Category Archives: Announcements

Announcements for December 3–10, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND WORSHIP SERVICE FOR DECEMBER 3, 2023

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box 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/nDLhIx3OMHc?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
December 3, 2023
First Sunday of Advent: Hope

Prelude—Cynthia Neufeld Smith
(As the prelude music plays, you are encouraged to keep conversation to a minimum)

*Advent Candle Hymn—Hope Is a Candle— VT 211— Congregation sing verse 1 only; Susie Swartley, flute

Advent Candle Lighting—Judy Harder

*Advent Litany—Hope VT 916

Welcome—(Land Acknowledgement) and Prayer—Adam Robb

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

Children’s Conversation—Christmas Tree Ornaments—Jill Robb

Anthem—Chancel Choir

Scripture Reading—1 Corinthians 1:3-9—Judy Harder

Sermon—The Gift of Hope—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Oh How Shall I Receive Thee—VT 215

Communion—Come to the Table of Grace—VT 461

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Hark! the Glad Sound!—VT 217

Benediction

Postlude—Cynthia Neufeld Smith

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

This Week at BCMC: December 3—10, 2023
Sun., Dec. 3, 2023—First Sunday of Advent
9:30 a.m. Worship   10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/nDLhIx3OMHc?feature=share

The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation—Intergenerational class (fellowship hall);   High School (Room 24)    Adult Classes: Agape (nursery); Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
Mon., Dec. 4, 2023
6:30 p.m.      Gifts Discernment Committee meeting in the chapel
7:30-9 p.m. “Messiah” Sing Through Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Wed., Dec. 6, 2023
11 a.m.      Singalong to Christmas portions of Handel’s Messiah with chamber orchestra and soloists, in the sanctuary. Scores will be provided.
6 p.m.         Anointing Service for Elizabeth Raid in the sanctuary
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thurs., Dec. 7, 2023
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.        Church Board meeting in Room 14
7:30 p.m.   Hospitality Commission meeting in fellowship hall
Sun., Dec. 10, 2023—Second Sunday of Advent
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Bells;
Brief congregational meeting after worship
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation

Preparing for Worship
As we gather for worship each Sunday in the sanctuary, the Worship Commission invites and encourages us to become quiet as the prelude centers us for worship. Conversation is welcome and encouraged in the Gathering Place outside of the sanctuary during the prelude. We invite all who are present in the sanctuary to find their seats and quietly participate in preparing for worship.

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

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 at the back of the sanctuary 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 be in the library during the week for anyone to write a note before we send them out. Thank you!
— Deacon Commission

Caring Fund Contribution Opportunity Sunday December 3. The Caring Fund is an above budget benevolent fund administered by the Deacon Commission for the purpose of assisting our congregation’s members and community persons in need. The fund is generated by above budget offerings made payable to Bethel College Mennonite Church and designated “caring fund.” Everence also provides some matching funds each year. Besides the financial help that can and has been provided to our own members, in the past year contributions from the Caring Fund have been made to our local Salvation Army, New Hope Shelter, Safe Hope, Harvest of Love, the Community Playschool, Peace Connections Circle of Hope, Newton Community Foundation Slate Creek Elementary inclusive playground, USD 373 student meals for low income, and several individuals to help with housing rent and utilities. Thank you for your continued support and contributions during this holiday season.
– BCMC Deacon Commission

Anointing Service for Elizabeth Raid
You are welcome to join in an anointing service for Elizabeth Raid and her husband, Gary Franz, in the Bethel College Mennonite Church sanctuary on Wednesday, December 6 at 6 p.m. Elizabeth has been living with pancreatic cancer for a number of years and seeks God’s healing through word, touch, prayer, and the presence of loved ones. As God’s beloved community, may we find support and healing together. If there are others that are connected to Elizabeth and Gary who may not receive this announcement, please pass the invitation on to them. Everyone is welcome.

The church board is calling a brief special congregational meeting following worship in the sanctuary December 10, 2023 to act on the following board recommendation:
Does BCMC approve the initiation of a pledge drive for the purpose of soliciting funds and support for the solar project? The details of a pledge drive will be worked out if an initial vote indicates significant support.
The purpose of this vote is to determine the level of support from the congregation for a roof-top solar installation on our church. A review of the solar project as presented at the September congregational meeting and in two subsequent Sunday School hour meetings was distributed to mailboxes the week of November 27.

Welcoming Statement Draft
The Inclusion Task Group along with the Church Board has been working on an updated welcoming statement for BCMC that includes more open and affirming language. If you have questions or comments regarding the updated welcoming statement, please contact Nathan Koontz by December 8. We hope to vote on an updated statement at our congregational meeting on January 28, 2024. Below is the updated version.

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 without regard to race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital status, and age, any and all who enter into fellowship with us.
—
Nathan Koontz (he, him)
Pastor for Community and Worship
Bethel College Mennonite Church

Creation Care: While you are active in your Christmas shopping please remember to save plastic bags for recycling. We have collected 345 pounds with a goal of 1,000 pounds. — Vern Goering

BCMC Offering for November 26, 2023: General Fund $3,150; Plant Fund $50; Sr Hi Youth $100; Gen Fund 2024 $1,300; Caring Fund $300; Flower Fund $110; Women’s Fellowship $286.

Roger’s Whereabouts
Roger, and his wife Cynthia, will be traveling to Newton on Friday night (12/1). Cynthia will play an Advent organ prelude for worship (12/3) beginning at 9:15. Roger will be staying in Newton until Thursday evening. Whether he’s in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone call (785-220-1968).

Save the date, January 28, 2024 for Congregational Meeting and Soup Luncheon prior to the congregational meeting and the next fun-filled congregation and youth activity!

You are invited to the Annual Christmas Brass Choir Concert at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Sunday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., 1304 K-15 Hwy, Goessel for some Good Old Fashioned Christmas Festive Music and Cheer!

Mennonite Central Committee Material Resources Center in North Newton is critically low on inventory: An MCC kit cannot be distributed until each item for the kit is assembled, but some supplies in the Material Resources Center are so low that kits cannot be processed for shipping. You can help by filling the following needs: new infant onesies and sleepers (6-12 month sizes); new bath towels (dark colored, light to medium weight); new hand towels (dark colored). Locally, MCC distributes prisoner care and returning citizen care kits, for those kits we currently need: men’s shirts (sizes XL, 2XL, 3XL — any color) and men’s underwear (sizes 2XL, 3XL — any color). Buy online and ship it to MCC or bring items to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th St, North Newton). Questions: contact brociamueller@mcc.org or 316.283.2720. A full list of MCC kit contents can be found at mcc.org/kits.

Bethel College Announcements
· Weds., Dec. 6 – Singalong to Christmas portions of Handel’s Messiah, 11 a.m., with chamber orchestra and soloists, Bethel College Mennonite Church. Scores provided.
· Thurs., Dec. 7 – Visit Senior Art Exhibit 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Regier Art Gallery and the Drama Lab in the Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Artists will be present: “Crowded Table,” pottery by Edel Miller (gallery), and “Solace in the Story,” book art and theater art by Rachel Geyer (lab). Hours of Regier Gallery and Drama Lab are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Thurs., Dec. 7 – Gala Jazz, directed by Joel Boettger, 7:30 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Sun., Dec. 10 – 38th annual Lighting of the Green , 8 p.m. on the Bethel College campus

Announcements from Hesston College

December 1 to 3 – Prairie Lights at Dyck Arboretum

Experience the quiet beauty of Kansas in winter: dormant native grasses shifting in the wind, lights reflecting in the pond and leafless trees lit from below like living sculptures. Observing tens of thousands of twinkle lights adorning the arboretum path and illuminating our grounds is a great way to kick off the holiday season and find renewed appreciation for the prairie landscape around us. Learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events.

December 2 – “A Christmas Carol” Performance

Hesston College Performing Arts will ring in the holiday season with a performance of “A Christmas Carol” on Saturday, December 2. The performance will be held in the Hesston Mennonite Church at 7 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments will be served after the performance with a special photo opportunity with Scrooge and Tiny Tim. You can watch the livestream of the production at hesston.edu/livestream.

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 Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA issued a statement on the Israel-Hamas War on Nov. 15. The statement laments the loss of life and stands on our shared Anabaptist faith values in a call for a ceasefire. Read it here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/ceasefire/

The Center for Community Justice in Elkhart, Indiana, honored Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, Mennonite Church USA’s denominational minister for Peace & Justice, for her work in restorative justice at an event celebrating the 45th anniversary of its Victim-Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP). Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/ccj-honors

Menno Snapshots

This fall, several Mennonite Church USA congregations from Northwest Ohio worked with RAWtools and Mennonite Central Committee to host a community event about gun safety. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/gun-safety-ohio

Amy Yoder McGloughlin, pastor at Frazer Mennonite Church, shares how gun violence and the death of a young neighbor in a drive-by shooting created lasting trauma for her and her family. Read about how leaning into that pain helps her cope: mennoniteusa.org/lean-in

Harvey County Advent Calendar
A team of folks in Harvey County recently designed an Advent calendar themed around our community, and we are sharing it with others for free.

You can read about the effort in the Harvey County Now (“County Advent calendar hopes to spread more than information.”) Community Creative Services in Newton headed up the design.
The daily activities include reflective exercises to foster gratitude, encouragement to practice generosity, and opportunities to connect to others. It’s designed to be inclusive, so almost every activity is free, and each day includes at least one free activity. Examples include attending the Lighting of the Green at Bethel College, participating in the Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count, or watching the earliest sunset of the year. Other events invite reflection on the themes of hope, joy, love and peace; listening to Christmas hymns or poems; and making small donations to local charities. Rebecca Barrett-Fox, Newton, did the writing and area churches and organizations sponsored the publication.

Here is the announcement from the team who created the Advent calendar:
A group of community volunteers has created a local Advent calendar for area churches to enjoy. Each day, you’ll be invited to join in an activity that promotes kindness, gratitude, or connection to others. Pick up a copy at one of the sponsors listed on the calendar, or download to use digitally or print. You can find it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GTOQxg28x34oLj7Ku-dz_s8-siSWQO42/view?fbclid=IwAR144qOdFMCKHHKdHxGZDXNCBw3hBir5XBZYdEC5dkWQaksl-BwxtUAGlAM

— Pastor Roger Neufeld Smith

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Pray for the participants in Mennonite Mission Network’s Tucson, Arizona, Mennonite Voluntary Service unit — Nely Cotuc, Hannah Nuest, Ally Weaver, Magdalena Wenger and Deborah Yoder — as they help extend the ministries of their host congregation, Shalom Mennonite Fellowship, through welcoming immigrants, promoting literacy and working to protect the environment.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for the WDC Resource Library’s creative resources and ideas for Advent and Christmas, and pray for congregational leaders who plan worship and special activities during this season.

Announcements for November 26–December 3, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR NOVEMBER 26, 2023

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box 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/YKjS_6uoRqo?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 26, 2023
Thanksgiving Sunday

Prelude—Cello Suite No. 4 (J.S. Bach) and Bourrée (Transcribed by Alamiro Giampieri) and Justin Mathis, clarinet

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Margaret Toews

*Hymn—Sing to the Lord of Harvest—VT 122

Children’s Conversation—Jim Robb

Special Music—Romance from Five Bagatelles for Clarinet and Piano (by Gerald Finzi)
Justin Mathis, clarinet; Karen Schlabaugh, piano

Scripture Reading – Psalm 103:1-8,13-18; Philippians 1:1-7, 4:4-7 Richard Friesen and Dorothy Nickel Friesen

Sermon—Radical Gratitude—Roger Neufeld Smith

*Hymn—Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah—VT 606

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—God, Whose Giving—VT 745
People with November birthdays come forward for a blessing,
please bring a hymnal

Benediction

Postlude—Postlude on Beata nobis gaudia (Robert Powell)—Karen Schlabaugh

*You are invited to stand     VT—Voices Together     Audio visual— John Thiesen
Keyboard—Karen Schlabaugh

The Kobzar, a folk minstrel who was both an entertainer and sage, was an institution in the life of the Ukrainian people. This Dancing Kobzar sculpture, part of the John Klassen art exhibit now on display in the Gathering Place, is on loan from Cynthia Neufeld Smith.

We welcome clarinetist Justin Mathis to worship with us Sunday, November 26.
Instructor of clarinet at Colorado Christian University and principal clarinetist for Denver Pops Orchestra, Justin is married to Lyn and Naomi Krause’s daughter, Cheri.

Roger’s Whereabouts :  Roger will be driving back to Topeka this afternoon. He will be back in Newton next Sunday for worship (his wife Cynthia will be playing the organ prelude!). He will be in Newton until Thursday night, December 7. Whether he’s in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone call (785-220-1968).

Pastor Nathan Koontz is on vacation from Nov. 22-26.

Thank you to Susie Swartley and Kathy Stucky for the Thanksgiving
display on the steps of the Chancel Area.

BCMC Offering for November 19, 2023:  General Fund $6,685.33; Community Play School $250; Wed. Night Supper $282.50; Plant Fund $608.33; Gen Fund 2024 $10,025; Caring Fund $138.29; Flower Fund $150; Kitchen Fund $23.

This Week at BCMC: November 26—December 3, 2023
Sun., November 26, 2023—Thanksgiving Sunday
9:30 a.m. Worship   10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/YKjS_6uoRqo?feature=share

The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation—Intergenerational class (Fellowship Hall);   High School (Room 24)    Adult Classes: Agape (nursery); Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
Mon., November 27, 2023
10 a.m. Library Committee meeting in Room 14
Wed., November 29, 2023
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.        Abuse Prevention and Response Committee meeting in Room 14
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thurs., November 30, 2023
7 p.m.         Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
Sun., Dec. 3, 2023—First Sunday of Advent
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Choir; communion will be served; 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation

The bcmcXpress is lagging a bit. As of Monday Nov. 20, we had 84 intents for a total dollar amount pledged of about $258,000. That’s a lot of money, but it is less than half of the proposed budget. The challenge is to get that total up. We know that many people have not pledged. Please consider your obligation and make a pledge. If you have already pledged consider raising the amount. BCMC has met these challenges in the past and we will again, but it means we all need to pull together. Finance Committee

For the online form press here.

If you plan to give via the electronic transfer system in 2024, 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 2024 Budget Information for Bethel College Mennonite Church (the budget narrative) click the button. If you would like a paper copy of the 2024 Budget Narrative, you can pick one up from the ledge in the Gathering Place.

2024 Narrative Budget

A Celebration of Life for Gladys Niles and Gail Niles Stucky is scheduled for 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 26, at Shalom Mennonite Church, Newton. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Gladys’ and Gail’s memories are encourage to make a gift to support Bethel College, Bethel College Mennonite Church, or Shalom Mennonite Church.

Kauffman Museum will celebrate Museum Store Sunday, November 26. Museum members will receive 20% off their entire Store purchase and non-members will receive 10% off. More than 2,100 Museum Stores representing all 50 states, 25 countries and 5 continents take part in this event. For more information about and to find participating stores, go to museumstoresunday.org/museum-store-sunday
Kauffman Museum’s normal business hours are Sunday 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Antiracism Analysis Training
You are invited to join a 2 1/2 day training covering topics such as Racial and cultural identity; White privilege; Institutions and institutional racism; Racism as a systemic reality, and more.
Training is January 12-14, 2024 at the Newton REC Center. There is a poster on the BCMC bulletin board. For the poster you can also click here.

The cost of the training is $300 prior to December 1 and $350 afterwards. If you are interested in receiving scholarship money to help reimburse registration costs, please contact the church office at office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. The Witness Commission strongly encourages your participation and is happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact the church office to be in contact with someone from the Witness Commission.

To register click here.

The church board is calling a brief special congregational meeting following worship in the sanctuary December 10, 2023 to act on the following board recommendation:
Does BCMC approve the initiation of a pledge drive for the purpose of soliciting funds and support for the solar project? The details of a pledge drive will be worked out if an initial vote indicates significant support.
The purpose of this vote is to determine the level of support from the congregation for a roof-top solar installation on our church. A review of the solar project as presented at the September congregational meeting and in two subsequent SS hour meetings will be distributed to mailboxes the week of November 27.

For a review of information on the solar panels press here

For your calendars

December 24, 2023 — there will be no Sunday School — Worship will start at 10 a.m.
December 31, 2023 — there will be no Sunday School — Worship will start at 10 a.m.
Save the date, January 28, 2024 for Congregational Meeting and Soup Luncheon prior to the congregational meeting and the next fun-filled congregation and youth activity!

Bethel College Announcements
· Fri., Dec. 1 – Senior Art Exhibit I opens in the Regier Art Gallery and the Drama Lab, both in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, featuring the work of Rachel Geyer (lab) and Edel Miller (gallery). Hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Friday, Dec. 1 — Student-directed one-act plays, 7:30 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Please note: May contain adult language and themes and may not be suitable for children.
· Sat., Dec. 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 (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).
· Sat., Dec. 2 – 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.
· All bakers and craft makers are invited to make items for 5 Places of Christmas Sat., December 2, at Goerz House, Bethel College. Bethel College Women’s Association will again be selling baked goods, candy, craft items and poinsettias. Your home-baked cookies, zwiebach, cinnamon rolls, peppernuts and poppyseed rolls are always great sellers. This year we are especially asking for homemade candies such as peanut clusters, peanut butter balls, peanut brittle or fudge. Please bring your items to Goerz House on Friday, December 1, from 1-4 p.m. or on Saturday from 9-10 a.m.
· Weds., Dec. 6 – Singalong to Christmas portions of Handel’s Messiah, 11 a.m., with chamber orchestra and soloists, At Bethel College Mennonite Church. Scores will be provided.
· Thurs., Dec. 7 – Gala Jazz, directed by Joel Boettger, 7:30 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Sun., Dec. 10 – 37th annual Lighting of the Green , 8 p.m. on the Bethel
College campus

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Announcements
· An Evening of Service at MCC on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 6:30-8 p.m. at MCC in North Newton. Bring new dark colored hand towels to pack hygiene kits. MCC partner Offender Victim Ministries will be here with supplies to write holiday greetings to prisoners, we’ll have comforters to tie and delicious snacks to enjoy. A great way to give on Giving Tuesday.
· SAVE THE DATE – The MCC Comforter Blitz will be March 4-6 in Yoder.
· Mennonite Central Committee responding to the Palestine and Israel conflict – As conflict has escalated in the region, MCC laments the violence and mourns all lives lost in Palestine and Israel. MCC remains committed to a just peace for all, and we invite you to join us in praying for an end to the violence. MCC is planning an emergency response to the current crisis with existing partners. Our response will focus on the humanitarian needs in Gaza, given the vulnerability of the population and lack of resources available to families. MCC’s work will build on previous responses to the ongoing conflict, including the distribution of food and bedding. We are also planning to offer trauma healing support and housing reconstruction. Donate online at mcc.org/Palestine-Israel or call 1-888-563-4676.
· MCC Material Resources Center in North Newton critically low on inventory: An MCC kit cannot be distributed until each item for the kit is assembled, but some supplies in the Material Resources Center are so low that kits cannot be processed for shipping. You can help by filling the following needs: new infant onesies and sleepers (6-12 month sizes); new bath towels (dark colored, light to medium weight); new hand towels (dark colored). Locally, MCC distributes prisoner care and returning citizen care kits, for those kits we currently need: men’s shirts (sizes XL, 2XL, 3XL — any color) and men’s underwear (sizes 2XL, 3XL — any color). Buy online and ship it to MCC or bring items to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th St, North Newton). Questions are always welcome, please contact brociamueller@mcc.orgor 316.283.2720. A full list of MCC kit contents can be found at mcc.org/kits.

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

Peace Connections is 40 years old! You are invited to an Open House Celebrating Peace Connections 40 years on November 30, 6 to 8 p.m. at 209 S. Pine Street, Newton. Share S’mores and Hot Chocolate while hearing stories of Peace Connections’ past impact, current programs, and their future story.

M&M Project Update: End of Year GIving!

Please consider giving to Camp Mennoscah and/or the M&M Project on Giving Tuesday – this year on November 28 – or as part of your end-of-the-year giving. It’s not that we aren’t thankful for all you’ve done – but there is a lot to be done at Camp, and we already know that God has touched your hearts and called many to be part of Camp’s mission. Let’s not just finish the M&M Project strong – let’s finish the year strong!

Thank you for being a part of Camp Mennoscah! 75 years – There is still so much ahead!

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements· Scrapbook Retreat, Jan. 26-28 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.
· Join us for Men’s Retreat March 1-3, 2024 to spend time with God and fellow men in the beauty of creation with worship times, foosball, ping pong, chess, human curling, snowshoeing, musical jam sessions, great fellowship and more! The Friday before Men’s Retreat, participants have a tradition of tackling necessary projects at camp. This day of volunteering helps RMMC better serve campers and guests. Register @ rmmc.org.
· Mark your calendars now for Women’s Retreat at RMMC, March 8-10, 2024. Come to the mountains for a weekend away. Retreat, hike, explore, rest, and fellowship. This weekend is for women ages 18 and older to come together. Theme to be announced! Visit rmmc.org to register.

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

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Menno Snapshots

As part of Mennonite Church USA’s latest Learn, Pray, Join initiative, End Gun Violence, Jonny Rashid, pastor for West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship, a member church of Allegheny Mennonite Conference, shared a prayer of lament about gun violence. Read it here: mennoniteusa.org/prayer-to-end-gun-violence

Anabaptist musicians from a variety of countries met this spring in Canada for a songwriting retreat sponsored by Anabaptist Worship Network. George Makinto, director of worship at Los Angeles (California) Faith Chapel, recounts how he experienced hope through the gathering of such a diverse group of people worshipping God together. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/hope-ringing-out

Michael George, a Palestinian-American and facilitator of MennoPIN’s “Twinning with Gaza” Initiative, a Mennonite Church USA affinity group, laments the recent attacks from Hamas and ongoing war in Israel/Palestine. Read it here: mennoniteusa.org/lament-for-gaza

Rachel Ringenberg Miller, denominational minister for ministerial leadership for Mennonite Church USA, reminds us that Anabaptist congregational leadership requires collaboration, from the leaders and from the congregation. The process to make changes takes time, but the inclusive nature of the process is worth it. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/collaboration-anabaptist-leadershipMennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Jonah and Memee Yang began serving with Mennonite Mission Network in September. Pray for Jonah as he teaches Hmong and Thai students in Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary’s Journey Program and for Memee as she offers Sister Care seminars. The Yangs live in Minnesota and will travel to Thailand twice each year.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for chaplains and other ministers in WDC who offer pastoral care for members of our communities experiencing pain, loneliness, loss or grief, particularly during this holiday season.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Jonah and Memee Yang began serving with Mennonite Mission Network in September. Pray for Jonah as he teaches Hmong and Thai students in Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary’s Journey Program and for Memee as she offers Sister Care seminars. The Yangs live in Minnesota and will travel to Thailand twice each year.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for chaplains and other ministers in WDC who offer pastoral care for members of our communities experiencing pain, loneliness, loss or grief, particularly during this holiday season.

Announcements for November 19-26, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 19, 2023
Twenty Fifth Sunday After Pentecost

Prelude—Little Prelude and Fugue in C (JS Bach); Now Thank We All Our God (Bach/Fox)—
Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Elizabeth Schmidt

*Hymn—Guide My Feet—VT 816

Children’s Conversation—Jeanette Leary

Anthem—A Song of Thanksgiving (John Ferguson)—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Psalm 105:4-13; Luke 3:4-9; Deut. 26:1-5—Emma Gering

Sermon—Fugitives in the Family Tree—Lauren Friesen

*Hymn—Lift Every Voice and Sing—VT 611

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Praise to the Living God—VT 204

Benediction

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

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

Welcome to Lauren Friesen
We welcome Lauren to deliver the sermon at BCMC today. Lauren and his partner Janet joined BCMC last May. Previously they had been active at Chicago Community Mennonite Church where Lauren often preached. Prior to their time in Chicago, Lauren was a professor at the University of Michigan. We are glad that he and Janet have wandered their way into this community!

The church board is calling a special brief congregational meeting following worship in the sanctuary Sunday, Nov. 19, to act on the following board recommendation:
“That Bethel College Mennonite Church join the Repair Network, a binational network of congregations engaged in efforts to repair damages done to indigenous groups over the last centuries. Joining the network entails, among other things, a commitment of funds within the witness commission budget to support the ongoing efforts of the organization. This commitment would involve a commitment of $3,000 in the 2024 church budget, with the expectation that in 2025 the amount would be $4,000 and 2026 and years following $5,000, approximately 1% of the BCMC budget. It is understood that actions on budget beyond 2024 would follow normal budget development and action processes.”

This Week at BCMC: November 19—26, 2023
Sun., November 19, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship; 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
Brief Congregational Meeting will follow worship in the sanctuary
Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/YBJ3Ob2qAAU?feature=share

The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   High School – Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
Tues., November 21, 2023
3 p.m.      Worship Commission meeting by Zoom
7 p.m.      Women’s Fellowship meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., November 22, 2023—No Chancel Choir rehearsal tonight
Thurs., November 23, 2023—Thanksgiving Day—Church office closed; building locked for the holiday
Fri., November 24, 2023—Church office will be closed today
Sun., November 26, 2023—Thanksgiving Sunday
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; music by Justin Mathis, clarinet; November birthday recognition

BCMC Women’s Fellowship meets Tuesday, November 21, in Fellowship Hall at 7:00 p.m. We will discuss mental health and teen motherhood. Use the south-east door.

BCMC Offering for November 12, 2023: General Fund $11,542; MCC $25; Wed. supper $428; Library Reserve Fund $10; Flower Fund $20; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $500; Kitchen Fund $18.25.

The BCMC Board continues to discuss the solar project and hopes to have more details about next steps sometime in December. Thank you for your patience! Margaret Toews and Jon Zerger for the board

Save the date, January 28, 2024 for Congregational Meeting and Soup Luncheon prior to the congregational meeting and the next fun-filled congregation and youth activity!

We offer sympathy to the family of Gladys Niles and Gail Stucky. Gladys died November 5 at Kidron Bethel Village. Gladys’ daughter, Gail, died Nov. 15, at Paramount Community Living in Newton. A celebration of life is scheduled for both Gladys and Gail at 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 26, at Shalom Mennonite Church, Newton. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Gail’s and Gladys’ memories are encouraged to make a gift to support Bethel College, Bethel College Mennonite Church, or Shalom Mennonite Church.
For Gladys’ obituary press here
For Gail’s obituary press here

Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger will be back in the BCMC office Monday morning (11/20) until Wednesday (11/22). He will return to Topeka for a Smith Thanksgiving celebration, then be back in Newton on Saturday (11/25) to preach on Sunday (11/26). Whether he’s in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone call (785-220-1968).

Pastor Nathan Koontz will be on vacation from Nov. 22-26.

bcmcXpress: If you have not done so already, please fill out your intent for giving to BCMC for the 2024 budget. This is very helpful in setting the budget for the coming year. Your generous contributions for 2023 are greatly appreciated. The Finance Committee
For the online form press here.

2024 Narrative Budget

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. 21. 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.

Antiracism Analysis Training
You are invited to join a 2 1/2 day training covering topics such as Racial and cultural identity; White privilege; Institutions and institutional racism; Racism as a systemic reality, and more.
Training is January 12-14, 2024 at the Newton REC Center. There is a poster on the BCMC bulletin board. For the poster you can also click here.

To register click here. Note that there is early bird registration by December 1, 2023.

Bethel College Announcements
· (Sun., Nov. 19) – Joint junior recital by Emil Benavides and Dylan Yoder, voice, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel at Bethel College
· Mon., Nov. 20 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., featuring the music of Satie, Smith, Bernstein and more; Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center or livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/JTnHaK6jSkk?si=1FOZS2LEeGbC3ZAe
· Sat., Dec. 2 – 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.
· All bakers and craft makers are invited to make items for 5 Places of Christmas Sat., December 2, at Goerz House, Bethel College. Bethel College Women’s Association will again be selling baked goods, candy, craft items and poinsettias. Your home-baked cookies, zwiebach, cinnamon rolls, peppernuts and poppyseed rolls are always great sellers. This year we are especially asking for homemade candies such as peanut clusters, peanut butter balls, peanut brittle or fudge. Please bring your items to Goerz House on Friday, December 1, from 1-4 p.m. or on Saturday from 9-10 a.m.

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Announcements
· An Evening of Service at MCC on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 6:30-8 p.m. at MCC in North Newton. Bring new dark colored hand towels to pack hygiene kits. MCC partner Offender Victim Ministries will be here with supplies to write holiday greetings to prisoners, we’ll have comforters to tie and delicious snacks to enjoy. A great way to give on Giving Tuesday.
· SAVE THE DATE – The MCC Comforter Blitz will be March 4-6 in Yoder.
· Mennonite Central Committee responding to the Palestine and Israel conflict – As conflict has escalated in the region, MCC laments the violence and mourns all lives lost in Palestine and Israel. MCC remains committed to a just peace for all, and we invite you to join us in praying for an end to the violence. MCC is planning an emergency response to the current crisis with existing partners. Our response will focus on the humanitarian needs in Gaza, given the vulnerability of the population and lack of resources available to families. MCC’s work will build on previous responses to the ongoing conflict, including the distribution of food and bedding. We are also planning to offer trauma healing support and housing reconstruction. Donate online at mcc.org/Palestine-Israel or call 1-888-563-4676.

MCC Material Resources Center in North Newton critically low on inventory: An MCC kit cannot be distributed until each item for the kit is assembled, but some supplies in the Material Resources Center are so low that kits cannot be processed for shipping. You can help by filling the following needs: new infant onesies and sleepers (6-12 month sizes); new bath towels (dark colored, light to medium weight); new hand towels (dark colored). Locally, MCC distributes prisoner care and returning citizen care kits, for those kits we currently need:men’s shirts (sizes XL, 2XL, 3XL — any color) and men’s underwear (sizes 2XL, 3XL — any color). Buy online and ship it to MCC or bring items to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30^th St, North Newton, KS 67117). Questions are always welcome, please contact brociamueller@mcc.org or 316.283.2720. A full list of MCC kit contents can be found at mcc.org/kits.

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

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

The application for 2024 Summer Staff at Camp Mennoscah is open! Summer staff must be 18 years old or older. The staff leadership positions receiving stipends are naturalist, crafts leader, lifeguard, grounds/maintenance, music leader, and office/media. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. The 2024 summer camp season begins June 2 with orientation for summer-long positions and ends August 4. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Other events and happenings:

Volunteers are needed immediately to work (M-F) alongside the facilities director on general maintenance tasks. Working on these regular maintenance tasks will allow more time for planning and preparation for the Retreat Center HVAC project. The project is running behind and we need to make up time! Call or text Jordan at 316-613-1848. Volunteer hours are available from 8am-5pm or a portion of that time. Please bring a water bottle and your lunch.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Camp Mennoscah booth during the Camp Days at Hesston, Tabor and Bethel! There was great conversation with students interested in being on summer staff for the 2024 Summer Youth Camps. What a great time to speak with you!

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements

Men’s Retreat: Join us for Men’s Retreat March 1-3, 2024 to spend time with God and fellow men in the beauty of creation. The festivities for the weekend include worship times, foosball, ping pong, chess, human curling, snowshoeing, musical jam sessions, great fellowship and more! On the Friday prior to Men’s Retreat, participants have a tradition of tackling necessary projects at camp. This day of volunteering helps RMMC better serve campers and guests. Register @ rmmc.org.

Women! Mark your calendars now for Women’s Retreat at RMMC, March 8-10, 2024. Come to the mountains for a weekend away. Retreat, hike, explore, rest, fellowship, laugh, cry, and so much more. This weekend is geared towards women ages 18 and older to come together for laughter, fun, and great fellowship. Theme to be announced! Please visit rmmc.org to register.

Historian to present ‘Mennonites on the Silk Road’ at Newton Public Library
Historian and pastor John Sharp will return to Newton Public Library for a follow-up talk focusing on the Mennonite experience in Central Asia, Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m.
Sharp’s presentation will begin with excerpts from Sofia Samatar’s highly-acclaimed “The White Mosque,” which was the focus of a community book discussion that Sharp led at the library earlier this fall.
Shortly after leading that discussion, Sharp accompanied a group of travelers on an educational tour in Uzbekistan, revisiting the regions discussed in the book.
“Uzbeks cherish their history but also plan for the future, as was abundantly clear on our September tour,” Sharp said. “Uzbekistan is promoting tourism with its new and upgraded hotels and restaurants. With photos and commentary, I will highlight the ways this is changing the sites related to the Mennonite story.”
This is a hybrid program. Participants can attend in person, join online via Zoom webinars, or head to the Newton Public Library Facebook page at the time of the event for a livestream.
Click here to mark yourself “Going” and share the event on Facebook.

For Mennonite Mission Network “Giving Tuesday” press here

For Mennonite Men “Fall Update” press here

For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Menno Snapshots

During the Korean War, Sue Park-Hur’s Aunt Hwasil was separated from her mother and brothers. After 40 years, she was finally able to reunite with her family, a privilege that many other Korean families have not been able to enjoy. Park-Hur is Mennonite Church USA’s director of racial/ethnic engagement. Read her blog here: mennoniteusa.org/korean-family-reunion

After researching the experiences of women in ministry, Amy Zimbelman, conference minister of Mountain States Mennonite Conference, explains that the best gift many congregations can give to their pastor is support through a Pastor-Congregation Relations Committee (PCRC). Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/thank-your-pastor-pcrc

Sarah Werner, author of “Rooted Faith: Practices for Living Well on a Fragile Planet,” and communications coordinator for Central District Conference, a Mennonite Church USA conference, gives hope and tangible ideas for how to Christians can live a life that is faithful to their beliefs amid rapid climate change. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/living-faithfully-changing-planet

Subscribe to PeaceMail and receive all the news and blogs from Mennonite Church USA in one weekly email: mennoniteusa.org/peacemail View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/peacemail-PDF

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Tomorrow, Barb Thuma will complete a seven-week Mennonite Mission Network assignment at La Casa Grande, a children’s home in Benin. Pray that the love she shared with the children, through teaching English and working with them on the agricultural program, will bear fruit in the lives of each person she learned to know.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for changing seasons, and pray that WDC congregations may discern God’s presence and guidance in the midst of the opportunities and challenges that they face.

Announcements for November 12-19, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
FOR NOVEMBER 12, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 12, 2023
Twenty Fourth Sunday After Pentecost

Prelude—Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Miller); O God, Beyond All Praising (Callahan)–Karen Unruh

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Mary Ellen Hodge

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

Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz

Anthem—God Loves Me Dearly (Behnke)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director; Lucy Burch, flute

Scripture Reading—Amos 5:18-24—Ani Koontz

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

Scripture Reading—Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16

Sermon—Righteousness, Justice, and Wisdom—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—O Holy Spirit, Root of Life—VT 376

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn Take My Life, and Let It Be—VT 759

Benediction

Postlude—Toccata in Seven (Rutter)—Karen Unruh

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

This Week at BCMC: November 12—19, 2023
Sun., November 12, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship
Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/s6tSF2xQjNE?feature=share

The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   High School – Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
Tues., November 14, 2023
12 noon   Mid-Kansas Investment Club meeting in Fellowship Hall
1:30 p.m. Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., November 15, 2023—Wednesday Night Supper
5:30 p.m.   Wednesday night supper in Fellowship Hall—
Menu: Potato soup, fruit, bread, pumpkin cheesecake snickerdoodle cookies
6:30 p.m.   Wednesday Night Club
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., November 16, 2023
7 p.m.         Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sun., November 19, 2023
9:30 a.m.    Worship with sermon by Lauren Friesen; music by the Chancel Choir; 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation

Roger’s Whereabouts :  Roger will be back in the church office on Monday morning, November 20, remaining in Newton until Thanksgiving Eve, November 22. Whether he’s in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone call (785-220-1968).

BCMC Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meets Tuesday, November 14 at 1:30 in Fellowship Hall.

The BCMC Board continues to discuss the solar project and hopes to have more details about next steps sometime in December. Thank you for your patience! Margaret Toews and Jon Zerger for the board

Save the date, January 28, 2024 for Congregational Meeting and Soup Luncheon prior to the congregational meeting and the next fun-filled congregation and youth activity!

BCMC Offering for November 5, 2023: General Fund $7,899.33; Wed. Supper $311; MCC Meat Canning $25; Plant Fund $250; Gen Fund 2024 $1,826.59; Library Reserve Fund $35; Kitchen Fund $21.

The bcmcXpress is coming
You will be receiving a letter or an email shortly from the finance committee requesting your intent for giving to BCMC for the 2024 budget. Please give this careful and immediate consideration. This is very helpful in setting the budget for the coming year. Your generous contributions for 2023 are greatly appreciated.
The Finance Committee

It’s Supper Time at BCMC! Nov. 15, 5:30 p.m., in Fellowship Hall. Cost is $6/person or $18/family per meal. To facilitate the clean-up, please bring your own table service. Menu for Nov. 15 is Potato soup with toppings, (bacon, broccoli, cheese, green onion); fruit, bread, pumpkin cheesecake snickerdoodle cookies For this supper please bring a soup bowl also.

Welcome to Lauren Friesen
We welcome Lauren to deliver the sermon at BCMC on November 19. Lauren and his partner Janet joined BCMC last May. Previously they had been active at Chicago Community Mennonite Church where Lauren often preached. Prior to their time in Chicago, Lauren was a professor at the University of Michigan. We are glad that he and Janet have wandered their way into this community!

The church board is calling a special brief congregational meeting following worship in the sanctuary November 19, 2023 to act on the following board recommendation:
“That Bethel College Mennonite Church join the Repair Network, a binational network of congregations engaged in efforts to repair damages done to indigenous groups over the last centuries. Joining the network entails, among other things, a commitment of funds within the witness commission budget to support the ongoing efforts of the organization. This commitment would involve a commitment of $3,000 in the 2024 church budget, with the expectation that in 2025 the amount would be $4,000 and 2026 and years following $5,000, approximately 1% of the BCMC budget. It is understood that actions on budget beyond 2024 would follow normal budget development and action processes.”

Thanksgiving Day Pot Luck meal – If anyone is interested in a Thanksgiving day pot luck meal, please contact Naomi Krause, naomikrause@gmail.com or call/text 925-808-5620. You would be invited to bring your special dish. Two or more persons could volunteer to cook the turkey/ham. If coming, please RSVP. It’s fun to join together!

Poinsettias for Christmas

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. 21. 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.

BCMC welcomed nine new members on Sunday, November 5. Welcome to Karen Bertrand, Jane Goering, Vern Goering, Carol Ingenthron, Lyn Krause, Naomi Krause, Lonny Regier, Mary Regier, Sandy Rohe

To access their faith statements click here.

Antiracism Analysis Training
Your are invited to join a 2 1/2 day training covering topics such as Racial and cultural identity; White privilege; Institutions and institutional racism; Racism as a systemic reality, and more.

Training is January 12-14, 2024 at the Newton REC Center. There is a poster on the BCMC bulletin board. For the poster you can also click here.

To register click here. Note that there is early bird registration by December 1, 2023.

Bethel College Announcements
· (Sun., Nov. 12) – KIPCOR Film Series presents Eroding History, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. The film follows the story of two Black communities on Deal Island, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, as they face climate disaster and a history of environmental racism. Audience talkback with Dr. Jonathan Frye, professor of natural science at McPherson College, follows the screening; a freewill offering will be taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.
· (Sun., Nov. 12) – Senior recital by Bethel College student Halle Krehbiel, flute, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Tues., Nov. 14 – Bethel College Organ Recital Series presents Donna Hetrick, organ, with Alan Wenger, trumpet, 7 p.m., featuring works by Martini, Clarke, Hovhaness, Schroeder, Persichetti and Eben; Administration Building chapel
· Thurs., Nov. 16 – Artist reception for Eden Quispe and “Motherhood,” 6-8 p.m., Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Exhibit closes Fri., Nov. 17. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.
· Sat., Nov. 18 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Hayden Honomichl, voice, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Sun., Nov. 19 – Joint junior recital by Bethel College students Emil Benavides and Dylan Yoder, voice, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Mon., Nov. 20 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center

Life Enrichment at Krehbiel Auditorium, Bethel College—November 15
9:30 a.m. “Planting One Million Trees in Ten Years” Steve Thomas, U.S. coordinator for Mennonite Men, Goshen, IN
10:35 a.m “The Story of The Kansas African American Museum,” Denise Sherman, executive director, Wichita
11:30 a.m. Bethel College choirs in performance: Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Open Road, and Woven, Henry S. Waters, D.M.A., director of choral music and associate professor of music

All bakers and craft makers are invited to make items for 5 Places of Christmas Sat., December 2, at Goerz House, Bethel College. Bethel College Women’s Association will again be selling baked goods, candy, craft items and poinsettias. Your home-baked cookies, zwiebach, cinnamon rolls, peppernuts and poppyseed rolls are always great sellers. This year we are especially asking for homemade candies such as peanut clusters, peanut butter balls, peanut brittle or fudge. Please bring your items to Goerz House on Friday, December 1, from 1-4 p.m. or on Saturday from 9-10 a.m.

Everence will hold its popular Medicare workshop at its office in North Newton on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Topics will include, 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.
The in-person workshop will be held at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton. Those interested in attending should contact the Everence office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements

Young Adult Snow Camp (Feb. 16-18) Young Adult Snow Camp continues to join the Sr. High Snow Camp week of activities and fellowship with participants serving as program assistants AND participants at just the right young adult price . . . free!

Scrapbook Retreat, Jan. 26-28 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.

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

M&M Project Update: WE DID IT!!

We did it, friends! Working together, we have raised more than $100,000 for the Mission and Maintenance Project at Camp Mennoscah! Thank you all who have supported this effort with your prayers and your gifts! We’ve been able to match the generous gift that started this challenge back in the Spring!

So, what’s next? That’s a good question! One thing is for sure: We don’t want to stop the ball now that it is rolling! Camp is still in need of money for maintenance. We need to make sure we have the facilities working well so we can continue to be a place where people of all ages come to renew themselves, their relationships, and their connection with God. We still need maintenance to do the mission.Please consider giving to Camp Mennoscah and/or the M&M Project on Giving Tuesday – this year on November 28 – or as part of your end-of-the-year giving. It’s not that we aren’t thankful for all you’ve done – but there is a lot to be done at Camp, and we already know that God has touched your heart and called you to be part of Camp’s mission. Let’s not just finish the M&M Project strong – let’s finish the year strong!And who knows? Maybe – just maybe – someone may step up to match what we’ve contributed over and above our goal. Maybe that someone is someone you know. Maybe that someone is you! Thank you for being a part of Camp Mennoscah! 75 years – There is still so much ahead!You can contact Tammy at the addresses below. Checks can be made to Camp with “M&M” in the memo line, or you can give your gifts online.
Tammy Duvanel Unruh
Development Director, Camp Mennoscah
tammy.d.unruh@campmennoscah.org
316-207-3472
or
Camp Mennoscah
PO Box 65 Murdock, KS 67111
620-297-3290

For Mennonite World Conference “Courier” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network “Opening Doors” Blog press here
For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Announcements
· An Evening of Service at MCC on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 6:30-8 p.m. at MCC in North Newton. Bring new dark colored hand towels to pack hygiene kits. MCC partner Offender Victim Ministries will be here with supplies to write holiday greetings to prisoners, we’ll have comforters to tie and delicious snacks to enjoy. A great way to give on Giving Tuesday.
· If you are heading to South Texas any time soon, MCC Central States in North Newton is looking for your help to transport 25 boxes of kits to a partner in McAllen, TX. Contact Kate Mast at  katemast@mcc.org
   with any questions or interest.
· MCC Comforter update – thank you to all the hardworking MCC comforter makers who make beautiful, high-quality gifts to share with our partners around the world. The MCC guidelines for comforters were recently updated after receiving feedback from those partners around the world. For complete MCC comforter information, including the updated guidelines, go to the Comforters page of our website (mcc.org/get-involved/kits/comforters). Contact Workroom Supervisor, Kate Mast (katemast@mcc.org), with any comforter questions.
· SAVE THE DATE – The MCC Comforter Blitz will be March 4-6 in Yoder.
· Mennonite Central Committee responding to the Palestine and Israel conflict – As conflict has escalated in the region, MCC laments the violence and mourns all lives lost in Palestine and Israel. MCC remains committed to a just peace for all, and we invite you to join us in praying for an end to the violence. MCC is planning an emergency response to the current crisis with existing partners. Our response will focus on the humanitarian needs in Gaza, given the vulnerability of the population and lack of resources available to families. MCC’s work will build on previous responses to the ongoing conflict, including the distribution of food and bedding. We are also planning to offer trauma healing support and housing reconstruction. Donate online at mcc.org/Palestine-Israel or call 1-888-563-4676.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Shelley Buller, executive assistant to the Mennonite Church USA Executive Board, has announced her plans to retire at the end of 2023, after 46 years of dedicated service to the denomination. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/shelley-buller-retire

Menno Snapshots

Open enrollment for 2024 for The Corinthian Plan begins Nov. 1, 2023. The Corinthian Plan is a self-funded, healthcare plan for Mennonite Church USA pastors and church workers. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/tcp

Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster (Pennsylvania)worked with a local artist to create a public mural that represents their community’s history and diversity. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/beauty-of-earth

Joel Shenk, pastor of Toledo (Ohio) Mennonite Church, describes how he learned blacksmithing as part of his personal peace witness and how his conference and congregation have joined him in this work. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/peace-witness-anvil

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Matthew and Toni Krabill, as they prepare to move from the Paris Mennonite Center (France) to The Sanneh Institute in Accra, Ghana, to continue their work and ministry. Pray for them as they collaborate with partners in the Francophone Mennonite Network, who are launching a French-language theological training program.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregations in pastoral transition, and for those who are considering a call to ministry, that they would be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in times of change.

Announcements for November 5-12, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR NOVEMBER 5, 2023

Daylight Savings Time Ends Sunday, November 5. Turn your clocks BACK one hour (unless you’d like to be extra early for church Sunday morning!)

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 5, 2023
Twenty Third Sunday After Pentecost

Prelude— A Mighty Fortress is Our God (arr. Jason Payne)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Land Acknowledgement—Raylene Hinz-Penner

Call to Worship and Prayer—Heather Zerger

*Hymn—Open Lord, My Inward Ear—VT 548

Children’s Conversation—Adah and Tim Hodge

Anthem— God Be in My Head (John Rutter)—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Micah 3:5-12; Matthew 23:1-12—Juliana Schrag

Sermon— Close to the Ground—Nathan Koontz

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

Welcoming New Members—VT 961

*Hymn—Will You Let Me Be Your Servant—VT 778—All sing verses 1,6; Chancel Choir verses 2,4; Congregation verses 3,5

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—My Life Flows On—VT 605

*Benediction—Elizabeth Schmidt

Postlude—Sonata No. 6 “Vater unser” – Allegro molto—(Mendelssohn)— Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together

Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual— Ken Lamp

Land Acknowledgement compiled by Florence Schloneger 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.

This Week at BCMC: November 5—12, 2023
Sun., November 5, 2023
9:30 a.m.      Worship
10:45 a.m.    Faith Formation
4 p.m.           “Bethel Sings” in the Sanctuary
Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/E_oPXXnBDnM?feature=share

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

Mon., November 6, 2023
7 p.m.         Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tues., November 7, 2023
7 p.m.         Finance Committee meeting in Room 14
Wed., November 8, 2023—Wednesday Night Supper
5:30 p.m.   Wednesday night supper in Fellowship Hall—
Menu is: Sloppy Joes, Corn, Pickles, Chips, Butterscotch bars
6:30 p.m.   Wednesday Night Programming: “Climate Change: What We Can Do and How Much Difference It Can Make” with the BCMC Creation Care Committee
6:30 p.m.   Wednesday Night Club
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Sun., November 12, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; Kin-dom report by the Finance Committee on the bcmcXpress; music by the Chancel Choir

It’s Supper Time at BCMC! Nov. 8, 5:30 p.m., in Fellowship Hall. Cost is $6/person or $18/family per meal. To facilitate the clean-up, please bring your own table service. Menu for Nov. 8 is Sloppy Joes, Corn, Pickles, Chips, Butterscotch Bars

Save the date, January 28, 2024 for Congregational Meeting and Soup Luncheon prior to the congregational meeting and the next fun-filled congregation and youth activity!

Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger will be driving back to Topeka this afternoon. He will be back in the church office on Monday morning, November 20, remaining in Newton until Thanksgiving Eve, November 22. Whether he’s in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone call (785-220-1968).

BCMC Members Address Changes
· Jim Banman —3054 Ivy Court, 43S, North Newton, KS 67117
· Marion Deckert — 3056 Ivy Court, Apt. 12, North Newton, KS 67117
· Monica Gross — 3056 Ivy Court, Apt. 6, North Newton, KS 67117
· Gladys Niles — 3054 Ivy Court, 26S, North Newton, KS 67117
Following a recent hospitalization, Gladys Niles is receiving care in HealthCare at Kidron Bethel Village. She has initiated hospice services and welcomes brief visits. Please remember Gladys in your prayers.

BCMC Offering for October 29, 2023: General Fund $9,807; Wed. supper $356; MCC Meat Canning $1,125; Plant Fund $100; Caring Fund $50; Kitchen Fund $16; Women’s Fellowship $50; Patty Shelly Memorial $500.

We would like to express our thanks for everyone that was a part of Patty’s memorial service. Our gratitude goes out to Shirley King for the wonderful organ music, and to William Eash and the choir for the meaningful choral meditations. Thank you to all the readers of the scripture verses and poetry, and to Pastors Nathan and Elizabeth for their meditation and prayers at the service and their guidance and support during Patty’s illness and following her death. We are grateful for the work of the funeral committee and volunteers in serving the faspa meal and providing an opportunity for family and friends to fellowship together and share some memories about Patty. Caring messages sent through cards and conversations have also lifted us up during this time of grief. We are so thankful for all this, and feel blessed to be a part of such a supportive and caring church community.
-June Shelly, and the families of Andy Shelly and Doris Shelly Whillock

The church board is calling a special brief congregational meeting following worship in the sanctuary November 19, 2023 to act on the following board recommendation:
“That Bethel College Mennonite Church join the Repair Network, a binational network of congregations engaged in efforts to repair damages done to indigenous groups over the last centuries. Joining the network entails, among other things, a commitment of funds within the witness commission budget to support the ongoing efforts of the organization. This commitment would involve a commitment of $3,000 in the 2024 church budget, with the expectation that in 2025 the amount would be $4,000 and 2026 and years following $5,000, approximately 1% of the BCMC budget. It is understood that actions on budget beyond 2024 would follow normal budget development and action processes.”

Gaza Update: Mennonite Palestine Israel Network (MennoPIN) will host a Zoom conversation Saturday, 11/11, 9-10 a.m. with Tareq Abuhalima. Email wdc@mennowdc.org to get the Zoom link. Tareq grew up in Gaza City and is the current graduate assistant at Bluffton University’s The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center. Before beginning his graduate education at Bluffton University in January 2023, Tareq previously worked at Youth Vision Society in Gaza City as a project manager and served as MennoPIN’s “Twinning with Gaza” Initiative Coordinator. He recently presented a seminar at the Mennonite Church USA Convention in Kansas City and at our WDC Annual Assembly. He will share about his experience of growing up in Gaza and give an update on the disastrous human toll of the current war. Tareq recently learned that his sister was killed in the violence. He asked that this event not be postponed.

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Announcements
· An Evening of Service at MCC on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 6:30-8 p.m. at MCC in North Newton. Bring new dark colored hand towels to pack hygiene kits. MCC partner Offender Victim Ministries will be here with supplies to write holiday greetings to prisoners, we’ll have comforters to tie and delicious snacks to enjoy. A great way to give on Giving Tuesday.
· If you are heading to South Texas any time soon, MCC Central States in North Newton is looking for your help to transport 25 boxes of kits to a partner in McAllen, TX. Contact Kate Mast at  katemast@mcc.org
   with any questions or interest.
· MCC Comforter update – thank you to all the hardworking MCC comforter makers who make beautiful, high-quality gifts to share with our partners around the world. The MCC guidelines for comforters were recently updated after receiving feedback from those partners around the world. For complete MCC comforter information, including the updated guidelines, go to the Comforters page of our website (mcc.org/get-involved/kits/comforters). Contact Workroom Supervisor, Kate Mast (katemast@mcc.org), with any comforter questions.
· SAVE THE DATE – The MCC Comforter Blitz will be March 4-6 in Yoder.
· Mennonite Central Committee responding to the Palestine and Israel conflict – As conflict has escalated in the region, MCC laments the violence and mourns all lives lost in Palestine and Israel. MCC remains committed to a just peace for all, and we invite you to join us in praying for an end to the violence. MCC is planning an emergency response to the current crisis with existing partners. Our response will focus on the humanitarian needs in Gaza, given the vulnerability of the population and lack of resources available to families. MCC’s work will build on previous responses to the ongoing conflict, including the distribution of food and bedding. We are also planning to offer trauma healing support and housing reconstruction. Donate online at mcc.org/Palestine-Israel or call 1-888-563-4676.

Bethel College Announcements
· (Sun., Nov. 5) – Bethel Sings, a concert featuring all Bethel College vocal groups, Dr. Henry S. Waters, director, 4 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church (2600 College Ave., North Newton)
· Mon., Nov. 6 – Julia Spicher Kasdorf: “Thinking of Certain Mennonite Women: Reading from her poems and those of others, with discussion,” 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel at Bethel College. Sponsored by the Bethel College Women’s Association Carolyn Schultz Lecture Endowment, Bethel’s English department and convocation. Kasdorf will speak in convocation Mon., Nov. 6, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center, on “Documentary Poetry,” and lead a reading and open mic at 1887 Café in Schultz Student Center, Tues., Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m.
· Sat., Nov. 11 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Josué Coy Dick, violin, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Sun., Nov. 12 – KIPCOR Film Series presents Eroding History, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Audience talkback follows the screening; a freewill offering will be taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.
· Sun., Nov. 12 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Halle Krehbiel, flute, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Tues., Nov. 14 – Bethel College Organ Recital Series presents Donna Hetrick, organ, with Alan Wenger, trumpet, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Sat., Nov. 18 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Hayden Honomichl, voice, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Motherhood,” mixed media works by Eden Quispe, art teacher at Newton High School, through Fri., Nov. 17, with an artist reception Nov. 17. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.

Life Enrichment at Krehbiel Auditorium, Bethel College—November 8
9:30 a.m. “William Allen White and the KKK,” Beverley Olson Buller, Newton
10:50 a.m “Creation Improvisation,” Weldon Schloneger, former teacher, retired pastor and avid photographer, North Newton

You are invited to join First Mennonite Church of Halstead for their Annual Mission Supper at their church building, 427 W 4th, Halstead, Sat., Nov 11 from 5-7 p.m. The meal will be by donation to benefit missionaries Dave & Rebekka Stutzman (Germany) and Joseph and Rachel Givens (France), and local mission projects. The menu is German Sausage, Chicken Borscht, Fried Potatoes, Green Beans, Sauerkraut, Zwiebach, and Pie.

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

For Mennonite Men “Engage” click here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network click here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” click here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA has launched “Learn, Pray, Join: End Gun Violence,” an initiative to bring awareness to the complex issue that intersects with poverty, racism, discrimination, criminal justice, education and the environment. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/educate-topic-lpj Visit the initiative page here: mennoniteusa.org/lpj-end-gun-violence

Menno Snapshots

Did you know that Mennonite Church USA has a health plan? The Corinthian Plan provides health coverage for eligible pastors, church employees and their families. Current participants of the plan are also welcome to ask questions. Learn more during an upcoming Zoom meeting on Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. Register here: https://shorturl.at/tBMV7 View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/TCP-zoom-meeting-PDF

Katie Graber, Anneli Loep Thiessen and Sarah Kathleen Johnson share a glimpse into the new resource, Guide to Voices Together Songs and Resources with Connections to Indigenous Communities in Canada and the United States, which was recently released by the Voices Together team. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/connecting-communities-voices-together

Join us for our second Learn. Pray. Join: End Gun Violence webinar, Intersectionality of Gun Violence, focused on the intersectionality of gun violence and the call to explore our Anabaptist response to it. This webinar will provide information about the impact of gun violence on different communities, as well as provide information about mental health impacts, including suicide and how congregations can walk alongside those at risk and their family/friends. Register here: https://shorturl.at/irS58 View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/lpj-end-gun-violence-webinar-PDF

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: MMN requests prayer for the Johnstown Service Adventure unit, made up of Elias Wolff, Henriette Preuss, Leni Schreiber and Marie Haller, as well as unit leaders Josh and Stef Musser and their children, Jacob and Noah. Pray for a harmonious household, deepening faith and service that reflects God’s love through clinics, Head Start, school and after-school programs.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC’s Israel Palestine Task Force, and for WDC congregations that are engaged in advocacy for peace and justice for all who suffer war and violence.

Announcements for October 29 – November 5, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
Worship Service and Announcements for October 29, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 29, 2023
Reformation Sunday

Prelude—God of Heaven and of Earth (Sigfrid Karg-Elert), O my Soul, Rejoice with Gladness (Sigfrid Karg-Elert), Now Thank We all Our God (Sigfrid Karg-Elert)—Karen Schlabaugh

Christ Candle Lighting

Call to Worship and Prayer—Dorothy Nickel Friesen

*Hymn—A Mighty Fortress Is Our God—VT 421

Children’s Conversation—Dorothy Nickel Friesen

*Hymn—There Is a Line of Women—VT 546

Scripture Reading—Acts 2:1-4, 14-18—Joyce Holck

Sermon—Your Sons and Daughters will Prophesy—Lois Barrett

*Hymn—The Word of God Is Solid Ground—VT 399

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Move in Our Midst—VT 827
People with October birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal

Blessing and Benediction—Nathan Koontz

Sung Benediction—The Lord Lift You Up—VT 832

Postlude—Many Gifts (Patty Shelly)—Karen Schlabaugh

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual— John Thiesen

This Week at BCMC: October 29—November 5, 2023
Sun., October 29, 2023—Reformation Sunday
9:30 a.m.    Sermon by Lois Barrett
Reformation Sunday (always the last Sunday in October) is marked in Protestant churches for the reformers like Zwingli, Luther, Calvin, etc. However, the Anabaptists did not want to reform the church but declared that believer’s baptism, separation of church and state, and holy living were the true marks of the church, hence called the “Radical Reformation”.   Lois Barrett, ordained pastor and retired professor of theology and Anabaptist studies at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (Elkhart, IN) preaches today. She and Dorothy Nickel Friesen will lead the elective Sunday School (in the Sanctuary) with a presentation and discussion of the book they co-edited, Proclaiming the Good News: Mennonite Women’s Voices 1972-2006, recently published by AMBS/Institute of Mennonite Studies.
Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/CRW9ATSb-5k?feature=share

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

Wed., November 1, 2023—Wednesday Night Supper
5:30 p.m.   Wednesday night supper in Fellowship Hall—
Menu is: Sausage potato breakfast casserole, Fruit, Waffle Cake
6:30 p.m.   Wednesday Night Programming: Senior High Youth Representatives Panel on Climate Change in Fellowship Hall
6:30 p.m.   Wednesday Night Club
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., November 2, 2023
4 p.m.         Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
6:30 p.m.   Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.         Church Board meeting in Room 14
Sun., November 5, 2023
9:30 a.m.      Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; welcoming new members to BCMC        10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
4 p.m.           “Bethel Sings” in the Sanctuary

Congratulations to Herb and Mary Fransen who celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on October 24!

Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger will be back in the BCMC office on Wednesday morning, November 1, returning to Topeka on Sunday, November 5 . Whether he’s in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone call (785-220-1968).

BCMC Offering for October 22, 2023: General Fund $7,992; Wed. Supper $356.15; MCC Meat Canning $1,190; Plant Fund $150; Caring Fund $25; Bequests $15.42; Kitchen Fund $19; Women’s Fellowship $305. LaVerne Epp Memorial $50.

Congratulations! We are moving into the final quarter of 2023 in one of the strongest financial positions since 2016. We were about $850 short last month and we are down about $10,000 for the year, but with the intents/pledges that remain to be filled we should make it. With a bit of extra effort we could bring in dollars above budget which would go to support the churches list of benevolences. This seems like a laudable goal. — Finance Committee

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

If anyone is interested in a Pot Luck Thanksgiving meal, please contact Naomi Krause. You would be invited to bring your special dish. Two or more persons could volunteer to cook the turkey/ham. It’s fun to join together! naomikrause@gmail.com or call/text: 925-808-5620

It’s Supper Time at BCMC! Nov. 1, 5:30 p.m., in Fellowship Hall. Cost is $6/person or $18/family per meal. To facilitate the clean-up, please bring your own table service. Menu for Nov. 1 is Sausage potato breakfast casserole, Fruit, and Waffle cake.

You’re invited to a Panel Discussion on White Christian Nationalism Sunday, Oct. 29, 4 p.m., at Shalom Mennonite Church, Newton. Kansas Interfaith Action (KIFA) is holding a series of panel discussions throughout the state in October and November to explore White Christian Nationalism: what it is, how it is affecting state and national politics and policy, and how people of faith can effectively stand against it. Join KIFA and local community leaders for an in-depth discussion on this dangerous ideology, which is being used to push regressive policies in a wide variety of areas in Kansas and nationally. Panelists include Jerrell Williams, pastor of Shalom Mennonite Church, and Peter Goerzen, professor of Bible and Religion at Bethel College. As people of faith we are uniquely equipped to combat Christian Nationalism. In order to do so, we must first understand the concept and how it takes form in policy.

Harvey County Habitat for Humanity’s major fundraiser is a pick-up or dine-in pork chop meal on November 16 from 4-7 p.m. at Faith Mennonite Church. Call 316-283-0121 (before Nov. 2) and leave a message to reserve your meal(s). Bring your donation on Nov. 16, send to PO Box 1015, Newton KS 67114 or make on-line at harveycountyhabitat.org/donate.

Mennonite Central Committee responding to the Palestine and Israel conflict – As conflict has escalated in the region, MCC laments the violence and mourns all lives lost in Palestine and Israel. MCC remains committed to a just peace for all, and we invite you to join us in praying for an end to the violence. MCC is planning an emergency response to the current crisis with existing partners. Our response will focus on the humanitarian needs in Gaza, given the vulnerability of the population and lack of resources available to families. MCC’s work will build on previous responses to the ongoing conflict, including the distribution of food and bedding. We are also planning to offer trauma healing support and housing reconstruction. Donate online at mcc.org/Palestine-Israel or call 1-888-563-4676.

You are invited to a Warkentin House Hymn Sing and Faspa, Sun., Oct. 29, 4 p.m., Warkentin House, 211 E. 1st St., Newton. Reservations are required with a suggested donation of $10. Hymnals will be provided. Karen Bauman Schlabaugh, pianist, William Eash, song leader. To reserve your spot, email Merle Schlabaugh at mschlab@bethelks.edu.

You are invited to join First Mennonite Church of Halstead for their Annual Mission Supper at their church building, 427 W 4th, Halstead, Sat., Nov 11 from 5-7 p.m. The meal will be by donation to benefit missionaries Dave & Rebekka Stutzman (Germany) and Joseph and Rachel Givens (France), and local mission projects. The menu is German Sausage, Chicken Borscht, Fried Potatoes, Green Beans, Sauerkraut, Zwiebach, and Pie.

Join Hope Mennonite Church for their Fall Festival Sat., Nov. 4, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the church building, 868 N. Maize Road, Wichita. All proceeds from the event help support Hope Mennonite Church service projects: Camp Mennoscah, Family Promise and MCC. There will be live music, a bake sale, kids activities, local vendors, Quilter’s Corner, and breakfast and lunch – Cinnamon Rolls, German Sausage, Bierocks, Pie, and more. All are welcome!

Bethel College Announcements
· TODAY (Sun., Oct. 29) & Mon., Oct. 30 – Annual Menno Simons Lectures, “The Mennonites in Revolutionary Ukraine,” with Dr. Aileen Friesen, professor of Mennonite studies at the University of Winnipeg, 7 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday, Krehbiel Auditorium at Bethel College. Lecture 1: “Violence Among Neighbors: Revolution and Tragedy in Southern Ukraine”; Lecture 2: “Beyond the Red Gate: Mennonites and Emigration from Soviet Ukraine”; Lecture 3: “In Love, We Remain: Family and Loss under Stalin.” Opportunity for discussion follows each lecture.
· Mon., Oct. 30 – “Motherhood,” mixed media works by Eden Quispe, opens in the Regier Art Gallery in Lukyen Fine Arts Center at Bethel College (reception Nov. 16). Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Tues., Oct. 31 – Bethel College Orchestra Halloween concert, “Halloween Soundscapes,” directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Music from internationally known video games and animation such as The Legend of Zelda, Princess Mononoke and Super Mario Brothers Galaxy.
· Sat., Nov. 4 – Kauffman Museum bird walk, 8 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets (2801 N. Main St., North Newton 67117). Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).
· Sun., Nov. 5 – Bethel Sings, a concert featuring all Bethel College vocal groups (Chapel Choir, Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Open Road, Woven), Dr. Henry Waters, director, 4 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church (2600 College Ave., North Newton 67117)
· Mon., Nov. 6 – Julia Spicher Kasdorf: “Thinking of Certain Mennonite Women: Reading from her poems and those of others, with discussion,” 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel at Bethel College. Sponsored by the Bethel College Women’s Association Carolyn Schultz Lecture Endowment. Kasdorf will also speak in convocation Mon., Nov. 6, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center, on “Documentary Poetry,” and lead a reading and open mic at 1887 Café, Tues., Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m.
· Sat., Nov. 11 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Josué Coy Dick, violin, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Sun., Nov. 12 – KIPCOR Film Series presents Eroding History, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Audience talkback follows the screening; a freewill offering will be taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.

Life Enrichment at Krehbiel Auditorium, Bethel College—November 1
9:30 a.m. “Changing Landscape of Local Journalism and the Importance of Community Support,” Adam Strunk, minority owner and managing editor, Harvey County Now, Newton
10:50 a.m. “Midwest Arrowhead Hunting,” Mike Todd, Sedan.

Everence will hold an informative Medicaid and long-term care workshop Mon., Nov. 6, starting at 6:30 p.m. Topics include, what benefits are provided by Medicaid and who is eligible, how the Division of Assets process works, when long-term care insurance is a good fit, and how long-term care insurance can protect your heirs. There will also be time for your questions. The in-person workshop will be at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton. Information will be presented by guest speaker, Cynthia A. Wiens, attorney from Adrian & Pankratz, P.A. To register contact Everence at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.

GriefShare offers a safe, welcoming support group to help you discover relief, comfort, and peace of mind in loss. Manhattan Mennonite Church will host an online GriefShare group beginning November 1, 6:30-8 p.m., and continuing every Wednesday night through January 31. This group meets intentionally through the holidays because grief can be especially difficult in these seasons. A zoom link and a workbook will be available to those who register. More information here: https://www.griefshare.org/groups/175924

Schweitzers and Friends. An opportunity for the theatrically inclined. One of the events celebrating 150 years since ancestors came to the U.S. in 1874 is a musical drama to be given March 23 and 24, 2024, by Schweitzers and Friends. The first informational meeting will be Sun., Nov. 12, 2023, 2 p.m. in the Eden Mennonite Church, 401 18th Ave. Moundridge. If you are interested in being part of a drama depicting a history of Anabaptist Mennonites there are parts for children and adults, as well as a choir. Rehearsals will begin the last week of January and be held twice a week (the evening that works best and Sunday afternoons). Questions: contact Jenny Schrag by text or phone 620-747-9158.

From Mennonite Church USA

Join us for our second Learn. Pray. Join: End Gun Violence webinar focused on the intersectionality of gun violence and the call to explore our Anabaptist response to it. This webinar will provide information about the impact of gun violence on different communities, as well as provide information about mental health impacts, including suicide and how congregations can walk alongside those at risk and their family/friends.

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

From Mennonite Church USA – The Corinthian Plan – Open Enrollment – November 1, 2023 – click here

For Mennonite Men Appreciation Breakfast for men in Newton, Kansas area – November 18, 8 a.m. click here

Living that Matters for Men: A half-day retreat. Men, what kind of man do you want to be and how can you live a life that matters? In this half-day retreat, men will examine scripts we’ve been given, explore differing expressions of masculinity, and reconsider our purpose in life. This retreat will be led by Steve Thomas, director of Mennonite Men and author of Living that Matters (Herald Press, 2023), at Shalom Mennonite Church from 8:00-12:00, on Saturday, November 11. See more information or register at https://www.mennonitemen.org/.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” click here

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

For Mennonite World Conference “Info” click here

For Anabaptist Disabilities Network “Opening Doors Blog” press here

We need your help! On Saturday, November, 18, 2023 Buhler Mennonite Church & IdeaTek need your help to package 50,000 meals. Our plan is to keep the meals local– providing food for our local neighbors. What a great way to give of your time during the Thanksgiving season to help those who struggle to put food on the table. There is a job for all ages 7 to 147 years of age. You can work one shift or both shifts. Job orientation is provided. This will be held at the Sand Hills Event Center in Hutchinson and there are two shifts available. Click below for more details and a link to signup…

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Volunteers are needed immediately to work (M-F) alongside the facilities director on general maintenance tasks. Working on these regular maintenance tasks will allow more time for planning and preparation for the Retreat Center HVAC project. The project is running behind and we need to make up time! Call or text Jordan at 316-613-1848. Calls/texts will be answered between 8am – 5pm. Volunteer hours will also be 8am-5pm or a portion of that time. Please bring a water bottle and your lunch.

Other events and happenings:

Recruiting for Summer Staff at Hesston, Tabor, and Bethel College will take place November 6-8 respectively. Camp staff will be available primarily in the morning until lunch (or maybe somewhat longer) to answer questions about summer staff positions. Staffers need to be at least 18 years old, preferably with one year of college or equivalent experience (like volunteering). Positions include office, lifeguard, nature, music, maintenance, and crafts. A pizza gathering for interested people will be held on November 8 around 6:30pm, location TBD. Text or call Olivia at 316-293-7313 with questions.
The Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats will be moving to the Retreat Center. All activities and lodging will be in the Retreat Center. HVAC renovations have not taken place yet, so space heaters will still be used. The Retreat Center is better insulated and will offer a more comfortable temperature than the dining hall. Cropping and crafting will be downstairs and meals will be upstairs, so attendees need to be prepared to go up and down stairs. If you have already registered and this does not work for you, contact us at 620-297-3290. Register now and bring your friends!

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA is saddened to announce that Patricia Shelly, 71, who was a former pastor, professor, MC USA Executive Board member and moderator, died Sept. 4, in Newton, Kansas, after a three-year struggle with pancreatic cancer. Patricia “Patty” Shelly served as a board member on the MC USA Executive Board from 2005 to 2017, the final four years of which she served as moderator-elect, then moderator. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/patricia-shelly

Menno Snapshots

Chrissie Muecke, curriculum writer and editor for MennoMedia and Brethren Press, describes how art depicted in The Peace Table was created with intention, with special consideration for diversity and creating ways for children to relate to the stories and the characters. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/art-peace-table

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Today brings closure to a five-day gathering of Mennonite Mission Network’s Mennonite Voluntary Service leaders and participants in Tucson, Arizona. Pray that this gathering inspired each participant to grow in their faith and in their practice of discipleship throughout the coming year.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: From generation to generation your mighty works have been. I also ask that your mighty works be manifested amid the times in which we live. Make us understand your desires and appreciate and carry out your projects and vision of these last days. In the name of Jesus we ask you. Amen -WDC Church Planting Commission

Announcements for October 22-29, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
OCTOBER 22, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 22, 2023
Twenty First Sunday After Pentecost

Prelude—Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (arr. Payne)–Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting—Dianne Epp

Call to Worship and Prayer

*Hymn—In the Rifted Rock I’m Resting—VT 619

Children’s Conversation—David Kreider

Anthem—Fairest Lord Jesus (Derek Hakes)–Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Exodus 33:12-23—Mara Oswald

*Hymn—We Long to Know Her—VT 44

Scripture Reading—Matthew 22:14-22—Mara Oswald

Sermon—Our God?—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Ask the Complicated Questions—VT 440

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise—VT 98

Benediction

Postlude—Fanfare on “Mit freuden zart” (arr. Portman–)Will Wiebe-Friesen

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

This Week at BCMC: October 8—15, 2023
Sun., October 22, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/I4DjeiW3ERY?feature=share

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

2 p.m. Sunday, October 22 Wedding of Charlie Gibson and Nathan Garber in the BCMC Sanctuary
Congratulations to Verlene and Ron Garber on the marriage of their grandson Nathan Garber to Charlie Gibson,

Tues., October 24, 2023
11 a.m.       Staff meeting
Wed., October 25, 2023—Wednesday Night Supper
5:30 p.m.   Wednesday night supper in Fellowship Hall—Menu is: Chicken Cordon Bleu, green beans, wild rice, banana pudding dessert
7 p.m.         Youth Group meeting
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., October 26, 2023
6:30 p.m.   Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.         Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
7 p.m.         Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in Fellowship           Hall
Sun., October 29, 2023—Reformation Sunday
9:30 a.m.    Sermon by Lois Barrett
10:45 a.m. Sunday school elective in the Sanctuary
Reformation Sunday (always the last Sunday in October) is marked in Protestant churches for the reformers like Zwingli, Luther, Calvin, etc. However, the Anabaptists did not want to reform the church but declared that believer’s baptism, separation of church and state, and holy living were the true marks of the church, hence called the “Radical Reformation”.   Lois Barrett, ordained pastor and retired professor of theology and Anabaptist studies at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (Elkhart, IN) will preach on October 29. She and Dorothy Nickel Friesen will lead the elective Sunday School with a presentation and discussion of the book they co-edited, Proclaiming the Good News: Mennonite Women’s Voices 1972-2006, recently published by AMBS/Institute of Mennonite Studies.

It’s Supper Time at BCMC! Oct. 25, 5:30 p.m., in Fellowship Hall. The cooks would like an idea of how much food to make so we are asking you to make reservations for supper by emailing the office by Mon., Oct. 23. Cost is $6/person or $18/family per meal. To facilitate the clean-up, please bring your own table service. Menu for Oct. 25 is Chicken Cordon Bleu, green beans, wild rice, banana pudding dessert.
For the office email, click here

Roger’s Whereabouts: Roger will be driving back to Topeka Sunday afternoon (10/22). He will be back in Newton on November 1. Whether he’s in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone call (785-220-1968).

BCMC Offering for October 15, 2023: General Fund $380.33; Wed. supper $641; MCC Meat Canning $150; Plant Fund $58.33; Library Reserve Fund $5; Patty Shelly Memorial $150.

Congratulations! We are moving into the final quarter of 2023 in one of the strongest financial positions since 2016. We were about $850 short last month and we are down about $10,000 for the year, but with the intents/pledges that remain to be filled we should make it. With a bit of extra effort we could bring in dollars above budget which would go to support the churches list of benevolences. This seems like a laudable goal. — Finance Committee

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

Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum, today Oct. 22 @ 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
“Learning about Climate Change with Online Simulation Software: Agriculture, Food, and Equity Issues,” by Dr.Dwight Krehbiel, professor emeritus of psychology, Bethel College. The presentation will provide a rapid overview of a free online tool called En-ROADS to promote learning and thinking about climate change. Dr. Krehbiel will explore how this tool can be employed to help understand the role of agriculture and of food production and consumption in climate change, as well as the countless ways in which climate change threatens health and wellbeing, especially for people who are already poor or in some way marginalized. Dr. Krehbiel developed an interest in climate change modeling over a number of years of teaching a course on computing in science. In early 2020, he completed a 6-week training course in the use of En-ROADS software for workshops with diverse audiences, becoming a Climate Ambassador for Climate Interactive, a non-profit climate think-tank that created En-ROADS. Dwight has been teaching at Bethel for the past 46 years in psychology, statistics, and neuroscience.

Our Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Meat Canning dates are October 24 and 25 (Tuesday and Wednesday.) Make checks out to BCMC with “MCC Meat Canning” in the memo line. We also need volunteers to help with the canning. The link for work signup is: https://tinyurl.com/MeatCanning2023 If this doesn’t work, just show up—they’ll probably need you. Let’s help feed the hungry people in our world! —Lowell Stucky, BCMC Meating Canning Representative

Harvey County Habitat for Humanity’s major fundraiser is a pick-up or dine-in pork chop meal on November 16 from 4-7 pm at Faith Mennonite Church. Call 316-283-0121 (before Nov. 2) and leave a message to reserve your meal(s). Bring your donation on Nov.
16, send to PO Box 1015, Newton KS 67117 or make on-line at
harveycountyhabitat.org/donate.

Bethel College Announcements

(Sun., Oct. 22) – Guest lecture and performance: Dr. Jeffrey Savage, 4 p.m., Ad Building chapel at Bethel College. Dr. Savage, a faculty member at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, will discuss Beethoven’s “Sonata Op. 90” and then play it to conclude the program.

Mon., Oct. 23 – Brian Skinner, a teacher at Newton High School, will receive the 2023 Young Alumnus Award and give a presentation at Bethel College, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center.

Sun., Oct. 29 & Mon., Oct. 30 – Annual Menno Simons Lectures, “The Mennonites in Revolutionary Ukraine,” with Dr. Aileen Friesen, professor of Mennonite studies at the University of Winnipeg, 7 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Lecture 1: “Violence Among Neighbors: Revolution and Tragedy in Southern Ukraine”; Lecture 2: “Beyond the Red Gate: Mennonites and Emigration from Soviet Ukraine”; Lecture 3: “In Love, We Remain: Family and Loss under Stalin.” Opportunity for discussion follows each lecture.
https://www.bethelks.edu/article/bethel-lecturer-will-look-historical-conflict-modern-war-zone

Tues., Oct. 31 – Bethel College Chamber Orchestra Halloween concert, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center

Sun., Nov. 5 – Bethel Sings, a concert featuring all Bethel College vocal groups, Henry Waters, director, 4 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church (2600 College Ave., North Newton 67117)

Mon., Nov. 6 – Julia Spicher Kasdorf: “Thinking of Certain Mennonite Women: Reading from her poems and those of others, with discussion,” 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel at Bethel College. Sponsored by the Bethel College Women’s Association Carolyn Schultz Lecture Endowment. Kasdorf will also speak in convocation Mon., Nov. 6, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center, on “Documentary Poetry,” and lead a reading and open mic at 1887 Café, Tues., Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m.

Life Enrichment at Krehbiel Auditorium, Bethel College—October 25
9:30 a.m. “Welcoming refugees in Kansas,” Galyna Golyshevska, community engagement coordinator, International Rescue Committee Kansas, Wichita
10:35 a.m. “Maxwell Wildlife Refuge—As Good as It Gets,” Trisha Smith, director, Canton
11:30 a.m. “Coast to Coast by Bicycle,” John and Mindy Long, Newton

You are invited to a Warkentin House Hymn Sing and Faspa, Sun., Oct. 29, 4 p.m., Warkentin House, 211 E. 1st St., Newton. Reservations are required with a suggested donation of $10. Hymnals will be provided. Karen Bauman Schlabaugh, pianist, William Eash, song leader. To reserve your spot, email Merle Schlabaugh at mschlab@bethelks.edu.

Camp Mennoscah Announcement

M&M Project Update: SO CLOSE!!
As of October 16, we have raised more than $90,000 for the Mission and Maintenance Project at Camp Mennoscah! Thank you all who have supported this effort with your prayers and your gifts! It shouldn’t be long before we reach our goal of $100,000, matching our generous giver who started this challenge back in the Spring!

Donations have continued to come in from many individuals and congregations. On September 24, the good folks at Southern Hills Mennonite Church in Topeka, KS, had a Camp Sunday. Various people shared about their camp experiences, wore their Camp Mennoscah gear, and sang a few Camp songs during worship. Children’s time included a campfire! (Not a real one, but . . .) After church a taco salad lunch was served – a traditional Camp favorite! Southern Hills gave Camp Mennoscah’s M&M Project a gift of more than $3300 to help support Camp’s mission by supporting Camp’s Maintenance!

Camp Mennoscah had a booth at the Bethel College Fall Festival, where Camp gear was sold and a donation station collected money specifically for the M&M Project. That same weekend, First Mennonite Church in Halstead, KS, held their annual Hog Roast, with part of the proceeds going to M&M.

There are events coming up, the income from which will go to support M&M. Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, Inman, KS, is holding its annual Mission Supper on October 21 with proceeds to go to the M&M Project, and First Mennonite Church in Beatrice, NE, is planning to host a breakfast event to raise funds on October 29.
We are almost there! Now is the time to make your donation and become part of the M&M Project and the promise it represents.
You can contact Tammy at the addresses below. Checks can be made to Camp with “M&M” in the memo line, or you can give your gifts online.

Tammy Duvanel Unruh
Development Director, Camp Mennoscah
tammy.d.unruh@campmennoscah.org
316-207-3472
or
Camp Mennoscah
PO Box 65    Murdock, KS 67111
620-297-3290

Mennonite Central Committee responding to the Palestine and Israel conflict – As conflict has escalated in the region, MCC laments the violence and mourns all lives lost in Palestine and Israel. MCC remains committed to a just peace for all, and we invite you to join us in praying for an end to the violence. MCC is planning an emergency response to the current crisis with existing partners. Our response will focus on the humanitarian needs in Gaza, given the vulnerability of the population and lack of resources available to families. MCC’s work will build on previous responses to the ongoing conflict, including the distribution of food and bedding. We are also planning to offer trauma healing support and housing reconstruction. Donate online at mcc.org/Palestine-Israel or call 1-888-563-4676.

Everence^® to hold Nov. 6 Medicaid and long-term care workshop

Everence will hold an informative Medicaid and long-term care workshop on Monday, Nov. 6, starting at 6:30 p.m. Topics will include, what benefits are provided by Medicaid and who is eligible, how the Division of Assets process works, when long-term care insurance is a good fit, and how long-term care insurance can protect your heirs. There will also be time for your questions. The in-person workshop will take place at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton, KS.
Information will be presented by guest speaker, Cynthia A. Wiens, attorney from Adrian & Pankratz, P.A.
To register contact Everence at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.

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

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

QUILTOBER AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN – The window for October quilt retreats is closing fast with only UFO III, October 22-27 and Fall Mennonite Quilters Retreat, October 31-Nov. 3. 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 in retreat. To register, please visit the camp website at www.rmmc.org.

GriefShare offers a safe, welcoming support group to help you discover relief, comfort, and peace of mind in loss. Manhattan Mennonite Church will host an online GriefShare group beginning November 1, 6:30-8pm, and continuing every Wednesday night through January 31. This group meets intentionally through the holidays because grief can be especially difficult in these seasons. A zoom link and a workbook will be available to those who register. More information here: https://www.griefshare.org/groups/175924

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

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

Menno Snapshots

Sydney Leah Bontrager, Mennonite Church USA’s 2023 Bring the Peace award recipient, describes how God has impacted her through her work raising funds to provide relief to Myanmar villages and a Myanmar orphanage. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/interview-bontrager

For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network “Opening Doors Blog” press here

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Tomorrow, Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission and its partners, from eight countries, are beginning their annual International Central Council meetings in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mennonite Mission Network, one of these partners, asks you to join in prayer for God’s Spirit to guide the five days of worship, prayer, discernment and decision making for the coming year.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC staff as they help to carry out WDC’s work of supporting ministers and other leaders, resourcing congregations, and nurturing emerging communities of faith.

Announcements for October 15-22, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
OCTOBER 15, 2023 — FALL FEST SUNDAY

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box 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/pgCule14pac?feature=share

The worship service for Sunday was planned by Bethel College. All are welcome to come to this Fall Fest Sunday service! There will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall after the service with coffee, water, and cookies. All are welcome to come to the reception! We do not have an order of service to print here. There will be no Sunday School this Sunday.

This Week at BCMC: October 15—22, 2023
Sun., October 15, 2023—Fall Fest Sunday
10 a.m. Note the change of time for worship this Fall Fest Sunday; You are invited to a reception in Fellowship Hall following the service with coffee, water, and cookies. There is no Sunday School October 15.

Tues., October 17, 2023
11 a.m. Staff meeting
7 p.m. Women’s Fellowship meeting in Fellowship Hall
BCMC Women’s Fellowship is meeting Tuesday at 7 in Fellowship Hall for a presentation about Bangladesh. Cliff Dick and Marlene Ewert will share information and their experiences with us. Brenda Turner will provide refreshments. Please join us!

Wed., October 18, 2023—Wednesday Night Suppers
5:30 p.m. Wednesday night supper in Fellowship Hall—Menu is: Enchilada Casserole; salad; cinnamon pie—Please sign up—
The cooks would like an idea of how much food to make so we are asking you to make reservations for supper by emailing the office by Mon., Oct. 16. Cost is $6/person or $18/family per meal. To facilitate the clean-up, please bring your own table service. Email: office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org with how many people in your party will attend the supper.

7 p.m.         Youth Group meeting
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., October 19, 2023
6:30 p.m.   Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7:30 p.m. Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sat., October 21, 2023
5 p.m. Wedding rehearsal in the sanctuary followed by rehearsal dinner in Fellowship Hall
Sun., October 22, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship service with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Choir
2 p.m. Charlie Gibson and Nathan Garber wedding in the BCMC Sanctuary

Reformation Sunday (always the last Sunday in October) is marked in Protestant churches for the reformers like Zwingli, Luther, Calvin, etc. However, the Anabaptists did not want to reform the church but declared that believer’s baptism, separation of church and state, and holy living were the true marks of the church, hence called the “Radical Reformation”. Lois Barrett, ordained pastor and retired professor of theology and Anabaptist studies at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (Elkhart, IN) will preach on October 29. She and Dorothy Nickel Friesen will lead the elective Sunday School with a presentation and discussion of the book they co-edited, Proclaiming the Good News: Mennonite Women’s Voices 1972-2006, recently published by AMBS/Institute of Mennonite Studies.

BCMC Offering for October 8, 2023: General Fund $8,841.37; MCC Meat Canning $620; Plant Fund $250; Caring Fund $150; Kitchen Fund $26.25; Women’s Fellowship $50; Patty Shelly Memorial $675.

Congratulations! We are moving into the final quarter of 2023 in one of the strongest financial positions since 2016. We were about $850 short last month and we are down about $10,000 for the year, but with the intents/pledges that remain to be filled we should make it. With a bit of extra effort we could bring in dollars above budget which would go to support the churches list of benevolences. This seems like a laudable goal. — Finance Committee

You are invited to the Pumpkin Patch!
Saturday, October 21,

3:00-7:00 p.m.
Hotdogs and S’mores, Cottonwood Campfire Site, located at P and M Pumpkin PatchPlease RSVP to Brad Kohlmanby October 19Bradkohlman32@hotmail.com

Bethel College Announcements
Sun., Oct. 22 – Guest recital: Dr. Jeffrey Savage, piano, 4 p.m., Ad Building chapel at Bethel College

Sun., Oct. 29 & Mon., Oct. 30 – Annual Menno Simons Lectures, “The Mennonites in Revolutionary Ukraine,” with Dr. Aileen Friesen, professor of Mennonite studies at the University of Winnipeg, 7 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Lecture 1: “Violence Among Neighbors: Revolution and Tragedy in Southern Ukraine”; Lecture 2: “Beyond the Red Gate: Mennonites and Emigration from Soviet Ukraine”; Lecture 3: “In Love, We Remain: Family and Loss under Stalin.”

Last week to see “Bold Color: Acrylic paintings by Virgil Penner,” in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, through Fri., Oct. 20. The gallery is closed Oct. 16-17 for Bethel’s fall break, and open 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Life Enrichment for October 18 in Krehbiel Auditorium, Bethel College
9:30 a.m. “The Fascinating and Sexy World of Kansas Fireflies,” Larry Buschman, Ph.D., Kansas State University Department of Entomology (retired)
10:35 a.m. “Helping Students Discover the Relevance of Art History in the Classroom and Beyond,” Rachel Epp Buller, Ph.D., professor of visual arts and design, Bethel College
11:30 a.m. “Harvey County Road Adventure,” Forrest and Nora Miller, Newton

Harold Regier will be speaking onMonday, October 23, 3 pm, at Kidron Bethel Villagein North Newton about the experience he and his wife Rosella had with aphasia-therapy, and ongoing connections with the Wichita State University Communication Sciences and Disorders Department. This is in preparation for a presentation Harold will make at the national American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention in Boston in November.
Harold welcomes members of the local community to attend his presentation on October 23.
From Harold: “I will be giving a presentation at Kidron telling the story of how Rosella and I discovered and practiced a technique we called “Aphasia-Friendly Reading.” As you know, Rosella had a stroke that left her with this speech disorder. I’ve been invited to tell our story at the national “American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)” Convention in Boston in November. For my presentation at Kidron, Life Enrichment staff welcomes community people interested in hearing this story to attend this program at Kidron Hall at 3 p.m. on Monday, October 23. Of course, I’m shy about promoting my own story that has now gotten national attention. You’re probably rightly guessing it’s Rosella’s and my more than a decade of aphasia therapy and my continuing connection with WSU’s “Communication Sciences and Disorders Department that has picked up on our technique and has given it national exposure. They now want me to tell our story of how we happened onto the technique that researchers are now testing as a possible additional aphasia therapy tool. My presentation at Boston will be followed by SLP researchers describing their follow-up testing and work being done with this technique. Perhaps it would be of interest to the church community that one of what I call “indicators” that led me to this technique is our experience with church liturgy, in our cases specifically with our tradition of the responsive reading of “Calls to Worship.”

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

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

Mennonite Central Committee responding to the Palestine and Israel conflict – As conflict has escalated in the region, MCC laments the violence and mourns all lives lost in Palestine and Israel. MCC remains committed to a just peace for all, and we invite you to join us in praying for an end to the violence.

MCC is planning an emergency response to the current crisis with existing partners. Our response will focus on the humanitarian needs in Gaza, given the vulnerability of the population and lack of resources available to families. MCC’s work will build on previous responses to the ongoing conflict, including the distribution of food and bedding. We are also planning to offer trauma healing support and housing reconstruction. Donate online at mcc.org/Palestine-Israel.

For Anabaptist Disabilities Network Fundraiser press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network “Opening Doors Blog” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA Executive Board staff has named Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler as the new climate justice coordinator. She began the half-time position on September 5, 2023, working remotely as part of MC USA’s Transformative Peacemaking department. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/stoltzfus-climate

Menno Snapshots

David Maldonado, who works both as a pastor of College Mennonite Church and a construction worker, shares what life is like in bivocational ministry and why someone might choose that path, in his interview with Adriana Celis of MenoTicias. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/bivocational-call-service

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

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

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Today, Ecuador is holding run-off presidential elections. Mennonite Mission Network requests prayers for peace, as the country has been experiencing increasing violence. In August, an anti-corruption candidate, Fernando Villavicencio, was killed at a campaign event, and nine others were injured.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregations as they nurture followers of Christ through faith formation, preparation for baptism and church membership, and ongoing discipleship and service.

Announcements for October 8-15, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR OCTOBER 8, 2023

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

Bethel College Mennonite Church
October 8, 2023

Prelude—Karen Unruh, Keyboard
A Gift to be Simple (Emilin)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Doug Siemens

*Hymn—Like a Mother Who Has Borne Us—verses 1,2,4—VT 518

Child Dedication—Eliza Sarah Tschetter—daughter of Rebecca and Aaron Tschetter and sister of Theodore Alden Tschetter—VT 971

Children’s Conversation—Carol Flickinger

Worship Music—Take it to the Lord (Eithun)—Chancel Bells

Scripture Reading—Deuteronomy 6:1-9, 20-25; Mark 2:13-22—Bill Swartley and Naomi Krause

Sermon—A Curious People—Roger Neufeld Smith

*Hymn—Renew Your Church—VT 717

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Siyahamba (We Are Marching—VT 793

Benediction

Postlude—Karen Unruh, Keyboard

Audio-visual—Francis Toews

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

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

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

This Week at BCMC: October 8—15, 2023
Sun., October 8, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/eYXvKvqVEtA?feature=share

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

Tues., October 10, 2023
9 a.m.        Women’s Fellowship Executive meeting in Room 14
12 p.m.      Mid-Kansas Investment Club meeting in Fellowship Hall
5 p.m.        Faith Formation Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., October 11, 2023—Wednesday Night Suppers Start
10:30 a.m. New member orientation in Room 14
5:30 p.m.   Wednesday night supper in Fellowship Hall—Menu is: Chicken &
                    Noodles, peas, Cherry crunch dessert—Please sign up—see below
6:30 p.m.   Program in Fellowship Hall by the BCMC Task Group for Indigenous
                    Justice Discussion on “Land Stewardship”
7 p.m.         Youth Group meeting
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thurs., October 12, 2023
6:30 p.m.   Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
Sun., October 15, 2023—Fall Fest Sunday
10 a.m.       Note the change of time for worship this Fall Fest Sunday; You are invited to a reception in Fellowship Hall following the service with coffee, water, and cookies. There is no Sunday School October 15.

At 6:30 on Wednesday evening, October 11 after the first fall supper at 5:30 the Task Group for Indigenous Justice will host a discussion on land stewardship, options that address inherited agricultural land, ideas for ways inherited land might serve restorative justice projects.  We have asked several people to present brief lead-off ideas or models, but we envision our time together as a discussion to stimulate our thinking and ask questions. Come join our discussion.

It’s Supper Time at BCMC!  Oct. 11, 5:30 p.m., in Fellowship Hall. The cooks would like an idea of how much food to make so we are asking you to make reservations for supper by completing this form and placing it in the offering plate or emailing the office by Mon., Oct. 9. Cost is $6/person or $18/family per meal. To facilitate the clean-up, please bring your own table service. Menu for Oct. 11 is Chicken & Noodles, Peas, and Cherry Crunch Dessert
Email the office to tell the BCMC Wednesday night cooks how many of you will be attending:  office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org

Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger will be driving back to Newton on Sunday (10/8). He will be back in Newton on Thursday, October 19. Whether he’s in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone call (785-220-1968).

BCMC Offering for October 1, 2023: General Fund $5,137; Plant Fund $100; Caring Fund $40; Kitchen Fund $8.25; Patty Shelly Memorial $250.

We offer sympathy to RuthAnn Hiebert on the death of RuthAnn’s sister, Elsie Louise Dickerson, Malad, Idaho, Sept. 28. The memorial service for Elsie was Oct. 9 in Malad.

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

Our Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Meat Canning dates are October 24 and 25 (Tuesday and Wednesday.) Make checks out to BCMC with “MCC Meat Canning” in the memo line. We also need volunteers to help with the canning. Here’s the link to pass around for meat canning volunteers:

https://tinyurl.com/MeatCanning2023

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

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

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

No Life Enrichment October 11 due to Fall Festival.

Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Country Breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m., Sat., Oct. 14, in Kidron Hall (3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton). Enjoy pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee and orange juice by donation. Proceeds benefit the Health Care Benevolent Fund, a ministry of Kidron Bethel Village, assisting residents who are unable to cover the full cost of their care.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

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

Other events and happenings:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Menno Snapshots

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

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

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

Announcements for October 1-8, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR OCTOBER 1, 2023

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/lS9Ba5cekas?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 1, 2023
World Communion Sunday

Prelude—Sonata No. 6 “Vater unser” (F. Mendelssohn)–II. Fugue; III. Finale: Andante—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Call to Worship and Prayer—Elizabeth Schmidt

Land Acknowledgement—Dale Schrag

*Hymn—We Dream of a Turning—VT 209

Children’s Conversation—Judy Harder

Anthem—At the Supper of the Lamb (Lee Dengler)—Chancel Choir

Scripture Reading—John 6:30-35—Brad Born

Sermon—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—I Come with Joy—VT 478

Communion (“The Bread of Life; The Cup of Blessing”)
Hymn— Eat This Bread— VT 476

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn— Sent Forth by God’s Blessing— VT 812

Choral Benediction—God Be in My Head (John Rutter)—Chancel Choir

Postlude—Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten (J.S. Bach)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger is in Newton the remainder of this week. He will be driving back to Topeka on Monday (10/2) but will return to Newton Thursday morning (10/5), staying until Sunday afternoon (10/8). Whether he’s in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone call (785-220-1968).

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

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

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

For Your Calendars: Wednesday night suppers begin October 11.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
M&M Project Update: The monies that have been brought in for the Mission and Ministry Project (M&M) now total more than $80,000! Gifts, small and large, continue to be given to the fund drive, and we are getting closer weekly to our goal of matching the generous gift of $100,000 that started this matching drive. Thank you all so much! One such gift was given to Camp last Sunday during the 75th Anniversary Kick-Off. Members of the Primetime Sunday School Class, a class for ages 70-90, at Whitestone Mennonite Church, Hesston, presented Camp with a check for $1000, making them the latest of a long list of Fire Keepers. There are several events coming up, the income from which will go to support M&M. Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, Inman, is holding its annual Mission Supper Oct. 21 with proceeds to go to the M&M Project, and First Mennonite Church in Beatrice, NE, is planning to host a breakfast event to raise funds on Oct. 29. Now is the time to make your donation and become part of the M&M Project and the promise it represents. . Checks can be made to Camp with “M&M” in the memo line, or you can give your gifts online. Tammy Duvanel Unruh, Development Director, Camp Mennoscah; tammy.d.unruh@campmennoscah.org
316-207-3472 or Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS 67111,
620-297-3290.

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

Other events and happenings:

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

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

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcementsFor Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press hereMennonite Church USA Announcements
invitation for Mennonites working in public education
Let’s have real discussions of what it means to live out our faith (or not) in the public schools. What do you do about the pledge of allegiance? What other issues stand in the way of peaceful witness in our schools? Mennonite Public Educators is a group that brings together Mennonite teachers and other education professionals who work in a public school setting in the US or Canada for mutual encouragement, support, and learning. For more information or to receive the RSVP link, contact info@MennoniteEducation.org.

Learn more and register by October 15, 2023, for the Mennonite Church USA Generation Z Energy and Spirit Challenge. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/energy-spirit View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/slide-energy-youth

Menno Snapshots

Ingrid Friesen Moser, wellbeing coordinator for Mennonite Church USA’s The Corinthian Plan, shares how spending time outdoors can help heal us and, when we come together for climate justice, can also help our planet. Read her story here: mennoniteusa.org/heal-ourselves

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Pray for Joseph and Rachel Givens, who work with volunteers at the Maria Skobtsova House in Calais, France, to offer food and shelter to migrants, as they seek refuge en route to the United Kingdom. Pray for deep spiritual grounding for the Givens family and the volunteers, as they accompany people suffering from deep trauma. Pray also for more volunteers

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for pastors beginning ministry assignments in WDC congregations, as they offer leadership and get to know new faith communities.