults. An hourly wage plus room and board are provided. For more information and to apply, visit mcc.org/swap-summer-meals or mcc.org/swap-summer-job-site. Or contact the MCC Appalachia SWAP office at (606) 634-4418 or AppalachiaAdmin@mcc.org.

MCC Sale Announcement: MCC Material Resources Center in North Newton is critically low on inventory for Relief Kits. YOU CAN HELP by bringing supplies to the MCC Sale. There will be carts in the Meadowlark (Quilt Building) to collect your supplies. These are the needed supplies to complete kits: new infant sleepers (6-12 month sizes); bath towels (dark colored, light to medium weight); laundry bar soap (such as Fels Naptha or Zote brands); shampoo (20 oz min) and spiral notebooks (70 sheets).

Bethel College Announcements
Weds., April 3 – Bethel College Community for Justice and Peace (a student group) will host a peace vigil to mourn the deaths in Gaza and Israel since Oct. 7, 2023, and to call for peace, 7 p.m., in front of the Ad Building. All are welcome.

All interested singers are invited to participate in Bethel College’s annual Masterworks concert on April 28, featuring Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem. Sign up online at https://forms.gle/Auu4FaYBcaLwKDuF6 so that your contact information is available for digital rehearsal materials, etc., or come to the first rehearsal Tues., April 2, 6 p.m., Choir Room in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Rehearsals are April 2, 9, 16, 23 (Tuesdays) & 26 (Friday), 6-8 p.m., and April 27 (Saturday), 3-6 p.m.

Fri., April 5 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Eli Regier, saxophone, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel

Sat., April 6 – Kauffman Museum bird walk, 7 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 (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).

Sat., April 6 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Angelika Donaldson, voice, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel

Sun., April 7 – KIPCOR Film Series presents Estamos Unidos, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. The film by Alvaro M. Morales follows a migrant caravan’s journey from Honduras to Mexico City in 2019. A talkback follows the screening; a freewill offering will be taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.

You’re invited to a virtual estate planning webinar, hosted by Bethel College Advancement and led by experts from Everence and Adrian & Pankratz LLC of Newton.
• Thurs., April 11, 6-7 p.m. – Dennis LeFevre, Everence; Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84488722318
• Thurs., April 18, 6-7 p.m. – Cindy Wiens & Randy Pankratz, Adrian & Pankratz; Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82173808179
These webinars are free, with no pre-registration required – just show up using the appropriate Zoom link.
Questions? Contact George Leary, Director of Development, 316-284-5226 or gleary@bethelks.edu

Sun., April 14 – Bethel College Heritage Roll of Honor Memorial Service, 2 p.m., Administration Building chapel or online at https://youtube.com/live/iZJ0fdOHc8M?feature=share Reception following in the Mantz Library lounge.
Sun., April 14 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Peter Buller, piano and oboe, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – annual Student Art Exhibit, featuring the work of 41 students (artist books, ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting and print-making) through Fri., April 19. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.

On Friday, April 12, at 7:30 pm in Bethel’s Krehbiel Auditorium, 4 Bethel College students will compete in the C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest. This annual, binational, intercollegiate speech contest, held at Mennonite and Brethren in Christ colleges, asks participants to speak on the topic of peace and apply it to contemporary concerns. The winner from each college goes on to compete in the binational competition for cash prizes and scholarships to attend a peace-related conference. We encourage BCMC congregational members to come support Bethel students in this final round and see who is chosen to go on and compete in the binational competition! A cookie reception will be held while judges deliberate.

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

Just a reminder, April 1, 2024 is the deadline to purchase tickets to the Mennonite Heritage & Agricultural Museum’s Heritage Dinner, April 5, 6:30 pm, at Tabor Mennonite Church. Mayleen Thiesen Vinson will share an entertaining and insightful portrayal of Fru Schmidt’s dilemma—what to pack for her family? Contact the museum by April 1 (620.367.8200 or email goesselmuseum@gmail.com) to reserve your tickets for the Low German sausage meal catered by Goessel Grocery & Deli. Prices are $75 per person, ages 12 and under are $15, and first-time attenders are $40.

For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite World Conference press hereMennonite Church USA Announcements

MC USA Administration has awarded Mennonite Action an unrestricted $10,000 grant from the Church Peace Tax Fund. Mennonite Action is an independent, grass roots movement of Mennonites taking public action to stop war and end the occupation of Palestine. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/menno-action-peace-tax-fund

Peaceful Options for Training and Careers, an independent initiative formed by MC USA and Mennonite Central Committee, has begun training volunteer counselors to help young adults find non-military career, service and training opportunities. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/potc-mobilizes

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

Menno Snapshots

Abby Endashaw, Mennonite Central Committee young adult program coordinator, reflects on the life-giving aspects of the Hope for the Future conference. This blog is part of MC USA’s Hope for the Future series. Read more about her experience here: mennoniteusa.org/community-connection-longevity

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: On this Easter Sunday, join MMN in praying for peace and abundant life in Israel and Palestine, the land where Jesus lived, embodied his teachings, was murdered and rose victorious from the dead.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: May the Lord guide us and provide financial opportunities for the Guatemala learning tour that is in the planning process. We pray for the safety of all future travelers and that their eyes and ears to be opened to their new surroundings. -WDC Church Planting Commission

Worship Service and Announcements for March 24-31, 2024

Bethel College Mennonite Church Worship Service and Announcements for
March 24, 2024
Palm Sunday
Christ Among Us, the Way of a Servant

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
March 24, 2024
Palm Sunday
Christ Among Us, the Way of a Servant

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Come and See—Meghan Rogers

Call to Worship—Nathan Koontz
All: Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!
One: Christ among us, humble and riding on a donkey.
Many: Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!
One: Christ among us, God’s light shining on us!
Many: Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!
One: Christ among us, showing the way of a servant.

*Hymn—All Glory, Laud, and Honor—VT 315

Chancel Bells—All Glory, Laud, and Honor—Verlene Garber, Director

Scripture Reading—Psalm 118:1, 19-2—Abby Koontz

*Hymn—Hosanna, Loud Hosanna—VT 313

Scripture Reading—John 12:12-17—Lucy Burch

*Hymn—Jesus is Coming—VT 312

Palm Sunday Scenes
Hymn—Sanna, sannanina—VT 79

*Hymn—Lo, I Am with You—VT 284

Kin-dom Report—Heather Zerger—Pastoral Search Committee Chair

Prayers of God’s People—Nathan Koontz

Prayer of Confession
One: When we get caught up in embracing the world’s power,
Many: forgive us.
One: When we lose sight of the humble donkey and put our trust in horses of war,
Many: remind us of this Palm Sunday.
One: When we begin to get sucked into the darkness of the impending evil,
Many: bring us once again the peace of looking toward the blessing of now. All: Lord, have mercy.

*Hymn—Kyrie Eleison—VT 147

*Benediction

Postlude—Ah, Holy Jesus (Moklebust)—Chancel Bells

* You are invited to stand

VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Verlene Garber
Audio visual—John Thiesen

Participants in the Palm Sunday Scenes: Narrators: Judy Harder, Lincoln
Kohlman Justin Zerger. Conversations with Jesus: Glen and Karen Ediger, Lauren Friesen, Vern Goering, Brad Kohlman, Lawrence Kohlman, Naomi Koontz, Naomi and Lyn Krause, Justina Neufeld, Elizabeth Schmidt Crowd: Sr. High Youth, Middle Schoolers, younger children, plus the entire congregation!

The memorial service for Elizabeth Raid is Saturday, March 23, 2024, 11 a.m. at BCMC. The live stream link is: https://youtube.com/live/SiiBGluYyJc?feature=share

The Newton Chorale presents “From Darkness To Light”: Director Riley King will conduct the concert consisting of the Haydn Missa brevis Sti. Joannis de Deo featuring Soprano soloist Megan Taylor-Gilstrap and organist Will Wiebe-Friesen; along with several pieces composed within the past 20 years, accompanied by Meghann Rogers. Sunday, March 24, 3:30 pm at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Admission is free. A goodwill offering will be taken.

This Week at BCMC: March 24—31, 2024

Sunday, March 24, 2024
9:30 a.m.    Worship    YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/Ge-wPrH_qag?feature=share

The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Room 26;   High School-Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)

3:30 p.m.          Newton Chorale Concert in the sanctuary—All Are Invited!

Monday, March 25, 2024
The church office will be closed today.
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
11 a.m.   Staff meeting
Wednesday, March 27, 2024—Last Wednesday meal and program
6 p.m.        Wednesday night meal in fellowship hall—Menu: Meatloaf, twice baked potato casserole, mixed vegetables, chocolate chip cookies; Please sign up at a sign up sheet on bulletin board, on table in south entrance, or on ledge between the mailboxes in gathering place.   Please bring your own tableware to facilitate clean-up!
6:45 p.m    Wednesday program in fellowship hall
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, March 28, 2024—Maundy Thursday
6:30 p.m.   In sanctuary: Maundy Thursday service; communion will be served
Friday, March 29, 2024—Good Friday—Office will be closed
Sunday, March 31, 2024—Easter Sunday
7 a.m. Sunrise service led by the Senior High Youth Group (location to be announced later)
9:45 a.m. Prelude for Easter—Will Wiebe-Friesen will be playing an organ prelude for the worship service on Easter Sunday. Come to enjoy the special Easter music.
10 a.m. (Note the time change) Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Choir; March birthday blessing; No Sunday school

Future Events at BCMC:
· April 13, 11 a.m., memorial service for Don Kaufman followed by lunch in FH.
· April 27-28 BCMC Church Retreat at Camp Mennoscah MARK YOUR CALENDARS! It’s nearly time for the annual BCMC retreat (no Halstead First Mennonite this year) at Camp Mennoscah! The retreat is April 27 & 28, and will again feature all kinds of fun activities. Come for Saturday, Sunday, or both! There will be meals and all sorts of fun activities, including Sunday morning worship (there will be no live-stream), at 10 a.m. More details – and a registration form – will be out by Easter Sunday. We look forward to seeing you again on the sandy soil of the Ninnescah!

Happy Birthday to Monica Gross who turns 100 years old on March 23!

BCMC Offering for March 10: General Fund $11,510.85; Wed. Supper $293; MCC Sale $275; Kitchen Fund $6; Solar Fund $1,000; Nancy Hilty Mem. $295.
BCMC Offering for March 17: General Fund $13,367.82; Wed. Supper $248; Library Reserve Fund $10; Kitchen Fund $16; Solar Fund $1,800.

February numbers are a bit sobering. BCMC income was over $18,000 less than expenses for the month and for the year we are more than $31,000 in the red, making it the worst start of the year since 2006. It’s normal to start the year a little slow, but we don’t want to get ourselves into a painfully deep hole. If you are planning to make your contributions to the church with RMD funds, you can do that any time during the year. Finance Committee

Roger is back in Topeka and will return to Newton for the BCMC Easter celebrations (sunrise service and worship), then remain in Newton until the Church Board meeting April 4. Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)

Chancel Choir Director Position at BCMC: BCMC is looking for a Chancel Choir Director to begin in August 2024. This is a part-time position, August 15-May 15. As part of the team of musicians on the church staff, the director is responsible for music selection, rehearsals, and performances of the Chancel Choir. The choir sings approximately two times per month during September—May and participates in a Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols service and Easter Sunday service. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:30. Inquiries should be addressed to Barbara Thiesen, BCMC Music Coordinator at thiesenjba@gmail.com
Application forms are available from Monica Lichti, BCMC Office/Facilities Manager at 316-283-3667 or office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org

Thank you for your support in surpassing our 1,000 pound goal of plastic bag collection! We are not able to continue this important project due to health issues but would encourage anyone who would like to take on this responsibility. We will continue collection through April 12. Vernon and Jane Goering

From the Board: Solar Contract Signed!
In this season of Easter celebration, we again celebrate the church’s support of the solar energy initiative and report that the contract with King Solar is signed and the down payment has been made. The proposal to install solar panels on our church roof passed at the January congregational meeting with 85 Yes votes and 4 No votes. Overwhelming support for the project in terms of funds pledged (approximately $180,000) was reported. We’re grateful for the extensive background research, hard work, and advocacy of the Creation Care Committee’s subcommittee of Dwight Krehbiel, Lorna Harder, and Hugo Boschmann; the assistance with collaboration and communication from Margaret Toews and Jon Zerger of the Board; and the advice and collaboration of the Finance Committee (LaVern Stucky, Jerry Buller, Margaret Goering, Jeanette Leary, and John Zerger). We look forward to the pledges being fulfilled and the installation of panels scheduled for June! Plans for additional initiatives may be possible with the funds saved; stay tuned.

Bethel College Announcements
All interested singers are invited to participate in Bethel College’s annual Masterworks concert on April 28, featuring Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem. Scores are available now and rehearsals begin Tues., April 2. Sign up online at https://forms.gle/Auu4FaYBcaLwKDuF6 so that your contact information is available for digital rehearsal materials, etc., or come to the first rehearsal April 2, 6 p.m., Choir Room in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College.

Fri., April 5 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Eli Regier, saxophone, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel

Sat., April 6 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Angelika Donaldson, voice, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel

Sun., April 7 – KIPCOR Film Series presents Estamos Unidos, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. The film by Alvaro M. Morales follows a migrant caravan’s journey from Honduras to Mexico City in 2019. A talkback follows the screening; a freewill offering will be taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.

Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is almost here! Plan to join the fun on April 12 & 13, 2024 at the Kansas State Fair Grounds in Hutchinson, as together, we help to “Sow… seeds of hope, seeds of Love.”
· PIES & ZWIEBACK! Sign up to bake pie or zwieback for the sale. Look for tins, bags, and sign up sheets at the back of the sanctuary TODAY!
· The My Coins Count jug is VERY HEAVY from bills and coins–check out the sign by the jug to learn how heavy it is now. Thanks for continuing to add coins and bills on Sunday mornings between now and April 7 so more people can have better access to clean water.
· Auction Items! BCMC members and friends have donated many items to be sold at one of 4 different KMRS auctions. You can see pictures and descriptions of some of these offerings on the KMRS website under “Auction Item Listings” … and look at the lovely offerings in the quilt gallery.
· Volunteers needed! The volunteer page at https://kansas.mccsale.org/ lists opportunities for April 6 (make Bohne Beroggi in Moundridge or Verenike in Hillsboro) or for April 12-13 to serve or sell food, fry verenike, help with auctions, and more. If you have trouble signing up online, ask for help from one of the BCMC liaisons.
· More Information: Look for the KMRS posterboard & table in the Gathering Place for information and the My Coins Count jug, the KMRS website https://kansas.mccsale.org/ or ask a BCMC liaison: Steve & Elaine Schurr, William & Esther Kreider Eash, and Brad & Diane Born.
MCC Sale Children’s Auction – Consider donating new, in-the-package, items to this year’s auction! Talk with the youth in your church to see what items they would like to bid on, but you can never go wrong with Hot Wheels, Barbie, board games, Lego sets, art kits, and sports equipment. Items may be given to your MCC Liaison for delivery to Sale.

Peace Witness for Gaza Ceasefire, March 27, Wichita

In the spirit of Mennonite Action efforts nationwide for the upcoming March Week of Action (March 25-29), the Western District Conference Israel Palestine Task Force and several member churches invite you, your congregation, family, friends, and allies to join in another public peace witness at Senator Jerry Moran’s office in downtown Wichita on Wednesday, March 27, approximately 10 am – 12 pm (details below).

This peace witness will be centered around the theme “Send Aid, Not Bombs!” and asking Senator Moran to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza where 31,000+ people have been killed and 500,000+ more are suffering from imminent famine, starvation, and/or injuries. It will include praying and singing hymns together; presenting symbols of aid (bread, water, medicine, quilts, etc.) and the U.S. Mennonites petition for a permanent ceasefire; and finally making a direct ask for increased humanitarian aid, call for a ceasefire, a release of all the hostages and political prisoners, and an end to funding for weapons of war to Israel.

We will meet at Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church, 655 S Lorraine St, at 10:00 am to review an event agenda before driving to a designated rendezvous location near Senator Moran’s office. There may be a $2-3 parking fee. This is a somber event, and we encourage participants to wear black. Organizers will provide a print agenda for the peace witness and we plan to finish by 12 pm.

Other resources to learn about the Week of Action:

“As followers of Jesus, we are called to organize for more than just a ‘ceasefire.’ God’s Shalom means not just an end to the bombing, but putting our resources towards Palestinians and Israelis living whole and free lives. And as Mennonites, we have a history of offering aid to the victims and survivors of war and genocide. This week of action mobilizes our congregations to combine our commitments to mutual aid and prophetic proclamation.” – Mennonite Action

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

We are putting the dam back in on Saturday, March 23, at 2pm. The forecast says there will be thunderstorms on the day the dam was scheduled to go in, so we’re switching days. Putting the boards back in is not for young ages due to the ungainly size and weight of the boards, but watching is great! Dress for the weather and contact Camp Mennoscah with questions at 620-297-3290. We’ll see you on Saturday!
Other events and happenings:

Nurses needed for the weeks of First Camp, June 20-22; Junior High 2, July 7-12; and Junior 2, July 14-19. Nurses must be an RN and can receive a stipend or a parent discount. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org if you are interested. You are needed to make summer youth camps healthy and successful!
Kitchen staff are also needed for almost every week of camp! Parents can receive a discount up to full camp fees. No great skill is needed. The head cook will direct you in what needs to be done to make yummy meals for campers and staff. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
More volunteer fun than just the Retreat Center project! Many volunteers are still needed for the Retreat Center project, but volunteers are also needed for other camp tasks–mowing, clearing trails, weeding the flower beds. Contact us at 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. Thank you to the many volunteers who have already helped with all the camp projects!
Register for the 2024 Summer Youth Camps! The theme for the summer is Linked By Love and looks at how God’s love teaches us about faith and commitment. The Better Registration Discount ends on April 1st. Register online!
There are openingsfor the Spring Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat, April 19-21! Lodging will be in the bunkhouses and activities will be in the Dining Hall. Bunkhouses are heated and space heaters will be available for the Dining Hall, if the weather is cool. This retreat is later than usual, so we’re hoping for balmy spring weather for good walks and beautiful nature. Register here!

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements

Memorial Day Work and Play May 24-27, 2024: Spend your holiday weekend at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp for the annual Work and Play Retreat! The weekend focuses on getting ready for the coming summer camp season by helping with foodservice, cleaning and fixing things while also offering a free day on Sunday to enjoy the holiday weekend. The retreat is scheduled for May 24-27, 2024 beginning at 7:00pm on Friday and concluding after breakfast on Monday.

Summer Resident Camps @RMMC: Resident Camps offer a slice of summer where campers experience the outdoors in a fun and safe community. Campers experience a new adventure while growing in their faith and exploring the Rocky Mountains. Our theme for Summer 2024 is “What’s the Forecast?”. Looking to Joshua 1:9 and Matthew 28:20, join in for fun weather-themed games and activities and learn how to see God in all situations, no matter the forecast! To learn more and to register, visit rmmc.org.

Greetings!

I am writing to alert you to the spring 2024 issue of Intersections on the topic “Embracing a Commitment to Christ’s Way of Peace.” Compiled by Anna Vogt and Jes Stoltzfus Buller, this issue features contemporary personal reflections and historical church statements about what Jesus’ way of peace looks like. MCC has been a vital part of Anabaptist reflection about the theological foundations of Christian commitment to peace for over one hundred years. In addition to an overview of key moments in MCC’s history in which it collaborated with the church on statements about Anabaptist peace theology, this issue features authors from Mexico, Kenya, Colombia, the United States, South Korea, and India reflecting on different dimensions of how the church lives out its commitment to Christ’s way of peace.
As always, we welcome your thoughts and questions about anything you read in Insight!
Warm regards, Alain Epp Weaver

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

Women & Girls Save the Date! Edimental Gardening for Every Growing Space, featuring Renata Goossen will be sponsored by Western District Women in Mission at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton KS on Friday, April 19. The schedule is: 5 p,m – 6 p.m. Browse and purchase plants from Renata’s Plant Bus. Bring a salad to share for supper to start at 6 p.m.. The evening program, 6:30 – 7:30, will feature music by Prairie Highway and Renata speaking on her topic of edimental gardening, plants that are both edible and ornamental. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more details about the evening schedule and our other WDWM activities.

Come see a Musical Drama
A Goodly Heritage, a musical drama sharing a history of the Swiss Volynian Mennonites on Saturday, March 23 at 7:00 or Sunday, March 24, at 2:00 at Eden Mennonite Church, 401 18th Ave., Moundridge, Kansas..
One of many groups of Mennonites moving to the U.S. in the 1870’s, the Schweitzers settled near (what is now) Moundridge, Kansas, and Freeman, South Dakota. Mennonites were part of the larger Anabaptist movement that began in Europe in the early 1500’s. The drama seeks to explain the religious beliefs underlying the Anabaptist movement, and the journey over centuries that brought these groups to America.
The cast is made up of Schweitzer’s and friends, adults and children, from McPherson County and surrounding   areas. Jenny Schrag, who wrote the drama and composed some of the music, is directing, along with Dawn Abrahams. Bonita Howard is the choir director.
Lyrics and music are by Jenny Schrag, with hymns from Voices Together and The Mennonite Hymnal (used with permission).
The drama is one of the events of the 150th celebration of forebears coming to the U.S. in 1874.  Admission is free.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News from Around the World” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “A people driven purpose press here
For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities “Opening Doors” blog press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

MC USA’s Climate Justice Ministry will begin receiving applications for the Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund grant, starting April 1, 2024. The Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund provides funds to assist MC USA congregations interested in various forms of renewable energy. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/apply-energy-grants View the slide here: mennoniteusa.org/apply-renewable-energy-grants

Join MC USA Climate Justice Coordinator Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler on Apr. 2 at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT for the first of four webinars in MC USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: Climate Justice II” initiative. The first webinar will focus on Indigenous Justice and Climate Justice and will feature the testimony of Indigenous leaders, Manuel May Castillo and Mark Charles, and the prophetic voices of Sarah Augustine and Sheri Hostetler, co-founders of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery and authors of the book “So We and Our Children May Live.” Register here: mennoniteusa.org/registraiton-climate-april2 View the slide here: mennoniteusa.org/climate-justice-indigenous-justice-webinar

Menno Snapshots

Tori Jones Long, a local organizer for Mennonite Action and a member of Salford Mennonite Church, Harleysville, Pa., reflects on why she participated in an act of civil disobedience that led to her arrest during the Jan. 16 Mennonite Action demonstration for a ceasefire. Read more about her experience in her Menno Snapshots blog here: mennoniteusa.org/civil-disobedience

On Jan. 16, 2024, Lynn Hur, a member of Pasadena (California) Mennonite Church participated in an outdoor peace vigil with about 200 Mennonites in front of the House of Representatives’ Cannon House Office Building in Washington D.C. She reflects on “finding people who grieve the same way you do.” Read more about her experience here: mennoniteusa.org/grieve-same-way

For Mennonite Church USA Webinar “Climate Justice, Indigenous Justice” press here
Join MC USA Climate Justice Coordinator Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler on Apr. 2 at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT for the first of four webinars in MC USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: Climate Justice: Seeking Shalom” initiative. The first webinar will focus on Indigenous Justice and Climate Justice and will feature the testimony of Indigenous leaders, Manuel May Castillo and Mark Charles, and the prophetic voices of Sarah Augustine and Sheri Hostetler, co-founders of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery and authors of the book “So We and Our Children May Live.”

Mennonite Church USA is looking for nominees for our 2024 #BringThePeace awards. The award recognizes the work of denominational peacemakers and is sponsored by MC USA’s Church Peace Tax Fund. We invite you to submit your recommendations for nominees by completing this form before April 19: mennoniteusa.org/btp-2024-award-nominations

We are seeking to honor two courageous peacebuilders who have a diversity of experience and are actively engaged in resisting war and promoting peace in their respective congregation and community: A legacy peacemaker, who has been faithful in promoting peace across their lifetime and/or life’s work. A young peacemaker (age 16-25), who can help to inspire other young leaders. The #BringThePeace awards provide each recipient with a $300 grant. The Church Peace Tax Fund, which sponsors these awards, is a way for people to engage in MC USA’s peacebuilding work. It also provides funding for educational programs that address militarism and promote ways of living out Jesus’ peace. If you have any questions, please contact Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, denominational minister for Peace and Justice, at Lorrainesa@mennoniteusa.org.

Fill out the form here

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Praise God for the 75 years of healing ministry by dedicated personnel at Mennonite Christian Hospital in Hualien, Taiwan, the largest Mennonite hospital in the world. Join MMN in praying for Dr. Jacob Chang and the hospital staff as the services they offer grow to meet the needs of the populations they serve; the elderly, mothers and children and those with special needs.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for God’s presence, joy and wisdom to be with WDC staff as they gather tomorrow for a staff retreat.

Worship Service and Announcements for March 10-17, 2024

Bethel College Mennonite Church Worship Service and Announcements for
March 10, 2024
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Christ Among Us, the Way of Mercy

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
March 10, 2024
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Christ Among Us, the Way of Mercy

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—As the Deer Runs to the River (Uehlein)
Karen Unruh

Call to Worship—William Eash

One: Give thanks to God, for God is good!
Many: God’s love endures forever.
One: Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.
Many: God’s love endures forever.
One: We may make careless choices and lose our way.
Many: God’s love endures forever.
One: We call out to God when we are in trouble.
Many: God’s love endures forever.
One: God rescues us from our anxieties and fears.
Many: God’s love endures forever.
One: God’s word sets us free to walk in newness of life.
Many: God’s love endures forever.
One: God gathers us in, from the east and the west, from the north and the south. All: For God’s unfailing love, we give thanks to the Creator of all that is good. (based on Psalm 107:1–3, 17–22)

*Hymn—How Many Times We Start Again—VT 553

Children’s Conversation—Barb Koontz

Anthem—Sonata in F Major second movement (Handel)–Rebecca Schloneger; Karen Unruh accompanist

*Hymn—There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy—VT 156

Scripture Reading—John 3:14-21; Ephesians 2:8-10—Keith Harder

Sermon—Finding Grace, Walking in Grace
Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—I Sought the Lord—VT 161

Prayers of God’s People

Prayer of Confession

One: Merciful God, we forget that you are the light of the world.
Many: Forgive us for our short memories.
One: Remind us that you are rich in mercy
Many: when we wander away from you.
One: Loving God, convict us of your immense love
Many: that shines brightly on us.
All: Merciful God, light of the world, we come seeking new life in you.

*Hymn—The Lord Your God Is with You—VT 173

*Benediction

Postlude—Sent Forth By God’s Blessings (arr. Leavitt)–Karen Unruh

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Karen Unruh
Audio visual—Francis Toews
YouTube Link– https://youtube.com/live/UPnKwtKXcJk?feature=share

Daylight Savings Time Begins Sunday, March 10

Spring forward and remember to set your clocks
one hour ahead.

The memorial service for Nancy Hilty is Saturday, March 9, 11 a.m. at BCMC with a light lunch following in the fellowship hall.
The link for the live stream of the service is: https://youtube.com/live/fxM2uBu4bJ4?feature=share

Lilies for Easter.
You are invited to share an Easter lily for the sanctuary on Easter Sunday, March 31. BCMC will purchase the lilies. The cost will be $10 per lily. Make checks to BCMC designated “Flower Fund.” Contributors may pick up lilies to take home after the Easter worship service. You will be able to designate in honor of someone or in memory of someone with your Easter lily. There will be a table in the Gathering Place this Sunday, March 10 for you to sign up for a lily.
You can email the office if you wish to purchase a lily and drop your $10 payment in the offering plate on Sunday. Be sure to designate if you wish the lily to be in memory or honor of someone.
Office email: office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org

Future Events at BCMC:
·March 10, 2024, 9:30 a.m. Worship at BCMC with Faith Formation following at 10:45 a.m. The live stream link for Sunday is:
https://youtube.com/live/UPnKwtKXcJk?feature=share
· March 11-15 is Spring Break. The church office will be closed this week due to staff, Pastor Nathan Koontz and Monica Lichti, taking vacation time. Monday through Wednesday you can contact Elizabeth Schmidt at elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org; Thursday through Sunday you can contact Roger Neufeld Smith at roger@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. Contact them directly as no one will be monitoring the office phone.

There will be no all-church emails next week.

The church building will be open on Wednesday, March 13 for Wednesday night supper and Chancel Choir rehearsal. It will be open also on Monday and Thursday evenings for the Newton Chorale rehearsals.

· March 23, 11 a.m., memorial service for Elizabeth Raid followed by lunch.
· March 28, 6:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday service in the sanctuary
· March 31—Easter Sunday—Sunrise service at 7 a.m. (details later); Easter prelude at 9:45 a.m. followed by Worship service at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary
· April 13, 11 a.m., memorial service for Don Kaufman followed by lunch.
(All lunches after memorial services are in the BCMC fellowship hall.)

Monica Gross will be turning 100 years old on March 23! Her family is requesting a card shower for her. Monica Gross’ address is 3056 Ivy Court, Apt. 6, North Newton, KS 67117.

Sunday morning, March 17, our church will have the honor of hosting Mennonite World Conference General Secretary César García and his wife, Sandra Báez, Pastor and Executive Assistant to the General Secretary. César will preach in our worship service. The Seekers and Open Circle Sunday School classes have invited both César and Sandra to share during the Sunday School hour about their work with Mennonite World Conference. Everyone is invited to attend this SS session. César and Sandra will also deliver the Bethel College Hartzler Bible lectures on Sunday evening and Monday morning, March 17 & 18.
The live-stream for Sunday morning, March 17 is: https://youtube.com/live/Bs3jm9V5ADE?feature=share

Sign up for the March 13 Wednesday night supper. The menu is: Potato Green Bean Soup, Green Grapes, Pistachio Lush; Please bring your own tableware to facilitate clean-up—Bring a bowl for soup!
Sign up here: office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org

This Week at BCMC: March 10—17, 2024
Sunday, March 10, 2024
9:30 a.m.    Worship    YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/UPnKwtKXcJk?feature=share

The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Room 26;   High School-Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
March 10—17, 2024—BCMC office will be closed for spring break

Monday, March 11, 2024
6:30 p.m. Newton Chorale Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
9 a.m. Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting at Marlene Faul’s home, 3000 Wildwood Way, North Newton
Wednesday, March 13, 2024—Wednesday meal and program
6 p.m.        Wednesday night meal in fellowship hall—Menu: Potato Green Bean Soup, Green Grapes, Pistachio Lush; Please bring your own tableware to facilitate clean-up—Bring a bowl for soup!
6:45 p.m    Wednesday program in fellowship hall
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, March 14, 2024
6:30 p.m.   Newton Chorale rehearsal in the sanctuary
Sunday, March 17, 2024—Lent 5 9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by César
García         10:45 a.m. Faith Formation César García and his wife Sandra Báez
will share about their work with Mennonite World Conference

ALL WOMEN are invited to the Women’s Fellowship meeting Tuesday, March 19, at 7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Topic for discussion: “The Impact of Patriarchy in our Lives as Women.”

Deacon Commission is providing an opportunity to send greetings to our most distant member, Max Ediger, of Pursat Province, Cambodia. For the next few Sundays we will have a table at the back of the sanctuary with pages for your greetings and messages for Max. For those who are unable to attend worship but can stop by the church during the week, the letters will be available for anyone to write a note before we send them out. Thank you! Deacon Commission

Thank you, Riley King! A heartfelt THANK YOU to Riley King for his two years as BCMC Chancel Choir Director. Riley and Melinda are moving to Virginia this summer. Riley, best wishes to you in the next chapter of your life.

Roger drove back to Topeka on Thursday night (3/7). While he is biking with Cynthia in Missouri March 10-13 he may not be checking his email but he will return to Newton on Thursday, March 14 and will be in Newton until Monday, March 18. During this time Roger will be checking his email and phone regularly. So feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)

BCMC Offering for March 3: General Fund $25,086; Wed. Supper $446; Plant Fund $50; Library Reserve Fund $15; Kitchen Fund $29; Solar Fund $2,650; Alice Suderman Mem. $850; Richard Siemens Mem. $50.

Chancel Choir Director Position at Bethel College Mennonite Church –– Bethel College Mennonite Church (North Newton) is looking for a Chancel Choir Director to begin in August 2024. This is a part-time position, August 15-May 15. As part of the team of musicians on the church staff, the director is responsible for music selection, rehearsals, and performances of the Chancel Choir. The choir sings approximately two times per month during September—May and participates in a Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols service and Easter Sunday service. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:30. Inquiries should be addressed to Barbara Thiesen, BCMC Music Coordinator at thiesenjba@gmail.com
Application forms are available from Monica Lichti, BCMC Office/Facilities Manager at 316-283-3667 or office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org

Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is April 12 & 13, 2024 at the Kansas State Fair Grounds in Hutchinson. One month from now!
· The My Coins Count jug is now 65 pounds of bills and coins! It is now too heavy to sit on the table, so it’s on a dolly beside the table in the Gathering Place. Thanks for continuing to add coins and bills on Sunday mornings between now and April 7 so more people can have better access to clean water.
· Auction Items! BCMC members have donated many items to be sold at one of 4 different KMRS auctions. You can see pictures and descriptions of some of these offerings on the KMRS website under “Auction Item Listings” … and watch for the quilt gallery coming soon.
· Volunteers needed! The volunteer page at https://kansas.mccsale.org/ lists opportunities for April 6 (make Bohne Beroggi in Moundridge or Verenike in Hillsboro) or for April 12-13 to serve or sell food, fry verenike, help with auctions, and more. If you have trouble signing up online, ask for help from one of the BCMC liaisons.
· Upcoming Dates:

March 13: The last day for SS classes to submit funds for the final bidding round on March 14. Thanks to donors, all sale expenses are covered before the sale so proceeds go directly to MCC programs.
March 17: First day to sign up to bake pie or zwieback. Look for tins, bags, and sign up sheets.
· More Information:
KMRS posterboard & table in the Gathering Place for information, forms, and the My Coins Count jug.
KMRS website: https://kansas.mccsale.org/
BCMC liaisons: Steve & Elaine Schurr, William & Esther Kreider Eash, and Brad & Diane Born.

Creation Care: Thank you very much for supporting our plastic bag recycling project. With your help we have collected 900 pounds and hope to reach our goal of 1,000 pounds in March. With this goal met BCMC will receive a composite bench from the Trex Corporation. Vernon and Jane Goering

Bethel College Announcements

Bethel College is on spring break March 11-15. Most offices and services are open but some may be on reduced hours. The Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center is closed.

Sun., March 17 & Mon., March 18 – Bible Lectures at Bethel College with César García, general secretary of Mennonite World Conference, and Sandra Báez, pastor and executive assistant to the general secretary; Sunday: 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel; Monday: 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. The overall topic for the lectures is “Contemporary Ecclesiologies.”

Thurs., March 21 – Artist talk by Marguerite Perret, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College; sponsored by BCWA’s Carolyn Schultz Lectureship. Perret’s exhibit, “Transmutation Speculation: Fluid Nature,” is in the Regier Art Gallery (regular hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 2-4 p.m.; closed for spring break, March 10-17).

NOTE DATE CHANGE: Fri., March 22, Sat., March 23, Sun., March 24 – Spring play at Bethel College, Rancho Mirage by Steven Dietz, Fri. & Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m. matinee, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center). Friday evening performance interpreted for the d/Deaf community. Ticket purchase required (buy on campus weekdays at Thresher Shop; online at https://www.bethelks.edu/fine-arts/theater/theater-department-presents/; or at the door). NOTE: Adult content, not suitable for children.

Kauffman Museum, an affiliate of Bethel College, seeks a full-time Traveling Exhibits Coordinator. Applicants should be willing to travel to venues across North America, be able to coordinate exhibit scheduling and contracts, possess exceptional interpersonal skills, have mechanical aptitude, be able to work independently and do physical labor, and enjoy working with volunteers at a variety of venues. For the link to a complete job description, see https://KauffmanMuseum.org/traveling/

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

Everence Financial’s webinar series, presented by Everence professionals, for 2024, continues with webinars Wednesday, March 13. Everence® can help you make important financial decisions that reflect your faith values. March 13: Retirement Income Strategies March 20: Impact Investing: Connecting your values and investments March 27: Investing 101. To register, or for more information, visit www.everence.com/national.
Everence® will hold a Social Security and retirement income workshop including topics Social Security strategies, when to begin taking benefits, risks that can impact your retirement savings plus strategies to help your income last throughout retirement, Thur., March 21, 6:30 p.m. There will also be time for questions.The in-person workshop will be at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton. Information will be presented by staff from the Everence offices in Central Kansas. To register contact Everence at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements

See The RMMC News & Stories From February

Take a look at the latest/greatest happenings here at RMMC. This information can be viewed on:

RMMC Web Page – News & Stories (under “About Us”)
RMMC Facebook Page
RMMC Instagram Page

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp is host to Colorado Roots Music Camp June 2-8, 2024. Break out of your routine and be inspired by a variety of styles, first-rate musicians, and the incredible experience of being immersed in acoustic music. 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. Wilderness Camps at Rocky Mountain. RMMC offers a wilderness experience with a unique blend of destinations and activities. Campers participate in rock climbing and rappelling on Monkey Rock, backpack a few miles to a different destination for each camp week, experience the beauty of remote wilderness areas, play games, set up a campsite and learn skills of camping outside. Our summer theme is “What’s the Forecast?”, looking to Joshua 1:9 and Matthew 28:20 to learn how can we see God amidst the calm, in the storm, and everything in between! For more information and registration, visit the camp website at rmmc.org.

Swiss Mennonite Announcements
Three Groups, One Story video will be shown on Tuesday, March 12, at 1:30 p.m. at Pine Village Chapel in Moundridge (620-345-2901, thomas.nichols@pinevillageks.org). Southeast South Dakota is the only place in the world where Low German Mennonites, Swiss Volhynian Mennonites and Hutterites settled side by side in the 1870s near Freeman, South Dakota. An 80-minute documentary tells their stories of moving across Europe searching for refuge from persecution and a place to live peacefully. You will hear from Robert Engbrecht, Norman Hofer and S. Roy Kaufman and also from Marnette D. Hofer, executive director of the Heritage Hall Museum in Freeman. No cost. You are invited to learn about these three groups and their story.

Genealogy Seminar
Another event as a part of the 150th anniversary celebrating the Swiss Volhynian Mennonites and many other groups coming to the U.S. in 1874 is coming to this area on Monday, March 18, 2024. Jerry Juhnke is presenting a Seminar on researching your genealogy. The presentation will be free and open to all at 10 am or 6 pm at the Pine Village Wellness Center in Moundridge, Kansas, 86 22nd Ave. 620-345-2901. Jerry will also present this information at the new Newton Library on Tuesday, April 16, 6:30 pm.

Are you interested in researching your genealogy? Whether you are a beginner or seasoned veteran, you are welcome at attend a genealogy seminar entitled “Finding Your Ancestors”. Topics covered will include genealogy software, library resources, newspaper resources, church books, government resources and others. This seminar is appropriate for anyone wanting to do genealogy research.

The presenter will be Jerry Juhnke. Jerry grew up in Elyria, Kansas, went to the Eden Mennonite Church, and is of Swiss Volhynian Mennonite background. A couple of years ago in preparation for the “150^th Schweitzers and Friends” celebration, Jerry organized a group of genealogists and created the “Swiss Volhynian Mennonite Genealogical and Historical Project,” more commonly called the “G&H Project”.

The G&H Project meets on a monthly zoom meeting and works on a common family tree that now contains over 40,000 individuals. The group is also collecting historical information on the individuals in the tree such as family stories, photos, newspaper articles, draft cards, resident locations, marriage certificates, obituaries and even video and audio recordings. Jerry will show you how you can easily locate all this information.

The seminar will be presented on three occasions: on Monday, March 18 at 10pm and 6pm at the Pine Village Wellness Center in Moundridge, Kansas and also on Tuesday, April 16 at 6:30pm at the new Newton Library, 223 East 7^th Street (on the east side of Military Park) in Newton, Kansas. The Newton Library session will also be live streamed on the Newton Library Facebook page

Mennonite Heritage & Agricultural Museum Announcement

Join museum supporters for the Heritage Dinner, April 5, 6:30 pm, at Tabor Mennonite Church, after which Mayleen Thiesen Vinson will share an entertaining and insightful portrayal of Fru Schmidt’s dilemma—what to pack for her family? Each adult ticket-holder was allowed to pack 27 cubic feet of baggage and freight. Consider that the Schmidts have ten children! Would you have packed a waffle iron, an anvil, or corncobs? Come find out! Mayleen grew up in the Goessel community and she and her husband now live just south of Wichita. She spends as much time as possible with her grandchildren and is interested in quilting, native plants and pollinators, and, of course, history. Mayleen has been a museum board member and is a long-time volunteer. Her research into the immigrant ships, the S.S. Cimbria and the S.S. Teutonia, led to a temporary museum exhibit which won an Award of Excellence from the Kansas Museum Association in 2007. She also researched and built the one-room school exhibit in the museum and is currently the museum’s Facebook administrator.

Tickets are on sale now!

Contact the museum by April 1 (620.367.8200 or email goesselmuseum@gmail.com) to reserve your tickets for the Low German sausage meal catered by Goessel Grocery & Deli. Prices are $75 per person, ages 12 and under are $15, and first-time attenders are $40.

This event will be recorded, but not live-streamed.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
In honor of Women’s History Month, the MC USA Archives has compiled a Mennonite Women’s History timeline. Explore the rich history with this engaging resource: mennoniteusa.org/women’s-history-timeline

The Women in Leadership ministry of MC USA is releasing season three of its popular podcast, “Holding It (,) Together.” Bonita Rockingham of the Women in Leadership steering committee hosts the podcast, which is created by women for women. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/wil-podcast-season

Menno Snapshots

As part of MC USA’s “I choose to be Mennonite because …” series, Marlene Kropf, a spiritual director, and retreat leader, shares that she was born and raised a Mennonite, but after moving to an area without any Mennonite churches, she had to be creative in how she continued to worship. Read her story here: mennoniteusa.org/why-menno-kropf

Laura Pauls-Thomas, communications director of Mennonite Central Committee’s East Coast region and member of the Creation Care Committee at East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church, shares about the successful Bike Bus program at her church. Read her Menno Snapshots blog here: mennoniteusa.org/creation-care-commuting

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Laura Schlabach, who has served with MMN in Mongolia since 1993, is currently on North American Ministry in the United States. Pray that she will be able to find rest and renewal from the demands of being the only on-site member of a three-person executive director team for JCS International in Mongolia. Pray also for the smooth functioning of the organization in her absence.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance for pastors, worship planners, and musicians in WDC congregations, as they give special attention to shaping the church’s journey through the season of Lent and Easter.

Worship service and announcements for March 3-10, 2024

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR MARCH 3, 2024
Third Sunday of Lent
Christ Among Us, Showing Us Justice

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/PwWQV9lcexY?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
March 3, 2024
Third Sunday of Lent
Christ Among Us, Showing Us Justice

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—There is no Shadow (Brenda Portman)–Will Wiebe-Friesen

Call to Worship and Land Acknowledgement–Margaret Toews

One: Come rule makers. Come rule breakers. Come, you who are still finding your way.
Many: We come into God’s house.
One: Come. Whether you speak with wise words or with wisecracks, you are made in the image of God.
Many: We come to hear God’s Word.
One: Some of us like certainty and structure.
Many: Some of us don’t.
One: We come by different roads.
Many: Yet we are here together.
One: Prepare to meet your Maker, and your match. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is greater than human strength.
Many: We come to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God.

*Hymn—What Is This Place—VT 22

Children’s Conversation—Kathy Stucky

Anthem—Precious Lord, Take My Hand (arr. Jack Schrader)–Chancel Choir—Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Exodus 20:1-17; John 2:13-22—Naomi Koontz

Sermon—Rule Makers and Rule Breakers–Roger Neufeld Smith

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

Prayers of God’s People

Prayer of Confession
One: We often miss the beauty in your work, God.
Many: Forgive our distracted hearts.
One: When we put our trust in other things
Many: remind us of your love and care.
All: Bring joy to us once again.
One: May the meditations of our hearts
Many: be pleasing on your sight,
All: our Rock and our Redeemer.

*Hymn—Sing a New World Into Being—VT 809

Benediction

Postlude
——————————————————————————————————————————
Audio-visual—Ben Lichti

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

Lent and Easter Visuals
All are invited to take a close look at the visual arrangement in front of the communion table throughout Lent and on Easter Sunday. Look for changes and additions, and especially take note of BCMC gardeners’ contributions to the garden tool box.

Sunday morning, March 17, our church will have the honor of hosting Mennonite World Conference General Secretary César García and his wife, Sandra Báez, Pastor and Executive Assistant to the General Secretary. César will preach in our worship service. The Seekers and Open Circle Sunday School classes have invited both César and Sandra to share during the Sunday School hour about their work with Mennonite World Conference. Everyone is invited to attend this SS session. César and Sandra will also deliver the Bethel College Hartzler Bible lectures on Sunday evening and Monday morning, March 17 & 18.

BCMC Offering for Feb. 25: General Fund $11,717.46; Wed. Supper $432; Sr Hi Youth $30; Jr Hi Fund $50; Kitchen Fund $3; Women’s Fellowship $75; Solar Fund $20,500; Alice Suderman Memorial $20.

This Week at BCMC: March 3—10, 2024
Sunday, March 3, 2024
9:30 a.m.    Worship    YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/PwWQV9lcexY?feature=share

The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Room 26;   High School-Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)

Monday, March 4, 2024—BCMC office will be closed
6:30 p.m. Newton Chorale Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
11 a.m.     Staff meeting
Wednesday, March 6, 2024—Wednesday meal and program
6 p.m.        Wednesday night meal in fellowship hall—Menu: Shepherd’s Pie, Fruit Salad, Lemon Bars; Please sign up at a sign up sheet on bulletin board, on table in south entrance, or on ledge between the mailboxes in gathering place.  Please bring your own tableware to facilitate clean-up! You can sign up here also:  office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
6:45 p.m    Wednesday program in fellowship hall
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, March 7, 2024
6:00 p.m.   Chancel Bells Rehearsal in room B-7
6:30 p.m.   Newton Chorale rehearsal in the sanctuary
7:00 p.m.   Church Board meeting in room 14
Saturday, March 9, 2024   11 a.m. Memorial for Nancy Hilty in the sanctuary
Sunday, March 10, 2024—Lent 4  9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Rebecca Schloneger      10:45 a.m. Faith Formation

Deacon Commission is providing an opportunity to send greetings to our most distant member, Max Ediger, of Pursat Province, Cambodia.  For the next few Sundays we will have a table at the back of the sanctuary with pages for your greetings and messages for Max. For those who are unable to attend worship but can stop by the church during the week, the letters will be available for anyone to write a note before we send them out. Thank you!  Deacon Commission

Future Events at BCMC:
· March 9, 11 a.m., memorial service for Nancy Hilty followed by lunch.
· March 11-15 is Spring Break. The church office will be closed this week due to staff taking vacation time. There will be staff available for emergencies.
· March 23, 11 a.m., memorial service for Elizabeth Raid followed by lunch.
· March 28, 6:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday service in the sanctuary
· March 31—Easter Sunday—Sunrise service at 7 a.m. (details later); Easter prelude at 9:45 a.m. followed by Worship service at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary
· April 13, 11 a.m., memorial service for Don Kaufman followed by lunch.
   (All lunches after memorial services are in the BCMC fellowship hall.)

Roger will be in Newton most of this week (Sun.—Thurs.), driving back to Topeka after the Church Board meeting Thursday night. He will be biking in Missouri with Cynthia March 10- 13, then return to Newton Thurs., March 14. Other than the time he is biking in Missouri, Roger will be checking his email and phone regularly. So feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)

BEYOND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: (from the BCMC Task Group for Indigenous Justice)
–Heidi Regier Kreider of WDC and Raylene Hinz-Penner brought blessings and a tribute sermon to Koinonia Indian Mennonite Church, Clinton, OK, at the request of Pastor Susan Hart for Betty Hart’s 90th birthday Feb. 18. If you would like to send birthday greetings or encouragement to Betty as she continues to serve at Koinonia, her address is 22745 E. 1040 Road, Clinton, OK 73601. Doug and Raylene Hinz-Penner will attend the Cheyenne memorial, a gourd dance, to Chief Lawrence Hart at two years after his passing in El Reno on March 3.
–Darlene Dick, Raylene Hinz-Penner, Ada Schmidt-Tieszen, and Dale Schrag will complete a four session book study of So We and Our Children May Live by Sarah Augustine and Sheri Hostetler in March offered by the Repair Coalition for Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery.
–The last Friday of every month the Repair Coalition offers a Prayer in Action hour led by Indigenous leaders or elders for Repair Congregations and Communities to find ways to serve. February 23 Pastor Jonathan Old Horse of Woyatan Lutheran Church and Fr. Joe Hubbard of St Matthew’s Episcopal Church, both in Rapid City, SD, talked about the persecution of the homeless in Rapid City and the efforts of local churches and communities to offer aid. If you could offer support through prayer or letters, contact Doe Hoyer of the Repair Coalition who is building a support group (doe@dismantlediscovery.org) on behalf of the Rapid City project.
–Next month the Prayer in Action Hour will be Fri., March 29 from 1-2 p.m. PST/4-5 p.m. EST. Contact doe@dismantlediscovery.org to request a link for the ZOOM. This hour is a good way to learn and serve from your own home.
–BCMC Task Group is in dialogue with others in Kansas as we seek to build
repair communities which invite our neighbors and friends to join the work.
–The BCMC Wednesday evening discussion series after supper supports our goals of working to dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery within the Christian Church and focusing on new ways we might live with all our relations in
harmony with the earth and all fellow creatures. Please attend.

The Library Theme for March is Lenten/Easter. There is a nice selection of this theme in the Children’s Room. We are missing the book, “Healing Haunted Histories” by Elaine Enns, and have not been able to locate this book for almost a year. Please check your books at home to make sure you haven’t forgotten to return it.
We have many new to us books that are now on the shelves on the west and east side of the library. On the west side we have our usual biography, fiction, nonfiction selections and on the east side is the new Mennonite Poetry Corner with many donated books. A short description of each new book will be coming in the near future, so for now, come on in and browse the shelves!

Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is April 12 & 13, 2024 at the Kansas State Fair Grounds in Hutchinson, KS. This year’s theme is “Sowing seeds of hope, seeds of Love.”

Enjoy Quilts & More at the rear of the sanctuary today. Each has been made by a member or friend of BCMC and will be in the KMRS quilt auction. Plan your bidding today!
The My Coins Count jug is now 44 pounds of bills and coins! Your generosity helps provide clean, accessible water around the world. The jug is in the Gathering Place on Sunday mornings between now and April 7. Add your coins and bills today!
Auction Items! BCMC members have donated many items to be sold at one of 4 different KMRS auctions. You can see pictures and descriptions of some of these offerings on the KMRS website under “Auction Item Listings.” Take a look! What would you like to bid on?
Volunteers needed! The volunteer page at https://kansas.mccsale.org/ lists opportunities for April 6 (make Bohne Beroggi in Moundridge or Verenike in Hillsboro) or for April 12-13 to serve or sell food, fry verenike, help with auctions, and more. If you have trouble signing up online, ask for help from one of the BCMC liaisons.
Upcoming Dates:
- March 4-6: MCC Comforter Blitz at Journey, north of Yoder. Come help create comforters to distribute a bit of warmth and beauty around the world. Mon: 9am-5pm; Tues: 9am-9pm; Wed: 9am-4pm. https://mcc.org/events/mcc-comforter-blitz
- March 13: The last day for SS classes to submit funds for the final bidding round on March 14. Thanks to donors, all sale expenses are covered before the sale so proceeds go directly to MCC programs. Many thanks to BCMC SS classes who are helping to underwrite costs. We will share the BCMC total contribution once it’s available.
- March 17: First day to sign up to bake pie or zwieback. Look for tins, bags, and sign up sheets.
More Information:
- KMRS posterboard & table in the Gathering Place for information and forms … My Coins Count jug.
- KMRS website: https://kansas.mccsale.org/
- BCMC liaisons: Steve & Elaine Schurr, William & Esther Kreider Eash, and Brad & Diane Born.

Creation Care: Thank you very much for supporting our plastic bag recycling project. With your help we have collected 900 pounds and hope to reach our goal of 1,000 pounds in March. With this goal met BCMC will receive a composite bench from the Trex Corporation. Vernon and Jane Goering

Bethel College Announcements

Sun., March 3 – Bethel College Choir Tour Send-off Concert, directed by Dr. Henry S. Waters, 4 p.m., Memorial Hall. The concert has the theme “Music Exploring American Identity” and includes performances by the Chamber Singers, Woven and Open Road. Livestream available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggUFeT-XG7s See the choir’s itinerary to Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi and Tennessee at https://www.bethelks.edu/fine-arts/choral-ensembles/concert-choir/

Tues., March 5 – Bethel College Jazz, directed by Joel Boettger, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center

Thurs., March 7 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center

Fri., March 8 – Bethel College’s Faculty Lecture Series continues with Christine Crouse-Dick, professor of communication arts, and Peter Goerzen, assistant professor of Bible and religion, “Walking Toward Racial Healing: The Transformative Potential of Shared Stories, Empathy and Listening ,” 11 a.m., Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village

Sun., March 17 & Mon., March 18 – Hartzler Bible Lectures at Bethel College with César Garcia, general secretary of Mennonite World Conference, and Sandra Baez, pastor and executive assistant to the general secretary; Sunday: 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel; Monday: 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center

Now in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Transmutation Speculation: Fluid Nature,” works by Marguerite Perret, through March 22. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m. (closed for spring break, March 10-17).

The Kidron Bethel Village Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (D.E.I.) Group will host Brad Richards for a special presentation on civil rights at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 7, in Kidron Hall, 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton. The presentation is free and open to the public. Richards is Education Manager and Community Outreach Coordinator at The Kansas African American Museum in Wichita. His presentation, “March Toward Civil Rights,” correlates with the 59^th anniversary of Martin Luther King Junior’s historic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.

Mennonite Central Committee Material Resources Center in North Newton critically low on inventory: An MCC kit cannot be distributed until each item for the kit is assembled, but some supplies in the Material Resources Center are so low that kits cannot be processed for shipping. You can help by filling the following needs: new infant sleepers (6-12 month sizes); bath towels (dark colored, light to medium weight); laundry soap (such as Fels Naptha or Zote brands); shampoo (20 oz min) and spiral notebooks (70 sheets). Buy online and ship it to MCC or bring items to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30^th St, North Newton, KS 67117). Questions are always welcome, please contact brociamueller@mcc.org or 316.283.2720. A full list of MCC kit contents can be found at mcc.org/kits.

COMING! Commemorating 500 Years of Anabaptism in Zurich + Swiss Alps 9-Day Tour in May 2025. Tour sites: Lake Geneva, Murren – the Swiss mountain village accessed by cable car, and Mennonite heritage in Bern and the Emmental Valley. On May 29 we will join Anabaptists from around the world in Zurich in worship and celebration of the 500 Year beginning of Anabaptism. Details and registration coming soon. Preview the tour at www.tourwithweldon.com To join the “Interested List” contact Weldon Martens at weldon.martens@gmail.com / 402-202-9276.

REMINDER: Spring Cleaning at Camp Mennoscah sponsored by Western District Women in Mission (WDWM) will be held on Saturday, March 23 from 10 am – 4 p.m. Come for part or all of the time. Women, men, kids, youth groups, Sunday school groups are all invited. If children younger than high school attend, they need to be supervised by their parents (no child care or children’s activities will be provided). Projects will include cleaning staff houses, shower houses, cabins, t-shirt inventory, and other jobs. Dress warm, bring a full water bottle, $5 to cover the cost of lunch (pizza), and the following cleaning supplies if you have them: rakes, long handled brooms for cobweb reaching. Other cleaning supplies will be provided. To register send an e-mail by March 18 to westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com. Space is capped at this event to manage the jobs, so don’t delay in registering. Thanks!

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

Announcement from Offender Victim Ministries

Want to visit someone in prison? OVM (Offender/Victim Ministries) has been visiting inmates at Hutchinson Correctional Facility for 50 years, and we are looking for new volunteers. M-2 is a visitation program for inmates with few outside visits; volunteers are paired with an inmate and visit one evening a month for conversation and encouragement. Apply for M-2 at www.ovmks.org/m2 and mark your calendar for one of the upcoming volunteer trainings: March 18, May 20, or July 15, 12:30-4pm. Contact Kenzie Brister to learn more (prison@ovmks.org or 316-281-4721).

For Mennonite Mission Network “News from around the world” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here

Mennonite Church USA Webinar – “The Hope-Filled Persistence of Women in Ministry” – March 11, 2024
press here

Hesston College Announcements

Friends, alumni and the local community are invited to join us for a family fun day. There will be Lark softball and flag football, free popcorn, musical theatre and FREE admission to sporting events! Learn more at hesston.edu/community-day.

February 28 to March 3 – Spring Musical Production of “Little Shop of Horrors”
Hesston College Theatre will demonstrate why you should be careful what you wish for with their spring musical production of “Little Shop of Horrors” at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The show is suggested for ages 10 and up. Ticket prices are $5 for students and $12 for adults and seniors. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Hesston College Bookstore or by phone at 620-327-8105.

March 17 – Prairie Window Concert: The Arcadian Wild
Join Dyck Arboretum March 17 at 4 p.m. to hear The Arcadian Wild. With roots in formal vocal music and influences from progressive bluegrass and folk, The Arcadian Wild offer up songs of invitation; calls to come and see, to find refuge and rest, or to journey and wonder. Crust & Crumb will be serving during intermission. Learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events.

March 19 – Bel Canto Singers Final Spring Break Tour Concert
Bel Canto Singers’ final concert of the spring break tour will be Tuesday, March 19, 7 p.m., Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston, Kan. The 19-voice mixed chamber choir, under the direction of Dr. Russell Adrian and accompanied by Ken Rodgers, will present a program titled “Common Ground.” The program is inspired by the composition “On the Common Ground” written by Alice Parker out of concern for the many walls that have appeared to separate society. Audience members may also join via livestream at hesston.edu/livestream.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Registration for the Spring Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat, April 19-21 is open. Lodging will be in the bunkhouses and activities will be in the Dining Hall. Bunkhouses are heated and space heaters will be available for the Dining Hall, if the weather is cool. This retreat is later than usual, so we’re hoping for balmy spring weather for good walks and beautiful nature. Register here!

Other events and happenings:
We hear Spring Break will be a popular time to volunteer. Space is limited–schedule now! Work continues on the Retreat Center project, which includes replacing the heating/cooling system and fixing other deficiencies. Volunteers are needed every week day (M-F). Work will start at 9am and end at 5pm. Half days are fine. Bring your own lunch and water bottle, please, and meet at the Retreat Center. Park off the edge of the road to the south of the building. Camp Mennoscah will provide tools needed. Space heaters will be used, but temperatures inside may be around 50 degrees. Camp can provide overnight housing and a kitchen in most situations, if you want to volunteer more than one day. Please let us know you are coming so we can be prepared. Contact us at 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. Thank you to the many volunteers who have already helped!

Registration for 2024 Summer Youth Camps is open! The theme for the summer is Linked By Love and looks at how God’s love teaches us about faith and commitment. Register online!
Scholarship funds are needed for summer youth camps. Just as facilities are an important part of Camp Mennoscah’s ministry, so are campers. There are campers who are unable to come to camp without assistance. Give to the Scholarship Fund or Scholarship Endowment to help more campers learn about Christ while in God’s creation. Mark your donation with the fund/endowment you prefer. The Scholarship Endowment will give up to two full scholarships a year, depending on earnings. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290 for more information.
Summer Youth Camps take many hands to make them run. Nurses, head cooks, kitchen staff and maintenance volunteers are needed for every week of camp. The summer camps range from 3 to 6 days and begin June 9. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org if you are interested.

SMCHA Announcement

“An insiders view of the 100 year celebration of the coming of the Swiss Mennonites to America” is the focus of the presentation given by Frank Stucky at the annual meeting of the Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association. Frank is a lifelong resident of Newton, Kansas. He is the middle son of Harley J Stucky and Ruby Stucky, formally of North Newton. Frank graduated from Newton high school and Bethel College where he played football and basketball and had double majors in history and English and a minor in political science. He spent time with MCC in the Congo before going to graduate school at the University of Kansas. He has been an active real estate broker for over 46 years. Frank enjoys golf, watching Bethel College sports, travel, and spending time with his six grandchildren. He is married to Kathy (Jackson) and has two sons and a daughter.

The annual meeting will be held March 10, 2024, at 2:30 at the Wellness Center at Pine Village in Moundridge, Kansas. Refreshments will follow the meeting.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

It is with sadness that MC USA announces the passing of Anthonia Chibuzo Onye (May 18, 1971 to Jan. 12, 2024), regional minister for Southern California for Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference, recently appointed member of the Mennonite Mission Network board of directors, and associate pastor at Wholicare Community Missionary Church in Los Angeles. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/celebrating-chibuzo-onye

Rev. Amy Zimbelman, conference minister of Mountain States Mennonite Conference, and Elizabeth Johnson, PhD candidate at Duke University, will share major findings from their national study of women in MC USA ministry during an MC USA webinar on Monday, March 11 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/registraiton-wil-march11 View the slide here: mennoniteusa.org/WIL-webinar-register

Menno Snapshots

Energized by a Super Bowl commercial, MC USA Executive Director Glen Guyton calls us to reclaim foot washing as a tangible expression of our Anabaptist faith. Read his reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/act-of-foot-washing

Talashia Keim Yoder, a pastor at College Mennonite Church in Goshen, Indiana, and author of Mennonite Education Agency’s “Lent at Home 2024” downloadable worship guide for families, reframes Lenten confession and penitence with the life-giving ways we can find God in the desert. Read her Menno Snapshots blog here: mennoniteusa.org/lent24-jesus-desert

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Tomorrow, members of the Central Plains Mennonite Conference will begin a week-long Just Peace Pilgrimage, organized by MMN. Pray for open minds and hearts as participants focus on the struggle for civil rights in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and how Jesus is calling his followers to respond.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for those who serve on WDC’s four commissions, and pray for the commissions as they each meet this week to nurture church planting, sustain healthy ministerial leadership, resource congregations, and guide stewardship of the financial, staff and office resources that support these conference ministries.

Worship service and announcements for February 25, 2024

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR FEBRUARY 25, 2024
Second Sunday of Lent
Christ Among Us, Showing Us Faith

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
February 25, 2024
Second Sunday of Lent
Christ Among Us, Showing Us Faith

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Prelude on Psalms (Bach/Leidzen)– Verlene Garber, organ
Call to Worship–George Leary

One: Come, you who seek God, proclaim God’s glory!
Many: All you descendants of Jacob and Rachel,
One: come.
Many: All who are isolated and feel alone,
One: come.
Many: All who are hungry,
One: come.
Many: All who wander,
One: come.
Many: Come, from all ends of the earth.
All: Come, you who seek God, proclaim God’s glory, and walk in faith.
(based on Psalm 22:23–31)

*Hymn–How Many Times We Start Again–VT 553

Children’s Conversation–Orlando Gonzalez, Adah Hodge, Adam Oswald
Cast Your Burdens Unto Jesus

Anthem– Outburst of Joy (Dobrinski)– Chancel Bells

Scripture Reading– Mark 8:34-37; Colossians 3:12-17–Lucy Burch

Reflections–Faith Fusion—Adah Hodge, Ani Koontz, Mara Oswald

*Hymn–Will You Come and Follow Me–VT 540

Prayers of God’s People–Nathan Koontz
Prayer of Confession
One: Trustworthy God, we want to live with faith, yet we worry there will not be enough. We want to believe in your promises, yet we lose hope. We want to follow you, but sometimes the road is too hard.
Many: We confess before you our unbelief, our worry, our hopelessness.
One: Shape us into a people who will live in faith. Strengthen us so we can deny ourselves, take up your cross, and follow you.
Many: In your grace, Lord, give us faith to believe that you will call into existence the things that do not exist. Amen.

*Hymn—Guide My Feet—VT 816

*Benediction

Postlude– Give Us Peace in Our Time (arr. by Allured)

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

This Week at BCMC: February 25—March 3, 2024
Sunday, February 25, 2024
9:30 a.m.    Worship    YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/mfw7y_RGOfg?feature=share

The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Room 26;   High School-Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
Noon             Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Event

Monday, February 26, 2024—BCMC office will be closed
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
10 a.m.     Staff meeting
3:45 p.m. Worship Commission meeting by Zoom
5 p.m.        Mid-Kansas Investment Club dinner meeting in fellowship hall
6:30 p.m. Newton Chorale Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Wednesday, February 28, 2024—Wednesday meal and program
10 a.m.      Library Committee meeting in room 14
6 p.m.        Wednesday night meal in fellowship hall—Menu is Baked Penne with Italian Sausage; Caesar salad; Cannoli dessert; Please sign up at a sign up sheet on bulletin board, on table in south entrance, or on ledge between the mailboxes in gathering place. Please bring your own tableware to facilitate clean-up! Sign up here:  office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
6:45 p.m    Wednesday program in fellowship hall
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, February 29, 2024
5:30 p.m.   Community Playschool Family Night
6:30 p.m.   Chancel Bells Rehearsal in room B-7
Friday, March 1, 2024
6: 30 p.m.   Newton Chorale rehearsal in the sanctuary
Saturday, March 2, 2024
11 a.m.        Memorial for Richard Siemens in the sanctuary
Sunday, March 3, 2024—Lent 3
9:30 a.m.     Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; music by Chancel Choir 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation

Roger’s Whereabouts: Roger arrived in Newton on Wed. (2/21). He will be driving back to Topeka on Sun. afternoon after “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?” He will return to Newton on SAT., March 2, staying until the Church Board meeting on March 7 . Whether in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and cell phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968).

Deacon Care Concern: Deacons were made aware of a community need involving the death of a mother of 4 young girls, ages 2, 3, 5, and 6. The family welcomes donations of gently-used clothing for young girls. Donated items may be brought to the church office for coordination of delivery. – Deacon Commission

BCMC Offering for February 18, 2024: General $4,560.33; Plant Fund $8.33; Sr Hi Youth $50; Library Reserve Fund $1; Jr Hi Fund $75; Kitchen Fund $9; Nancy Hilty Memorial $50.

Future Events at BCMC:
· Feb. 25, Noon—Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. The Hospitality Commission has matched people who signed up as hosts with people who signed up as guests. Guests will receive your hosts names today. (In mailboxes)
· March 2, 11 a.m., memorial service for Richard Siemens, followed by a light lunch in fellowship hall.
· March 9, 11 a.m., memorial service for Nancy Hilty followed by a light lunch in fellowship hall.
· March 11-15 is Spring Break.  The church office will be closed this week due to staff taking vacation time. There will be staff available for emergencies.
· March 23, 11 a.m., memorial service for Elizabeth Raid followed by a light lunch in fellowship hall.
· April 13, 11 a.m., memorial service for Don Kaufman followed by a light lunch in fellowship hall.

Sunday morning, March 17, our church will have the honor of hosting Mennonite World Conference General Secretary César García and his wife, Sandra Báez, Pastor and Executive Assistant to the General Secretary. Cesar will preach in our worship service. The Seekers and Open Circle Sunday School classes have invited both Cesar and Sandra to share during the Sunday School hour about their work with Mennonite World Conference. Everyone is invited to attend this SS session. Cesar and Sandra will also deliver the Bethel College Hartzler Bible lectures on Sunday evening and Monday morning, March 17 & 18.

CARE PACKAGES: It is the time of year when we remember our BCMC college students by sending them a care package from the church. We have 14 college students so we are asking for 14 individually wrapped items (of whatever you are willing to share). Examples: gum, granola bars, laundry pods. Keep in mind that we will be mailing each package, so smaller is better. Items can be placed in the box labeled ‘care packages’ near the church mailboxes. If you would like to make a cash donation please take it to the church office. Mentors/mentees will be assembling the care packages on March 3 after church. Thank you for supporting our BCMC college students.   Faith Formation Committee

The Library Theme for February is Civil Rights.  Come and browse our collection of amazing Black History books either on the shelving behind the library desk or along the south wall of the Youth/Children’s room. Please continue to support our puzzle swap via a $5 donation. We raised $130 last year and are using the extra funds to help pay for the library computer program as well as to purchase more expensive books than our $300 budget normally allows. Puzzles are outside the library door as well as along the north wall of the library. Coming soon to the library: A Mennonite Poetry Corner. We are happily supporting the request to house Mennonite poetry books along the east wall of the library. We hope to have this display up by the end of the month. Happy Reading and
Happy Puzzling!

Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is April 12 & 13, 2024 at the Kansas State Fair Grounds in Hutchinson, KS. Did you know that in 2023, relief sales across North America provided over 5 million dollars to fund MCC’s relief, development, and peace initiatives in 45 countries?
· Do you like cherry moos? It’s back on the menu for Feeding the Multitude! Also look for some new, returning, or one-time booths: Barrel train ride, Christmas Decorations, Swiss Mennonite Society, and more.
· My Coins Count jug is full of 23 pounds of bills and coins! The filled jug will help transform lives by funding easy access to clean water, thanks to MCC’s water projects. The My Coins Count jug is in the Gathering Place. Add your coins and bills today — and any Sunday between now and April 7. Did you know that 5 gallons of quarters weighs 300 pounds and funds one $6000 well?
· Turn cool items into cash to fund MCC projects! BCMC members have already donated vintage farm toys, a sculpture, a canister set (and more!) to KMRS to be sold at one of 4 different auctions. Do you have something to add? Simply donate it, and the auction committees can decide the best location for your item. Talk to a BCMC sale liaison today!
· Volunteer on Saturday, April 6, to make Bohne Beroggi (in Moundridge) or Verenike (in Hillsboro) for the sale. To sign up, go to the volunteer page at https://kansas.mccsale.org/
· Upcoming Deadlines:
· Feb 28 — General Auction sale bill. Have something to donate? Let us know so we can include pictures and descriptions.
· Mar 2 — Quilt Auction items to BCMC for the BCMC display.
· Mar 13 — Last day for SS classes to help underwrite KMRS costs. To date, BCMC classes have purchased $1750 of goods, including pickles, butter, cheese, and more…and have committed additional funds for the next round of bidding on March 14. Thanks to donors, all sale expenses are covered before the sale so proceeds go directly to MCC programs.
· More Information:
· KMRS posterboard & table in the Gathering Place for information and forms for Run for Relief, Quilt Auction, Sale Sponsorship, as well as the My Coins Count jug.
· KMRS website: https://kansas.mccsale.org/
· BCMC liaisons: Steve & Elaine Schurr, William & Esther Kreider Eash, and Brad & Diane Born.

WANTED—Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, RV’s, Campers, Tractors, Modern Farm Equipment, etc. for the Kansas Mennonite Central Committee Sale. Items you no longer need can help feed and clothe thousands in desperate living conditions. ALL donations are Tax Deductible. Call Jerry Toews for info: 620 367 8257. Help make a difference.

Bethel College Announcements
· Sat., March 2 – A one-day endowed Justice Symposium focusing on the U.S. carceral and criminal justice system, with Christina Swarns, executive director of Innocence Project, and other voices on the death penalty, prosecution and racial justice; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on the Bethel campus. The symposium is free but pre-registration is required by going to https://kipcor.org
· Sat., March 2 – This month’s Kauffman Museum bird walk will take place at Dyck Arboretum in Hesston starting at 7:30 a.m. as part of the cooperative half day event “Murmurations and Exaltations: Birds and Birding in a Changing World.” Experienced birders will lead a 45-minute walk on the paved path at Dyck Arboretum. The walk is free and open to anyone. The symposium is by registration only – see https://kauffmanmuseum.org/murmur/ to register online, or call 316-283-1612. Registration deadline is Weds., Feb. 28.
· Sun., March 3 – Bethel College Choir Tour Send-off Concert, “Music Exploring American Identity” directed by Dr. Henry S. Waters, 4 p.m., Memorial Hall with performances by the Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Woven and Open Road.
· Tues., March 5 – Bethel College Jazz, directed by Joel Boettger, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Thurs., March 7 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center

Everence Financial’s first webinar series for 2024 consists of four webinars held on Wednesdays starting March 6. Come hear how Everence® can help you make important financial decisions that reflect your faith values. § March 6: Annuity Basics § March 13: Retirement Income Strategies § March 20: Impact Investing: Connecting your values and investments § March 27: Investing 101. The webinars will be presented by Everence professionals. To register, or for more information, visit www.everence.com/national.

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

ROCKY MOUNTAIN MENNONITE CAMP is Seeking Summer Staff and Volunteers: Wondering what to do this summer? How about a week, 2 weeks or a whole summer in the Colorado Rockies? We would love to have you at camp this summer and welcome short term and long term volunteers. Job roles for volunteers vary and can include kitchen, housekeeping, and maintenance. Camp looks to employ 20-25 young adults each summer as an important aspect of making camp a place of retreat and community, and hope our Summer staff can experience God in new ways, individually and with others, in God’s creation while offering campers the opportunity to grow in their faith and explore the Rocky Mountains.

Please contact camp for more information at info@rmmc.org or 719-687-9506.

Be sure to sign up for the Women’s Retreat at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, March 8 – 10, 2024! This year’s theme is Unconventional Healing featuring guest speaker, Amy Zimbelman. Along with the beautiful mountains and winter activities, there will be an opportunity to participate in an experiential session led by Lori Oswald focused on nourishing ourselves through nature. Visit rmmc.org for schedule details and to sign up. It will be a wonderful, restorative weekend of fellowship with amazing women!

For Mennonite Mission Network press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
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For Mennonite Church USA Announcements

Menno Snapshots

Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, Mennonite Church USA denominational minister for Peace and Justice, led a half-day faculty training on restorative discipline at Lititz Area Mennonite School in Pennsylvania, on January 15, 2024. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/peaceable-schools

Learn more about Safe Church, Mennonite Church USA’s newly formed abuse prevention ministry here: mennoniteusa.org/safechurch View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/safe-church-resources

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Jae Young Lee, Karen Spicher and their children, who live and work for peace from their home in the Peace Building in South Korea. Pray for them and all the ministries housed in the Peace Building — restorative justice programs, Grace and Peace Mennonite Church and Circle Café & Bakery.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Prayer for our current church planters and for those that feel called to undertake this ministry. Also, prayer for the developing opportunity to travel to Guatemala to support and encourage our WDC church plant in that location. Prayers for resolve to continue the day to day challenges of planting churches. -WDC Church Planting Commission

Worship Service and Announcements for February 18-25, 2024

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
FEBRUARY 18, 2024 WORSHIP AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
First Sunday of Lent
Christ Among Us: Repent and Believe

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
February 18, 2024
First Sunday of Lent
Christ Among Us: Repent and Believe

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—What Wondrous Love is This (arr. Wood)–Will Wiebe-Friesen

Call to Worship (based on Psalm 25:1–10)—Ada Schmidt-Tieszen
One: Teach us your pathways, O God—
our eyes and our souls are trained on you.
Many: For you are the greatest guide,
and your map is always good.
One: Other paths have left us lost;
other ways have left us confused.
Many: You guide us along the trail of your mercy,
drawing sinner and saint down this well worn way.
All: All your paths are love, made smooth by your faithful walking.
We are led into your truth by following the tread of your feet.

*Hymn—Lo, I Am with You (verses 1-4)—VT 284

Children’s Conversation—Jill Robb and Bethany Schrag

Anthem—O Sing Unto the Lord a New Song  (Peter Aston)–Chancel Choir; William Eash, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Genesis 9:8–17; Mark 1:9–15

Sermon—With the Wild Beasts and the Angels—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Spirit of God! Descend—VT 557

Prayers of God’s People

Prayer of Confession
One: God, on Ash Wednesday, we remembered our humanity,
our fragility, our limits, our sinfulness, our need for repentance.
Today, we come to you with this fresh on our minds as we continue our Lenten journey. Many: Be with us in this wilderness.
One: We so often focus on the difficulty of our walk with Christ.
Many: Forgive our self-focused minds.
One: Forgive us, Lord, when on our journey,
we forget your extensive, covenantal love for the world.
Many: May we partner with you and your church to remember.
All: (looking at one another) You are beloved.

*Hymn—Spirit, Open My Heart—VT 636

*Benediction

Postlude—Precious Lord, Take My Hand (arr. Schrader)–Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand

VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ken Lamp

This Week at BCMC: February 18—25, 2024
Sunday, February 18, 2024
9:30 a.m.    Worship    YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/SN7Pkhl5fwE?feature=share

The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Room 26;   High School-Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
11 a.m.     Staff meeting
5:30 p.m. Pastor Search Committee meeting in room 14
5:30 p.m. Women’s Fellowship meets at First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 801 North Main.
An Opportunity for Men and Women – February Women’s Fellowship Meeting. Circle of Hope is one of the organizations that BCMC supports. Tues., Feb. 20, is graduation night for those completing their “Getting Ahead” to get out of poverty. An invitation has been extended for us to attend the 5:30 p.m. supper (by donation) as well as the 6:30 p.m. graduation at First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 801 North Main St. (east entrance). Come and see how this organization, which we support, is helping people out of poverty. If you would like transportation, call Lois Brubacher, 316-772-3033 or Lois Goertzen, 316-283-4049 and meet in alley drive east of church at 5 p.m. Tues. Offerings for Women’s Fellowship – please put in Lois Goertzen’s church box.

6:30 p.m. Newton Chorale Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Wednesday, February 21, 2024—Wednesday meal and program
6 p.m.        Wednesday night meal in fellowship hall (menus are below)

Wednesday Night Suppers are Coming (February 21, 2024) – Here are the menus

Feb 21

Chicken with creamy spinach and artichoke sauce
Red beans and rice
Cake with hearts

Feb 28

Baked Penne with Italian sausage
Caesar salad
Cannoli dessert

Mar 6

Shepherd’s Pie
Fruit salad
Lemon bars

Mar 13

Potato green bean bacon soup
Green grapes
Pistachio lush

Mar 20

Tuna melts
Coleslaw
Tater tots
Brownies and ice cream

Mar 28

Meatloaf
Twice baked potato casserole
Mixed vegetables
Chocolate chip cookies

PLEASE EMAIL THE OFFICE office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE FEBRUARY 21 SUPPER SO THE COOKS CAN HAVE AN IDEA OF HOW MUCH FOOD TO PREPARE! TELL US HOW MANY PEOPLE IN YOUR FAMILY/PARTY WILL BE ATTENDING. THANK YOU!

6:30 p.m.   Gifts Discernment Committee meeting in room 14
6:45 p.m    Wednesday program in fellowship hall
Wednesday Evening Programming—Intersecting Climate Change, Christian Colonialism, & Indigenous Spirituality
On Feb. 21 we will resume our Wednesday evening meal and discussion. For the next six weeks, after the meal, we will explore the intersection of climate change, colonialist Christian theology and indigenous spirituality. Each week, we will have a brief introduction on this theme and time for discussion. Discussions will go through March 27. There are copies of the entire outline of the programming on the ledge in the gathering place.   On the first Sunday of each month, we acknowledge that we live and worship on land that was once cared for by people who were indigenous to this land. Since the arrival of new peoples, this land has changed more than we can imagine. And with a changing climate, it will surely change even more. One of the consequences of the genocide and forced removal of Indigenous peoples is the loss of indigenous wisdom and spirituality, especially in regard to the land and the living things on it. We hope to gain from this exercise more life affirming interpretations of Christian scriptures and theological understandings and indigenous spirituality that can help us become better stewards of God’s good creation.

7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, February 22, 2024
6:30 p.m.   Chancel Bells Rehearsal in room B-7
7 p.m.         Deacon Commission meeting in room 14
Friday, February 23, 2024
6: 30 p.m.   Newton Chorale rehearsal in the sanctuary
Saturday, February 24, 2024
We offer sympathy to John Suderman and his extended family on the death of John’s wife, Alice, February 14, at Kidron Bethel Village.  The memorial service will be Sat., Feb. 24, 11 a.m. at BCMC with a visitation preceding at 9:30 a.m. in the BCMC Chapel. A light lunch in fellowship hall will follow the service.
Sunday, February 25, 2024—Lent 2
9:30 a.m.     Worship led by the Senior High Youth group with reflections from the youth; music by Chancel Bells    10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
Noon             Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Event

Future Events at BCMC:
· Feb. 21, 6 p.m.—Wednesday night suppers begin
· Feb. 24, 9:30 a.m. Visitation with the Suderman family in BCMC Chapel (open to all) followed by Memorial Service for Alice Suderman at 11 a.m. in BCMC sanctuary. A light lunch in fellowship hall will follow the service.
· Feb. 25, 9:30 a.m.—Second Sunday in Lent and at noon, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. This event is a way for BCMC folks to get acquainted with other BCMC folks that they might not know very well. The Hospitality Commission has matched people who signed up as hosts with people who signed up as guests. Guests will receive your food assignment slips Sunday, Feb. 18, and hosts will receive the slips Sunday, Feb. 18, with the number of guests they are hosting. (In mailboxes)
· Feb. 25, the BCMC Senior High Youth Group are planning the worship service and will have reflections and report on their Snow Camp experience.
· March 2, 11 a.m., memorial service for Richard Siemens, followed by a light lunch in fellowship hall.
· March 9, 11 a.m., memorial service for Nancy Hilty followed by a light lunch in fellowship hall.
· April 13, 11 a.m., memorial service for Don Kaufman followed by a light lunch in fellowship hall.

Roger’s Whereabouts: Roger returns to Newton Wed., Feb. 21. Whether in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and cell phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968).

Deacon Care Concern: Deacons were made aware of a community need involving the death of a mother of 4 young girls, ages 2, 3, 5, and 6. The family welcomes donations of gently-used clothing for young girls. Donated items may be brought to the church office for coordination of delivery. – Deacon Commission

BCMC Offering for February 11, 2024: General $9,607; Sr Hi Youth $1,010; Jr Hi Fund $1,535; Kitchen Fund $14; Solar Fund $5,900.

After a great December finish for 2023, we apparently took a little breather in January and as a result, the churches’ expenditures exceeded income by over $13,000 or about 33% of expenditures. We realize that it is early in the year and we hope that this is not a trend, but we think that information is power and thus will give you a basis on which to act. Finance Committee

The Library Theme for the rest of February is Civil Rights. Come in and browse our collection of some amazing Black History books either on the shelving behind the library desk or along the south wall of the Youth/Children’s room.
Please continue to support our puzzle swap via a $5 donation. (We raised $130 last year!) We are using the extra funds to help pay for the library computer program as well as to purchase more expensive books than our $300 budget normally allows. You will find the puzzles outside the library door as well as along the north wall of the library. And, coming soon to the library: A Mennonite Poetry Corner. We are happily supporting the request to house Mennonite poetry books along the east wall of the library. We hope to have this display up by the end of the month. Happy Reading and Happy Puzzling!

Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is April 12 & 13 at the Kansas State Fair Grounds in Hutchinson. This sale is one way to generate funds to help MCC share God’s love and compassion for all people in the name of Christ.
· Last week we learned about Germaine and her family who live in Kikwit, DR Congo. Their lives were transformed by easy access to clean water, thanks to MCC’s water projects. Did you know that last year, MCC helped over 55,000 people gain an improved water source? Help fill the My Coins Count jug in the Gathering Place with coins (and bills) to support water projects around the world. Look at the Water Calendar on the KMRS table for participation ideas.
· What do a copper kettle, an oil painting, a guitar, a signed jersey, an RV, a vintage quilt, a weekend getaway, and an antique truck have in common? They can all be donated to KMRS and sold at one of 4 different auctions: Silent Auction, General Auction, Children’s Auction, Quilt Auction. You simply donate it, and the auction committees can decide the best location for your item. Talk to a BCMC sale liaison today!
· Do you have a green thumb? Now is the time to start seeds or cuttings for Plants & Things. They can sell just about any fruit, tree, vegetable or house plant…and items used for gardening.
· Upcoming Deadlines:
· Feb 18 (Sunday!) — Friendship Meal registration ends today. Sheets are on the KMRS table.
· Feb 28 — General Auction sale bill. Have something to donate? Let us know so we can include pictures and descriptions.
· Mar 2 — Quilt Auction items to BCMC for the BCMC display.
· Mar 13 — Last day for SS classes to help underwrite KMRS costs. To date, BCMC classes have purchased $1750 of goods, including pickles, butter, cheese, and more. The next round of bidding takes place on March 14. Thanks to donors, all sale expenses are covered before the sale so proceeds go directly to MCC programs.
· More Information: KMRS posterboard & table in the Gathering Place for information and forms for Run for Relief, Quilt Auction, Sale Sponsorship, Friendship Meals, as well as the My Coins Count jug.
· KMRS website: https://kansas.mccsale.org/
BCMC liaisons: Steve & Elaine Schurr, William & Esther Kreider Eash, and Brad & Diane Born.

WANTED—Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, RV’s, Campers, Tractors, Modern Farm Equipment, etc. for the Kansas Mennonite Central Committee Sale. Items you no longer need can help feed and clothe thousands in desperate living conditions. ALL donations are Tax Deductible. Call Jerry Toews for info: 620 367 8257. Help make a difference.

Mennonite Central Committee partner Team Brownsville welcomes your gently used winter coats and jackets! Team Brownsville seeks to share God’s love by welcoming asylum seekers, including providing them with warm coats. It’s as easy as collecting your gently used coats and jackets, boxing them up and shipping (up to) 70 lb./box to Team Brownsville – just follow the instructions on the poster which is on the bulletin board. Spring clean your closets and help Team Brownsville prepare for next winter! Have questions? Please email the MCC Central States Immigration Team at centralstates@mcc.org and either Abraham Diaz Alonso or Becky Teiwes, will respond.

Bethel College Announcements
· Mon., Feb. 19 – “Transmutation Speculation: Fluid Nature,” works by Marguerite Perret, opens in Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center (through Mar. 22; reception Mar. 21). Gallery hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Weds., Feb. 21 – Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Fri., Feb. 23 – Bethel College’s Faculty Lecture Series continues with Brad Born, professor of English, “Walking Ways and Ways of Seeing,” 11 a.m., Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village
· Fri., March 1 – KIPCOR 50th-anniversary Peace Lecture, “Justice Delayed is Democracy Denied.” with Christina Swarns, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall. Swarns is the executive director of Innocence Project and former litigation director for the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund.
· Sat., March 2 – A one-day endowed Justice Symposium at Bethel College, focusing on the U.S. carceral and criminal justice system, with Christina Swarns, executive director of Innocence Project, and a variety of other voices on the death penalty, prosecution and racial justice; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on the Bethel campus. The symposium is free but pre-registration is required by going to https://kipcor.org
· Sun., March 3 – Bethel College Choir Tour Send-off Concert, “Music Exploring American Identity” directed by Dr. Henry S. Waters, 4 p.m., Memorial Hall. The concert has performances by the Chamber Singers, Woven, and Open Road.
· SAVE THE DATES: Sun., March 17 & Mon., March 18 – Hartzler Bible Lectures at Bethel College with César Garcia and Sandra Baez

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

CAMP MENNOSCAH ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Retreat Center is an important part of Camp Mennoscah’s mission to create a sacred space for relationships in God’s creation. The building is used by church groups, families, and kitchen staff, as well as outside groups seeking a peaceful place in nature. Two volunteers are needed every week day (M-F) to continue the work on the Retreat Center project.
Contractors depend on volunteer work being completed before they arrive. Please seriously consider volunteering so this building where the camp community gathers is available by June. Work will start at 9am and end at 5pm. Half days are fine. Bring your own lunch and water bottle, please, and meet at the Retreat Center. Park off the edge of the road to the west of the building. Camp Mennoscah will provide tools needed. Space heaters will be used, but temperatures inside may be around 50 degrees. Camp can provide overnight housing and a kitchen in most situations, if you want to volunteer more than one day. We will work with you to find you a comfortable place to stay.

Please let us know you are coming so we can be prepared. Contact us at 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. We are grateful for your generosity as a volunteer. Thank you for helping make the Retreat Center project a reality!Other events and happenings:

he Summer Staff application form will be closing February 15. Those interested in applying should submit their application now. Only hours remain. The application for 2024 Summer Staff at Camp Mennoscah can be found here.
Registration for 2024 Summer Youth Camps is open! Staff is still adjusting to the big Retreat Center project and some details are sure to have been missed–but that will not stop you from registering for a great week of camp. The theme for the summer is Linked By Love and looks at the many ways we experience God’s love through relationships. Register online!
Scholarship funds are needed for summer youth camps. Just as facilities are an important part of Camp Mennoscah’s ministry, so are campers. There are campers who are unable to come to camp without assistance. Give to the Scholarship Fund or Scholarship Endowment to help more campers learn about Christ while in God’s creation. Mark your donation with the fund/endowment you prefer. The Scholarship Endowment will give up to two full scholarships a year, depending on earnings. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290 for more information.
Summer Youth Camps take many hands to make them run. Nurses, head cooks, kitchen staff and maintenance volunteers are needed for every week of camp. The summer camps range from 3 to 6 days and begin June 9. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org if you are interested.

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For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Seeds of Peace” press here
For Mennonite World Conference press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Menno Snapshots

Jonathan Kuttab, international human rights attorney and Mennonite Church USA 2023 Bring the Peace Legacy Peacemaker honoree, describes how his work as a human rights lawyer relates to peace and justice. Read more and watch the interview here: mennoniteusa.org/kuttab-btp

Beryl Jantzi, director of stewardship education for Everence, a ministry partner of Mennonite Church USA, shares congregational stewardship resources in his recent Menno Snapshots blog. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/new-year-stewardship

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Tomorrow, members of the Community of Anabaptist Theological Institutions will gather for a four-day meeting in Mexico. Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the leaders of Anabaptist seminaries in Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico and the United States, as they collaborate to expand Spanish-language opportunities for church leadership development.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for youth pastors, leaders and sponsors in WDC congregations, as they accompany and encourage young people growing as followers of Jesus in today’s world.