Category Archives: Announcements

December 1, 2024 worship and announcements

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

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

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:00 a.m., (preludes during Advent begin at 9:15 a.m.) go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box below that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/Ep7rbW4DUpk?feature=share

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

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

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

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 40:27-31

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

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

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

Lighting the candle of Hope

Land Acknowledgement, Welcome & Prayer—Adam Robb

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

Children’s Conversation—Jill Robb

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

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

*Hymn—There is a Line of Women—VT 546

Sermon—Tamar: Advent Waiting—Joanna Harader

*Hymn—Poor of the Earth—VT 213

Communion—Nathan Koontz, Joanna Harader

Prayers of God’s People—Adam Robb

*Hymn—My Soul Proclaims with Wonder—VT 222

*Benediction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

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

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

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

Menno Snapshots

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

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

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.

November 24, 2024 worship and announcements

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

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

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20 a.m., go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box below that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/qptQnR9NMDc?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 24, 2024
Thanksgiving

Christ Candle Lighting

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

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

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

Children’s Conversation—George Leary & BCMC Youth Group

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

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

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

Sermon—Thanksgiving, Poetry & the Sun—Nathan Koontz

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

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

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

*Birthday Blessing & Benediction

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

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

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

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

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

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

You are invited to share a poinsettia for the sanctuary for the Christmas season. BCMC will purchase the poinsettias, and have them delivered to the church. To contribute, email the following to the office or fill it out and put it in the offering plate:
Donor’s: name:
In memory of:
Or in honor of:
Make a payment of $10.00 (made out to BCMC and designated “Flower Fund”) place in the offering plate or bring to church office by Nov. 24. There will be forms at a table in the back of the sanctuary this Sunday, if you wish to fill out a form in person. Contributors may pick up a poinsettia Dec. 24 after the 4:30 p.m. Christmas program or after the 11 p.m. program; or, if you can, leave them for the service on Dec. 29.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

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

Other events and happenings:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Menno Snapshots

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

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

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

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

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

November 17, 2024 worship and announcements

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

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

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 17, 2024

Christ Candle Lighting

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

Welcome & Prayer—Karen Ediger

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

Children’s Conversation—Jeanette Leary

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

*Hymn—God of the Fertile Fields—VT 750

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

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

*Hymn—”God Whose Giving—VT 745

Prayers of God’s People—Karen Ediger

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

*Benediction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You are invited to share a poinsettia for the sanctuary for the Christmas season. BCMC will purchase the poinsettias, and have them delivered to the church. To contribute, email the following to the office or fill it out and put it in the offering plate:
Donor’s: name:
In memory of:
Or in honor of:
Make a payment of $10.00 (made out to BCMC and designated “Flower Fund”) place in the offering plate or bring to church office by Nov. 24. There will be forms at a table in the back of the sanctuary this Sunday, if you wish to fill out a form in person. Contributors may pick up a poinsettia Dec. 24 after the 4:30 p.m. Christmas program or after the 11 p.m. program; or, if you can, leave them for the service on Dec. 29.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To sign up, visit mennoniteaction.org/call

For more information about Mennonite Action, visit mennoniteaction.org

–BCMC Witness Commission and BCMC pastors

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements

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

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

Scrapbook Retreat, (Jan. 31-Feb. 2) is your opportunity to create paper or digital photo books and share ideas and good conversation with other scrapbook participants. Lisa Longacher will return as our program resource for the retreat and help facilitate a variety of activities. Please come for retreat and community in God’s creation here at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp. Register online (www.rmmc.org) and save a space to join in.

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

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

Menno Snapshots

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

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

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

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

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

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

For the online form press this button

bcmcXpress Form

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

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

Thank you for participating in our stewardship process for 2025!

In Christ,
BCMC Finance Committee

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

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

2025 Budget Information

November 10, 2024 worship and announcements

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

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

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 10, 2024

Christ Candle Lighting

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

Welcome & Prayer—Marlene Faul

*Hymn—Come, Thou Fount— VT 563

Children’s Conversation

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

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

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

Sermon—Generosity, Power, & Wealth
—Nathan Koontz

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

Prayers of God’s People

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

*Spoken Benediction–Nathan Koontz

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

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

* You are invited to stand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everence will hold its Medicare workshop at its North Newton office, 3179 N. Main St., Suite 1B, Tues., Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m. Topics: when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare covers, plus an explanation of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare. Those interested in attending should contact the Everence office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.

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

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

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

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

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

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

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

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

Other events and happenings:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get extra copies of the 500th anniversary special issue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 3, 2024 worship and announcements

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

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

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

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 3, 2024

Christ Candle Lighting

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

Welcome with Land Acknowledgement—Dianne Epp

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

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

Hymn—Come What May—VT 768

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

Sermon—Do Not Trust in Rulers—Joanna Harader

*Hymn—This Is My Song—VT 710

Prayers of God’s People—Dianne Epp

*Hymn Come What May—VT 768

*Benediction

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

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together

Keyboard- Karen Unruh
Audio visual—Francis Toews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

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

Other events and happenings:

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

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

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

For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

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

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

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

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

Menno Snapshots

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

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

October 27, 2024 worship service and announcements

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

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

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

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

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 27, 2024

Christ Candle Lighting

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

Welcome & Prayer—Elaine Schurr

*Hymn—All Things Bright and Beautiful—VT 177

Children’s Conversation—Jim Robb

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

*Hymn—Joyous Light of Heavenly Glory—VT 504

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

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

Sermon—Connecting the Night and Day—Nathan Koontz

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

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

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

*Birthday Blessing and Benediction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Newton Area church’s Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Meat Canning dates are October 29, 30, and 31. Make checks to BCMC with “MCC Meat Canning” in the memo line. We also need volunteers to help with the canning. The link for work signup is: https://tinyurl.com/MeatCanning2024 If this doesn’t work, just show up—they’ll probably need you. Let’s help feed the hungry people in our world! —Lowell Stucky, BCMC Meat Canning Representative

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

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

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

Menno Snapshots

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

October 13, 2024 worship service and announcements

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

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

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 13, 2024

Christ Candle Lighting

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

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

*Hymn —We Long to Know Her—VT 44

Children’s Conversation—Joanna Harader

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

*Hymn—My God, My God—VT 696

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

Sermon—When God Goes Missing—Joanna Harader

*Hymn—Joyful Is the Dark—VT 281

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

*Hymn—God, Be the Love—VT 43

*Benediction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

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

Other events and happenings:

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

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

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

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

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

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

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

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

Menno Snapshots

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

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

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

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

October 6, 2024 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY,
OCTOBER 6, 2024–FALL FEST SUNDAY

THE WORSHIP SERVICE THIS SUNDAY BEGINS AT 10 A.M.

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 9:50 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/M1MAYNXyII8?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 6, 2024
Bethel College Fall Fest

Prelude–We Praise Your Name (Emma Lou Diemer)–Christopher Shaw
Christ Candle Lighting

Land Acknowledgment—Lyn Krause

Centering Music—Gloria (Vivaldi)—Bethel College Concert Choir; Dr. Henry Waters, director

Welcome & Prayer—Michael Unruh, Bethel College Campus Pastor

*Hymn–Summoned by the God Who Made Us–VT 1

Children’s Conversation Joanna Harader and Sarah Augustine

Worship Music—I’ll Be On My Way (Shawn Kirchner)—Bethel College Concert Choir

*Hymn—The Church of Christ Cannot Be Bound—VT 392

Scripture Readings—Ephesians 4:1-6 and John 6:35, 41-51–Michael Unruh

Sermon—Bread of Life—Sarah Augustine

Choral Response—A Little Song of Life—(Reginald Unterseher)— Bethel College Concert Choir

Prayers of God’s People—Joanna Harader

*Hymn—Beauty for Brokenness—VT 712

Choral Benediction—The Lord bless you and keep you (Peter C. Lutkin)—
Bethel College Concert Choir

Postlude—Allegro assai vivace, from Sonata No 1 (Mendelssohn)–Christopher Shaw

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

Choral Texts
“Gloria” – Vivaldi
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to people of good will
(Latin Mass translation)
“I’ll Be On My Way” – Shawn Kirchner
When I am gone
Don’t you cry for me
Don’t you pity my sorry soul
What pain there might have been
Will now be passed
And my spirit will be whole.
I’ll be on my way, I’ll be on my way
I’ll have left my feet of clay upon the ground
I will be glory bound
I’ll be on my way
When I am gone
Please forgive the wrong that I might have done.
There’ll be no room for regrets up there above,
Way beyond the blue.
When I am gone,
don’t you look for me in the places I have been. I’ll be alive but somewhere else, I’ll be on my way again.
I’ll be on my way, I’ll be on my way.
I’ll lift my wings and soar into the air
There’ll be glory everywhere,
I’ll be on my way.
I’ll be on my way, I’ll be on my way
I’ll have laid my frown and all my burdens down I’ll be putting on my crown
I’ll be on my way.
I’ll have left my feet of clay upon the ground I will be glory bound
I’ll be on my way.
“A Little Song of Life” – Reginald Unterseher Glad that I live am I;
That the sky is blue;
Glad for the country lanes,
And the fall of dew.
After the sun the rain,
After the rain the sun;
This is the way of life,
Till the work be done.
All that we need to do,
Be we low or high,
Is to see that we grow
Nearer the sky.
(Lizette Woodworth Reese 1856-1935)
“The Lord bless you and keep you” – Peter C. Lutkin The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face to shine upon you
And give you peace.
The Lord make His face to shine upon you And be gracious unto you.
Amen.

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

Going Beyond Land Acknowledgement
Join Quarterly Repair Call October 8, 6-8 p.m. for truth-telling legislation on the history of Indian boarding schools.
The Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery is asking advocates for Indigenous justice to join Indigenous organizers from the Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) in supporting this important truthtelling legislation on the history of Indian boarding schools. As this bill makes its way to the floor in both the House and Senate in the coming weeks, now is the time to contact your representatives! We will be specifically focused on learning more about this legislation during our next Quarterly Repair Network Call, and we will also likely hear from a representative from NABS. I hope you can join us for this call on October 8!

The Week at BCMC: October 6—13, 2024
Sunday, October 6, 2024—Fall Fest Sunday—No Sunday School
10 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Sarah Augustine
11 a.m.   Cookies in the Gathering Place!
Volunteer attendants in the Nursery today: Cliff Dick and Kathy Stucky
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/M1MAYNXyII8?feature=share

Tuesday, October 8, 2024
5:30 p.m. Faith Formation Commission meeting
7:30 p.m. Finance Committee meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, October 10, 2024
6:30 p.m.   Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.         Church Board meeting in Room 14
Saturday, October 12, 2024
6:30—8:30 p.m. Campfire Event at Pastor Joanna’s home, 508 Bluestem, NN
Sunday, October 13, 2024
9:30 a.m.     Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Choir
10:30 a.m.   Faith Formation

Pastor Role Chart
At last Sunday’s congregational meeting, the three pastors shared how they plan to share the pastoral work of the church. For a summary of this report, please press here.

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

Dates for your calendars
· The family of Paul Harms invites you to a 90th Birthday Celebration for Paul, October 6, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the BCMC Fellowship Hall.

· Pastor Joanna invites you to stop by her house (508 Bluestem) Sat., Oct. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m. for a campfire (weather permitting), snacks, and general merriment. She and Ryan welcome this as an opportunity to continue getting to know this wonderful church community.

· Women’s Fellowship meets the third Tues., Oct. 15, at 7p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Program by Mary Ellen Hodge, “Autism 101.” Mary Ellen also teaches teachers about autism. Come and learn more.

· Wednesday night suppers at 6 p.m. will be Oct. 16 through Nov. 20.

· Sat., Oct. 19, 4 p.m. Memorial service for Donna M. Friesen at Kidron Bethel Village Kidron Hall

· Faith Formation Commission is sponsoring a visit to the P & M Pumpkin Patch, Sat., Oct. 26, 3-7 p.m. All are invited!

For the Bethel College Mennonite Church newsletter “Kaleidoscope” press here

Deacon Commission welcomes Pam Epp from Wider Fellowship into Full Membership now that she has moved back to the BCMC community. Pam’s new address: 1501 Old Main St., Newton, KS 67114. Her cell phone is: 404-797-8767.

BCMC Offering for Sept. 29: Gen. Fund $6,724.71; MDS $100; Plant Fund $70; Sr Hi Youth $2,217; Caring Fund $250; Kitchen Fund $6; M. Gross Mem. $150.

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

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

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

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

Bethel College Announcements:
· Our speaker Sunday morning, October 6, 10 a.m. at Bethel College Mennonite Church is Sarah
Augustine. Augustine is the founder and co-chair of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, co-founder of the Suriname Indigenous Health Fund (SIHF), author of The Land is Not Empty (2021) and co-author of So We and Our Children May Live (2023).
· Sun., Oct. 6: Last chance to see the 2024 Fall Festival musical, 9 to 5, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Ticket purchase required, online (https://bethelks.hometownticketing.com/embed/all?depts=3) or at the door. Contains adult content and may not be suitable for young children.
· Mon., Oct. 7: Sarah Augustine speaks in convocation, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Her topic is following Jesus by addressing climate change.
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College: “SMOL,” art by Audra Miller, through Oct. 25. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· SAVE THE DATE: Thurs., Oct. 24, Bethel College’s 2nd biennial Senses & Aging Symposium
· SAVE THE DATE: Fri., Oct. 25, Bethel College Department of Visual Arts and Design and the Newton chapter of the AAUW present visiting artist Phyllis Pease, speaking on her Kansas Statehouse mural “Rebel Women.”
· SAVE THE DATES: Oct. 27-28, Dr. Eric Schmaltz from Northwestern Oklahoma State University will give the annual Menno Simons Lectures.
· Life Enrichment program at Bethel College for Wed., Oct. 9. Life Enrichment is for people age 60 and above and is an excellent way to continue learning and meet people from the surrounding area in a relaxed setting.
9:30 a.m. “Where did the Doctrine of Discovery come from and why do I need to know about it?” Raylene Hinz-Penner, North Newton
10:50 a.m. “Murals of Harvey County,” Constance Gehring, Newton

The annual Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Assoc. (SMCHA) Banquet will be at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton, Oct. 10, 6 p.m. with an ethnic German buffet meal catered by the Breadbasket and ‘bohne beroggi’ made by Schweitzer cooks. We’ll thank those who coordinated the 150th anniversary of Schweitzers coming to the United States. Dale Schrag will be our speaker for the evening discussing the future. RSVP to Nancy Stucky by Oct. 7 with a text or phone call to 620-532-5693. Cost of the banquet is $25, pay at the door or online at www.swissmennonite.org

Join Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, for our Annual Sausage Mission Supper on Saturday, October 26, 5:00 – 6:30. This will be a curbside pick up meal featuring our traditional menu of German sausage, mashed potatoes with gravy, creamed peas, zwiebach, applesauce and pie. Picnic tables are available if you wish to stay and eat. If inclement weather, tables will be set up inside. Cost is by donation with all proceeds going to New Hope Shelter, Newton. To order meals NOW, call or text Barb (620-543-6863) or Teresa (620-242-2357)

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Camp Mennoscah will be at Bethel College’s Fall Fest on Saturday, October 5! Stop by the booth, say “Hi” to camp staff and pick out your next favorite camp tee shirt. Camp staff will be at the booth in the morning through early afternoon. Can’t wait to see you!

Other events and happenings:

Thank you to the group of MDS young adults who spent two days volunteering at Camp Mennoscah! A big thanks to those who helped lead projects, too. Work on the HVAC progressed, a wall was built to create a mechanical room, and dirt work around the canoe dock was done. It was a hoot to have them around!
Volunteers needed–come enjoy the cooler weather! Volunteers for the HVAC work at the Retreat Center are welcome Monday – Friday. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping out with this project. Willing hands are what is needed! Let us know when you are available, so we can prepare for you. For anyone interested in working on a weekend, two weeks notice is needed. Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 to sign up.
Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open! The dates are November 1-3 and November 15-17. Lodging and crafting will be held at Main Camp in the bunkhouses and dining hall. Register here. We’ll see you for another fun weekend!
The dam will be taken out on Sunday, October 20, at 2pm. Meet at the shelter area (look for people and things happening). Spectators welcome, as are people to help take out the boards and clean them. Taking the dam out is not for younger ages due to the weight of the boards. Be prepared for whatever weather/temperatures there are. It’s a fun time for both those helping and those watching!

From Prairie View Inc.

Click the link below for an interactive newsletter about what is happening in the fundraising department and the community!
Just use your email address to log in!

Fundraising and Community Events

For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here
Anabaptist Disabilities Fundraiser press here

Mennonite Disaster Service Response to Hurricane Helene

Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) volunteers are in western North Carolina responding to the impacts of Hurricane Helene with equipment to move debris, mud, and downed trees. MDS is accepting donations for the recovery effort.

Please pray for the people impacted by the hurricane and the volunteers as they respond. Visit MDS.org to see the latest volunteer needs or to make a donation. Check donations can be mailed to Mennonite Disaster Service, 583 Airport Road, Lititz, PA 17543. Write “Hurricane Helene” on the memo line.

Mennonite Disaster Service Annual Meeting

Join us in Hydro, OK for the 2024 MDS Region 3 Annual Meeting. We are gathering on November 15-17 to hear updates on what MDS is doing around the country and in our region.

This isn’t just a business meeting! Our theme is “Spreading the News: Effective (and timely!) communication within your unit.” Plenary sessions and workshops are available to help everyone get involved in the work of MDS. We will worship together, eat together, and have fun together. Nathan Luitjens, Executive Conference Minister of Central Plains Mennonite Conference is speaking Friday evening during worship. The MDS Communications Team is leading several sessions over the weekend. Saturday evening will find us laughing together as we are entertained by an Oklahoma-based comedian. And the MDS Storm Encounter trailer will be there! We hope to see you there!

For more information or to register, go to Region 3 Annual Meeting – Mennonite Disaster Service (mds.org) or contact Region 3 Administrative Assistant Chris Becker at cbecker@mds.org or 717-383-8981. Registration closes on November 1. We look forward to gathering together at this year’s MDS Region 3 Annual Meeting.

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

Mennonite Central Committee Announcements

Dear Intersections readers:
Greetings! I am happy to announce the publication online of the fall 2024 issue of MCC’s publication, Intersections, on the topic of The Triple Nexus. The issue can be found here. Compiled by Laura VanderGrient, this issue examines the “nexus,” or intersection, of humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding (HDP) work. Authors examine how MCC and its partners in contexts such as Colombia, Mexico, DR Congo, Syria, and Bangladesh carry out work in which humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding efforts are intertwined. As always, your thoughts and questions about Intersections are always welcome!
Alain Epp Weaver

MCC seeks a full-time HR Recruiter and Central States HR Generalist. As HR Recruiter, this position supports general recruitment and selection processes for openings across the organization. As a regional HR Generalist, this individual is the front-line HR contact for all local employees, assisting with a range of HR tasks, and redirecting to specialist colleagues as appropriate. This position can be based in Kansas, Texas, Colorado, Montana, or Minnesota with a preference for North Newton, Kansas office. Apply online here by October 23.

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

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

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

The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board focused on healthy processes for denominational decision-making and reimagining organizational change at its meeting on August 22-25, 2024, in Greensboro, North Carolina, the site of the upcoming Follow Jesus ’25 convention. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/executive-board-reimagination

Mennonite Church USA has named the worship planning committee for the Follow Jesus ‘25 biennial convention, which will take place at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, North Carolina, July 8-12, 2025. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/follow-jesus-25-worship

Menno Snapshots

Deb Byler, spiritual director for the Spiritual Directors Network and member at Hively Avenue Mennonite Church and Piedra Viva Mennonite Church, shares how having a spiritual director at various points in her life has led her to share the gift and provide direction to others, across cultures, on their spiritual journeys. Read more about her story here: mennoniteusa.org/cross-cultural-blessing

Mira Grieser and Kimberly Schmidt, members of Hyattsville (Maryland) Mennonite Church, have been working to transform Hyattsville Mennonite Church’s back swamp into a native species habitat. Mira shares about their progress thus far: mennoniteusa.org/transforming-back-swamp

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Yesterday, students at the Mennonite Evangelical Theological Center of Asunción (CEMTA), in Paraguay, concluded a two-day spiritual retreat. Pray for the retreatants as they incorporate what they experienced into their daily lives. C. Paul and Hildi Amstutz, of Mennonite Mission Network, have led these annual retreats for 13 years. Praise God that CEMTA sees the value of these retreats and includes them as part of the students’ first year of studies.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the ongoing WDC Listening Process. Give thanks for facilitation teams and congregations as they share stories, current ministry priorities, and hopes for the future to help shape congregational resourcing and connections in WDC.

September 29, 2024 – Worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY,
SEPTEMBER 29, 2024–WORLD COMMUNION CELEBRATION

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
September 29, 2024
World Communion Celebration

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Morning Song of Praise (Hakes)—Chancel Bells, Verlene Garber, director

Welcome & Prayer—Dale Horst

*Hymn—From North and South, from East and West—VT 460

Children’s Conversation & Birthday Blessing—Jim Robb

Worship Music— Abide with me (Moklebust)—Chancel Bells; Lucy Burch on flute

Scripture Reading—Psalm 19:7-14; Mark 9:38-50—Pam Epp

Sermon—Gatekeepers of God?—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—I Come with Joy—VT 478

Communion—Joanna Harader, Elizabeth Schmidt

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands—VT 485

*Benediction

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

The Week at BCMC: September 29-October 6, 2024
Sunday, September 29, 2024—World Communion Celebration
9:30 a.m.   Worship
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation for Junior and Youth
10:45 a.m. Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary
12 noon     Senior High Youth Group Fundraiser Lunch in Fellowship Hall
                        All are invited!
Volunteer attendants in the Nursery today: Kathy Stucky and Margaret Toews
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/ZvrdQltlXyo?feature=share

Monday, September 30, 2024
10 a.m.      Library Committee meeting in Room 14
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
9 a.m.        Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, October 3, 2024
4 p.m.        Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
6:30 p.m.   Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
Sunday, October 6, 2024—Fall Fest Sunday—No Sunday School
10 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Sarah Augustine

Congregational Meeting Sunday, September 29
The congregational meeting will be at 10:45 a.m. during the Sunday School hour on Sunday, September 29. 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 announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items will include a vote for a change of Membership Guidelines and an update from pastors and moderators. The youth will host a fundraising luncheon following the meeting. All are invited!

YouTube Link for the congregational meeting is:
https://youtube.com/live/mCK4NWF0UyM?feature=share

Proposal for Action at the BCMC Congregational Meeting Sept. 29, 2024

The Church Board and Deacons recommend removing the “Welcoming Statement” (approved January 28, 2024) from Article IV: Membership. Both the Deacons and the Inclusive Task Group desire that the Welcoming Statement be separate from the membership guidelines. The current Welcoming Statement will continue to be used in BCMC publications but can be changed and updated under the leadership of the Inclusive Task Group. The revised membership guidelines for the congregational vote on September 29 read as follows:
Article IV: Membership (Revised)
Membership in the Bethel College Mennonite Church is open to all who affirm their faith in God, who seek to center their lives in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who are open to the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and who have received baptism as the symbol of their commitment and covenant.
Bethel College Mennonite Church welcomes into fellowship and membership all persons who commit to Jesus Christ, without regard to their race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital state, age, or other factors which can lead to discrimination and marginalization.
Members offer themselves to support Mennonite principles and to share in the life and work of this congregation.

For the Congregational Meeting Agenda click here

For the Congregational Minutes from May 19, 2024 press here

Notes for your calendars

The family of Paul Harms invites you to a 90th Birthday Celebration for Paul October 6 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the BCMC Fellowship Hall.
The worship service on Fall Fest Sunday, October 6, will begin at 10 a.m. in the BCMC sanctuary.
Wednesday night suppers will begin on Oct. 16 and run through Nov. 20.
Faith Formation Commission is sponsoring a visit to the P&M Pumpkin Patch, Sat., Oct. 26, 3-7 p.m. All are invited!
Future congregational meetings will be held at 10:45 a.m. on January 26 and May 4, 2025.

Especially note in these announcements that the worship service on Fall Fest Sunday, October 6, will begin at 10 a.m. NOT 9:30 a.m. There will be no Sunday school on that Sunday.

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

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

BCMC Offering for Sept. 22: Gen. Fund $13,369.50; Columbarium Fund $2,000; Kitchen Fund $27; Women’s Fellowship $410; Solar Fund $1,000; Marilyn Stucky Memorial $50.

Mark your calendars for the annual Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Assoc. (SMCHA) Banquet at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton, Oct. 10, 6 p.m. with an ethnic German buffet style meal catered by the Breadbasket and ‘bohne beroggi’ made by Schweitzer cooks. We’ll focus on thanking those who coordinated the 150th anniversary of Schweitzers coming to the United States.
Dale Schrag will be our speaker for the evening discussing the future. The cost of the banquet is $25 to be paid at the door. RSVP to Nancy Stucky by October 7 with a text or phone call to 620-532-5693. After contacting Nancy, you are welcome to pay online on www.swissmennonite.org We invite you to come and enjoy good food, learn who we are and were, learn what SMCHA is doing and planning, have a great time fellowshipping with friends old and new, and continue our celebratory mood from the 150th.

October Webinar from EVERENCE® Finances and You! This is a free webinar where Everence® can help you make important financial decisions that reflect your faith values. The webinar will be presented by Everence professionals and there will be time for your questions. Webinar held on Wednesday at 2 and 8 p.m. (Eastern Time) For more information, visit everence.com/national. Or Email: national@everence.com with any questions.
· Oct. 2 Seminar: Investing 202. Mutual funds, pensions, stocks, bonds, IRA’s, Roth IRA’s, 401k’s, Real estate. The list seems to go on and on for investment options. This presentation will help you sort through your investment options and other considerations as you explore what investments make sense for you. Presented by: Michael Burton, CFP®, CEPA®, Financial Consultant

Bethel College Women’s Association needs your donations of baked goods and craft items! Home-made pies, poppyseed rolls, zwieback, cinnamon rolls, other baked goods and treats for Market-in-the-Round at Fall Festival are welcome. In addition, home-made jams/jellies and craft items are needed. All of these items can be delivered to the Music Library in Luyken Fine Arts Center from 1 – 5 p.m., Fri., Oct. 4. All proceeds will benefit Bethel College. If questions email:
bcwa@belthelks.edu Volunteers are needed as well to staff the booths. To sign up, use this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E4CA8A72FA3F58-50920044-fall/102465998#/

Bethel College Announcements:
· Sun., Sept. 29: Mark Jantzen, Bethel College professor of history, speaks on “Brief Imperial Russian Sojourn: Lasting Mennonite Memories,” following a brief annual meeting at 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum. This coincides with the opening of the new special exhibit “Unlocking the Past: Immigrant Artifacts & the Stories They Tell,” sparked by the 150th anniversary of the migration of Mennonites from Russia and Prussia to the Central Plains of North America and by the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025.
· Mon., Sept. 30: “SMOL,” art by Audra Miller, opens in the Regier Gallery, Fine Arts Center. Exhibit reception is Fri., Oct. 4, 6-8 p.m., in the gallery as part of Fall Fest. The exhibit is open through Oct. 25. Regular hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m. (extended hours: Sat., Oct. 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.).
· Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Oct. 3-6, with most activities taking place Sat., Oct. 5, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football, the musical “9 to 5”, and the 50th-anniversary celebration for the social work program. See https://www.bethelks.edu/fallfest/ for the complete schedule.
· Thurs., Oct. 3: Bethel College Jazz, 6 p.m. on the Main & Broadway stage at Taste of Newton, downtown Newton.
· Fri., Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Oct. 5, 3:30 p.m., Sun., Oct. 6, 2 p.m.: Bethel College music and theater departments present 9 to 5 during Fall Festival, Krehbiel Auditorium. Ticket purchase required, in Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., online https://bethelks.hometownticketing.com/embed/all?depts=3) or at the door. Contains adult content and may not be suitable for young children.
· Sat., Oct. 5: Kauffman Museum bird walk, 8 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets. Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail.
· Sat., Oct. 5: Sarah Augustine will give a keynote address for the 50th anniversary of Bethel College social work, 2 p.m., Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village. She will also speak Sun., Oct. 6, 10 a.m., at Bethel College Mennonite Church, and Mon., Oct. 7, for convocation in Krehbiel Auditorium. The public is invited to any and all events. Augustine is the founder and co-chair of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, author of The Land is Not Empty (2021) and co-author of So We and Our Children May Live (2023).
· Sat., Oct. 5: Fall Fest programs at Kauffman Museum in the museum auditorium: 10 a.m., Rosi Penner Kaufman will play the historic Teschemacher cabinet organ and present “Organ Music at Home, Wherever that May Be”; 1 p.m., Steve Friesen, author and historian, “Galloping Gourmet: The Buffalo Bill Nobody Knows”; 3 p.m., Steve Friesen, “Alps on the Plains: The Life and Work of Emil Kym.” The museum will also have special kids’ activities throughout the day.
· There will be no Life Enrichment program at Bethel College for Wednesday, October 2, due to Fall Fest.\

Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Country Breakfast on Sat., Oct. 5, from 7 to 10 a.m., in Kidron Hall, 3001 Ivy Dr . Enjoy pancakes, sausage and eggs by donation. Proceeds benefit the Kidron Bethel Village Health Care Benevolent Fund, assisting residents who are unable to cover the full cost of their care.

Western District Conference (WDC) invites you to subscribe to their weekly Tuesday announcement email “WDC News & Updates” to receive announcements from WDC, WDC Congregations, and their institutional partners as well as weekly articles from WDC staff, credential updates, and upcoming events. This is a great way to stay connected and informed about what is happening in and around WDC. To subscribe, visit the following link: http://eepurl.com/hKcbDX or contact the WDC Office at wdc@mennowdc.org or 316-283-6300. Thanks for your support of Western District Conference!

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open! The dates are November 1-3 and November 15-17. Lodging and crafting will be held at Main Camp in the bunkhouses and dining hall. Register here. We’ll see you for another fun weekend!
Other events and happenings:

Volunteers needed–come enjoy the cooler weather! Volunteers for the HVAC work at the Retreat Center are welcome Monday – Friday. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping out with this project. Willing hands are what is needed! Let us know when you are available, so we can prepare for you. For anyone interested in working on a weekend, two weeks notice is needed. Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 to sign up.
Camp Mennoscah will have a booth at Bethel College’s Fall Fest on October 5th!Tee shirts will be for sale and staff & board will be available to chat. Stop by and say hi!
Tasks to keep Camp Mennoscah running smoothly continue into the fall and winter seasons. Volunteers are needed for grounds and deep cleaning, plus a variety of other things. Contact us at 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org.

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements

MDS FIRE, HAZARD & DISASTER MITIGATION – On October 8-12, 2024, Mennonite Disaster Service and Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp need your help in the critical partnership for removing hazard trees and forest fuels as the first line of defense for protecting people and facilities. Ten or more volunteers are needed each day to accomplish the tasks at hand including volunteers for foodservice to support the efforts. Go to www.rmmc.org and select “MDS FIRE MITIGATION & TREE THINNING & LIMBING” under the Volunteer link to sign-up and see who else is coming. Contact Paul Unruh (phunruh@gmail.com, 316-772-6308) or Marc Yoder (marcyoder1@gmail.com, 719-942-3276) for additional info.

QUILTOBER AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN – There are four quilt retreats to choose from including: UFO I, October 6-9, UFO II, October 9-13 and UFO III, October 22-27 and last but not least, Fall Mennonite Quilters Retreat, October 31-Nov. 3rd. Come enjoy good food, accommodations and fellowship as part of working on a variety of projects. Sharing projects, ideas, tips, techniques, walks and snacks are all part of the time shared together. To register, please visit the camp website at www.rmmc.org.

Schweitzers and Friends Announcement

The Schweitzers and Friends 150th Anniversary Celebration is history now. But all parts of the event were recorded and now on swissmennonite.org for you to enjoy. We were pleased that nearly 500 people participated in the 100 degree heat of Kansas summer days. But a good spirit of family and friends was prevalent so wish you could have been there too.

Schweitzer Salt newsletter is still sent out email about three times a year to many so you can get on that request list at kathypreheim@gmail.com and keep up with Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association (SMCHA) activities.

Don’t forget to watch all the activities of the 150^th celebration that you may have missed that weekend. Videos are on swissmennonite.org of everything, thanks to photojournalist Dan Kliewer. And lots of hurch history is there to explore.

Another addition to history articles, Brian Stucky’s marking of the location of the first Eden Church (west of Hopefield Church and Monument) is explained on swissmennonite.org too.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here
Mennonite World Conference message press here

For Mennonite Mission Network “News from around the world” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
The board of directors of Iglesia Menonita Hispana (IMH, translated Hispanic Mennonite Church), a constituency group of Mennonite Church USA, appointed Rev. Dr. Juan Montes as executive director during the IMH annual meeting, in Chicago, Illinois. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/juan-montes

Menno Snapshots

Russell De Young established the Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund in memory of his wife, to help Mennonite churches install solar panels and move toward net-zero fossil fuel usage. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/remembering-wife-net-zero-grants

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Anicka Fast, as she fosters collaborations that cross academic disciplines and national boundaries, and as she teaches global church history and archiving skills throughout Africa. Pray for her as she edits a new Mennonite World Conference Global Anabaptist-Mennonite history series, in addition to teaching and traveling.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the IBA Christian formation program at the new Arca de Salvacion Church in Uspantan, Guatemala. May God bless and guide the leaders and participants, and may this program strengthen the faith and commitment of the community in its walk with Christ. -WDC Church Planting Commission

Worship service and announcements for September 22, 2024

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY,
SEPTEMBER 22, 2024–INTERNATIONAL PEACE 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.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 22, 2024
International Day of Peace

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music— Give Me Jesus (arr. Lau)— Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome & Prayer— Lucy Burch & Marlene Ewert

*Hymn— In Christ There Is No East or West—VT 390

Children’s Conversation— Joanna Harader

*Hymn— Come Now, O Prince of Peace— VT 391

Psalm & Antiphon—Psalm –Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 26:1-4 & 1 Peter 5:6-9—Ben Janzen

Sermon— Cultivating a Culture of Peace— Joanna Harader

Worship Music—Verleih uns frieden (Mendelssohn)—Chancel Choir

*Hymn— For the Healing of the Nations— VT 705

Prayers of God’s People— Adah Hodge & Barb Koontz

Choral Benediction— Peace I Leave You (Amy Beech)— Chancel Choir

*Benediction

Postlude—Fugue from Sonata No. 6 “Our Father Which Art in Heaven”—(Mendelssohn)—
Will Wiebe-Friesen

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

The Week at BCMC: September 22-29, 2024
Sunday, September 22, 2024—International Day of Peace
9:30 a.m.   Worship
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation for Junior and Youth
Volunteer in the Nursery today is Esther Koontz
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/tjSYI12o2i4?feature=share

6 p.m. Dessert Reception for Bethel College students on the sidewalk in front of Haury Hall, sponsored by the BCMC Relations Team with assistance from the BCMC Hospitality Commission. This year it will be held ON the Bethel College campus—on a sidewalk going to Haury Hall—just a few feet from the BCMC grounds. Please bring a dessert to share and be willing to engage with students. Chairs will be set up in circles.

Tuesday, September 24, 2024
4 p.m.        Worship Commission meeting
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, September 26, 2024
2 p.m.         Inurnment service for Monica Gross at Restlawn Gardens of Memory
6:30 p.m.   Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.         Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
7:30 p.m.    Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, September 29, 2024
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Bells
10:30 a.m.. Faith Formation for Children
10:45 a.m. Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary
12 noon     Senior High Youth Group Fundraiser Lunch in Fellowship Hall
      All are invited!

Enjoy a summer-fall evening at Camp Mennoscah and hear updates. The Annual Meeting on September 22 has been shortened to the annual business meeting at 5 p.m., instead of a full day event. Donations will be accepted for the Foundation 75 Capital Campaign.

We offer sympathy to the family of Donna Friesen. Donna died Sept. 18 at Kidron Bethel Village.

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

The Abuse Prevention and Response Committee, at the request of the Faith Formation Commission, has approved a provisional change to the Abuse Prevention and Response Policy that will allow our nursery to be staffed by one approved adult and one approved youth volunteer. (II.A.3) This change takes effect immediately. Over the coming months, the APRC will be reviewing the policy in full and will bring an updated version of the policy to the congregation for approval some time in 2025. Copies of the policy are available on the church website and in the office. If you have questions about the policy or changes to suggest, please reach out to one of the pastors or a member of APRC.

BCMC Offering for Sept. 15: Gen. Fund $8,697; Kitchen Fund $19; Solar Fund $25; Marilyn Stucky Memorial $6,100

Congregational Meeting and Membership Vote:
Congregational Meeting Set for September 29:
The next congregational meeting will be at 10:45 a.m. during the Sunday School hour on September 29. 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 announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items will include a vote for a change of Membership Guidelines and an update from pastors and moderators. The youth will host a fundraising luncheon following the meeting.
Future congregational meetings will be held at 10:45 a.m. on January 26 and May 4, 2025.

Proposal for Action at the BCMC Congregational Meeting Sept. 29, 2024
The Church Board and Deacons recommend removing the “Welcoming Statement” (approved January 28, 2024) from Article IV: Membership. Both the Deacons and the Inclusive Task Group desire that the Welcoming Statement be separate from the membership guidelines. The current Welcoming Statement will continue to be used in BCMC publications but can be changed and updated under the leadership of the Inclusive Task Group. The revised membership guidelines for the congregational vote on September 29 read as follows:
Article IV: Membership (Revised)
Membership in the Bethel College Mennonite Church is open to all who affirm their faith in God, who seek to center their lives in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who are open to the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and who have received baptism as the symbol of their commitment and covenant.
Bethel College Mennonite Church welcomes into fellowship and membership all persons who commit to Jesus Christ, without regard to their race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital state, age, or other factors which can lead to discrimination and marginalization.
Members offer themselves to support Mennonite principles and to share in the life and work of this congregation.

Leadership Retreat
After a discussion between the pastoral team and the BCMC board, we have decided to postpone the annual leadership retreat, usually held in the fall, to a yet-to-be-determined date in late 2024 or early 2025. This postponement will:
1. Allow our pastoral and moderator teams to continue their work of clarifying and defining their roles.
2. Allow pastors and moderators to create a leadership retreat that best equips leaders of commissions and committees for our current model of pastoral
leadership.
In the meantime, we encourage committees and commissions to contact Brad Kohlman if they have questions or concerns. Look for an update on the timing of the leadership retreat later this fall or early winter.

Mark your calendars for the annual Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Assoc. (SMCHA) Banquet at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton, Oct. 10., 6 p.m. with an ethnic German buffet style meal catered by the Breadbasket and ‘bohne beroggi’ made by Schweitzer cooks. We’ll focus on thanking those who coordinated the 150th anniversary of Schweitzers coming to the United States.
Dale Schrag will be our speaker for the evening discussing the future. The cost of the banquet is $25 to be paid at the door. RSVP to Nancy Stucky by October 7 with a text or phone call to 620-532-5693. We invite you to come and enjoy good food, learn who we are and were, learn what SMCHA is doing and planning, have a great time fellowshipping with friends old and new, and continue our celebratory mood from the 150th.

September and October Webinars from EVERENCE® Finances and You with topics that integrate your faith and finances! This is a free webinar series where Everence® can help you make important financial decisions that reflect your faith values. The webinars will be presented by Everence professionals and there will be time for your questions. All webinars held on Wednesdays at 2 and 8 p.m. (Eastern Time) For more information, visit everence.com/national. Or Email: national@everence.com with any questions.
· Sept. 25 Seminar: Social Security: Understanding your benefits. Come and learn the ins and outs of social security that will provide you clarity as you consider your social security future. Presented by: Steve Lane, AWMA®, CFP®, Financial Consultant
· Oct. 2 Seminar: Investing 202. Mutual funds, pensions, stocks, bonds, IRA’s, Roth IRA’s, 401k’s, Real estate. The list seems to go on and on for investment options. This presentation will help you sort through your investment options and other considerations as you explore what investments make sense for you. Presented by: Michael Burton, CFP®, CEPA®, Financial Consultant

Dear Bethel College Mennonite,Join MCC, the Church of the Brethren, and the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) for a webinar on climate and peace! Learn from partners around the world how climate change is driving conflict within their communities and how they are acting to address this crisis.United in our call to stand for peace worldwide, many of us see climate change as one of the biggest obstacles to this goal. Hear how you can take action to advocate for international climate assistance and to support peace globally!Webinar: Climate and peace: Stories from around the worldDate: Sept. 25, 2024Time: 11:00 am EDT

Speakers will include Sibonokuhle Ncube, Mennonite Mission Network’s regional co-director for Africa and Europe; Lenny Thomas Aniah, gender-based violence coordinator for the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria; and Victor Odinda, climate solutions partner advisor for MCC Cambodia. Daren Caughron, legislative manager, sustainable energy and environment for FCNL, will share expertise on how you can encourage Congress to support climate finance for peace.We look forward to seeing you on September 25!

Bethel College Announcements:
· PLEASE NOTE: The screening of the KIPCOR Film Series film “The Lincoln School Story,” scheduled for today, Sun., Sept. 22, has been canceled.
· Tues., Sept. 24: “Sing My Soul” high school choral festival at Bethel College, Dr. Henry Waters, director, with a short public concert at 1:40 p.m., Memorial Hall or livestream at https://www.youtube.com/live/9cZe9ofIdNE?feature=shared
· Thurs., Sept. 26: The Bethel College Wind Ensemble presents “dinner and a show,” 6:30 p.m., Memorial Hall. Tickets are $20 per person or $200 for a full table (8 people). Call 316-284-5202, or go to Thresher Shop on the Bethel campus, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., to buy tickets. You must have a ticket to attend this concert.
· Sun., Sept. 29: Mark Jantzen, Bethel College professor of history, speaks on “Brief Imperial Russian Sojourn: Lasting Mennonite Memories,” following a brief annual meeting at 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum. This coincides with the opening of the new special exhibit “Unlocking the Past: Immigrant Artifacts & the Stories They Tell,” sparked by the 150th anniversary of the migration of Mennonites from Russia and Prussia to the Central Plains of North America and by the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025.
· Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Oct. 3-6, with most activities taking place Sat., Oct. 5, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football, the musical “9 to 5”, and the 50th-anniversary celebration for the social work program. See https://www.bethelks.edu/fallfest/ for the complete schedule.
· Fri., Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Oct. 5, 3:30 p.m., Sun., Oct. 6, 2 p.m. – Bethel College music and theater departments present 9 to 5 during Fall Festival, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Ticket purchase required, in Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., online (https://bethelks.hometownticketing.com/embed/all?depts=3) or at the door. Contains adult content and may not be suitable for young children.
· Sat., Oct. 5: Sarah Augustine will give a keynote address for the 50th anniversary of Bethel College social work, 2 p.m., Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village. She will also speak Sun., Oct. 6, 9:30 a.m., at Bethel College Mennonite Church, and Mon., Oct. 7, for convocation in Krehbiel Auditorium. The public is invited to any and all events. Augustine is the founder and co-chair of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, author of The Land is Not Empty (2021) and co-author of So We and Our Children May Live (2023).
· Life Enrichment program at Bethel College for Wednesday, Sept. 25. Life Enrichment is for people age 60 and above and is an excellent way to continue learning and meet people from the surrounding area in a relaxed setting.
Sept. 25, 9:30 a.m.: Bluegrass and Flint Hills music by the Tallgrass Express, Annie Wilson, singer, guitar player and lyrical storyteller, Elmdale
Sept. 25, 10:50 a.m.: “Why I Paint,” Virgil Penner, North Newton

Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Country Breakfast on Saturday, October 5, from 7 to 10 a.m., in Kidron Hall, 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton. Enjoy pancakes, sausage and eggs by donation. Proceeds benefit the Kidron Bethel Village Health Care Benevolent Fund, assisting residents who are unable to cover the full cost of their care.

Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Holiday Marketing featuring local vendors on Saturday, December 7. Vendors who would like to be part of this event are now being accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. To reserve a table, contact SheriE@bluestemks.org, or call 316-836-4821. Holiday Market gives Kidron Bethel Village residents and others from the community a one-stop place to shop for holiday gifts. The market is a fundraiser for the Health Care Benevolent Fund, a ministry of Kidron Bethel Village that assists residents who, due to unforeseen circumstances, are no longer able to cover the full cost of their care.

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

First Mennonite Church of Newton, KS (429 E. First Street) invites you to a monthly Board Game Night the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 PM. Some games are provided, but participants are encouraged to bring other games they are excited to play or share! Games will range in difficulty from Uno to Wingspan and beyond! Enter through the East doors and take the stairs to the basement. Hope to see you there!

Camp Mennoscah AnnouncementsEnjoy a summer-fall evening at Camp Mennoscah and hear updates! The Annual Meeting on September 22 has been shortened to the annual business meeting at 5pm, instead of a full day event. Donations will be accepted for the Foundation 75 Capital Campaign. Other events and happenings:Summer is over and volunteer work days have been adjusted! Volunteers for the HVAC work at the Retreat Center are welcome Monday – Friday. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping out with this project. Willing hands are what is needed! Let us know when you are available, so we can prepare for you. For anyone interested in working on a weekend, two weeks notice is needed. Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 to sign up.Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open! The dates are November 1-3 and November 15-17. Lodging and crafting will be held at Main Camp in the bunkhouses and dining hall. Register here. We’ll see you for another fun weekend!Tasks to keep Camp Mennoscah running smoothly continue into the fall and winter seasons. Volunteers are needed for grounds and deep cleaning, plus a variety of other things. Contact us at 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org.

Perform with the Tabor College Concert Choir, Chamber Voices, and the Messiah OrchestraPerformance, Sunday, December 8, 4:00 pm
Required rehearsals:
Saturday, December 7, 10:00 am
Sunday, December 8, 1:30 pm
Optional rehearsals starting November 5:
Tuesdays and Fridays, 12:00 noon, Information and registration at tabor.edu/messiah
Alumni, family and community members are invited to participate

Join us in North Newton Kansas for a visit with MennoMedia Leadership! October 7, 9:00am
The Meeting Room, MCC Central States
121 E 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117

For more details for this “Anabaptist at 500” event press here

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

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Euclides Bauza, a Mennonite church leader in Venezuela, who served as an election observer in the country’s disputed presidential election in July. Pray for Bauza’s safety, the families mourning the deaths of loved ones, protection for those who have been arrested and that Venezuelan authorities will care for the needs of citizens.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for ministers gathering for a retreat next weekend in Texas, sponsored by the WDC Ministerial Leadership Commission.

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

Join us in North Newton Kansas for a visit with MennoMedia Leadership! October 7, 9:00am The Meeting Room, MCC Central States121 E 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117

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

Join us in North Newton Kansas for a visit with MennoMedia Leadership! October 7, 9:00am
The Meeting Room, MCC Central States
121 E 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117