Category Archives: Announcements

Worship Service and Announcements for August 25, 2024

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2024

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

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
August 25, 2024

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—There’s Nothing Worth More [VT 369]–(arr. Rogers)–Meghann Rogers

Welcome & Prayer—Elizabeth Schmidt

*Hymn—What Is This Place—VT 22

Children’s Conversation—Blessing of the Backpacks—Jill Robb

Hymn—May God Grant You a Blessing—VT 845

Scripture Reading—1 Kings 8:1,6,10-11, 22-30, 41-43; Ephesians 6:10-20—Karen Ediger

Sermon—More Than Meets the Eye—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Beloved, God’s Chosen—VT 164

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—For the Healing of the Nations—VT 705
People with August birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal

*Birthday Blessing and Benediction

Postlude—May You Be Rooted and Grounded [VT 396]–(arr. Rogers)
Meghann Rogers

* You are invited to stand

VT—Voices Together

Audio visual—Ken Lamp

For our youth to feel supported and loved for the 2024-2025 school year, we will be blessing their backpacks by giving them a tag to remind them they are being prayed over by members of our congregation.

Our backpack blessing for our youth (and adults) will be this Sunday, August 25 during the children’s story. Please have your child(ren) bring their backpack to have our congregation bless their year.

If you have a work bag you would like to be blessed by the congregation, PLEASE bring it with you to church so we can give you a tag for your bag!

— Jill Robb, Faith Formation Coordinator

The Next Week at BCMC: August 25—September 1, 2024
Sunday, August 25, 2024—Blessing of the Backpacks
9:30 a.m. Worship. Jeanette Leary will be the volunteer in the nursery.
YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/bVTAA8eiK1g?feature=share

Wednesday, August 28, 2024
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, August 29, 2024
6 p.m. Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
Saturday, August 31, 2024
11 a.m. Memorial Service for Marilyn Stucky in the Sanctuary; Lunch in the Fellowship Hall will follow immediately after the service
Sunday, September 1, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader
Monday, September 2, 2024—Labor Day—Office will be closed; church locked; Tuesday, September 3, 2024—Office will be closed

BCMC ANNOUNCEMENTS

The memorial service for Marilyn Stucky (Marilyn died June 20) will be Sat., Aug. 31, 11 a.m. at BCMC, with a lunch in fellowship hall following the service.

Dorothy Unruh turns 103 on September 12, 2024! Send birthday messages and blessings to Dorothy at 1407 Hillcrest Road, Newton, KS 67114.

The Chancel Bells will begin practicing September 5 for our fall music. But, I need several players to complete the choir. This commitment ideally would be for the entire year, but I can work with a month at a time. We are easy to work with and very forgiving if you are a new player. Please consider making this contribution to the worship of our church. I am excited to get going again with some new music and some that hasn’t been done for several years. Our library has many options. Contact Verlene: verlenegarber@gmail.com or 620-217-5266

If you’ve been a nursery volunteer in the past or would like to become a new nursery volunteer, please notify Sara Dick, new nursery schedule coordinator, at saradick1@gmail.com. The schedule is posted in the nursery and will be updated as folks volunteer. Please notify Sara rather than sign yourself up for shifts directly on the schedule, so she knows where we need helpers and where we’re all set. Thank you for caring for our youngest attenders and their families!

Pastor Joanna will have office hours at the 1887 Cafe in the Schultz Student Center every Thursday morning from ten to noon. She would love for you to stop by for a chat!

We offer sympathy to Pauletta (Stan) Brodhagen and Connie (Rex) Esau on the death of their sister, Patricia Kay Rupp. Patricia died Sun., Aug. 11, in Moundridge. Memorial services were held at Eden Mennonite Church on August 15.

Greetings on behalf of Faith Formation!
The Sunday School teaching year will officially begin September 8 and we are in need of teachers and helpers to teach 3 age levels of our youth: pre-k, elementary, and middle school.
Sunday School Safe Sanctuary training will be September 1 during the Sunday School time in Fellowship Hall.
Even if you are the slightest bit interested, please listen to the call and email Jill Robb at jill@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org

Save the Date: Peace Witness Event, Sept. 15-16
The BCMC Witness Commission is very pleased to announce plans for a peace witness event around Peace Sunday on September 15-16. Our church along with the Bible and Religion Department of Bethel College and in collaboration with area churches invites you to engage with Christianity and Democracy led by well known author, academic, and presenter, David P. Gushee (https://davidpgushee.com).

Community Playschool is gearing up for the start of another school year on September 10. We have 15 children and 8 volunteers lined up to participate in two classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We are offering a HUGE thank you to the youth group and their sponsors for clearing out debris from the perimeter of the playground. This happened on July 6 during their service/learning week. It was brutally hot that day, and they worked tirelessly to clear out several years of leaf clutter that gathers at the fence. We are so grateful to them for this effort! We hope you all can venture down the north hall in the lower level often after September 10 to see signs of our program at work right here at BCMC!
— Jeanette Leary and Kasey Newell, co-directors

Looking ahead to November, the Library theme for the next few months will be Religion and Politics. There are books that might help answer questions about our current political climate. A partial display is behind the library desk.

BCMC Offering for Aug. 18, 2024: General Fund $10,075; Kitchen Fund $23.30; Solar Fund $275.

Now is the time to renew the BCMC group subscription to Anabaptist World, a monthly magazine featuring voices from across the Anabaptist-Mennonite world. If you sign up with the congregation’s plan, you receive this publication at the discounted rate of $44. If interested in joining the group plan, contact Monica Lichti in the church office as soon as possible. New subscribers can also receive a one-year subscription for the discounted rate of $44. To subscribe email office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Bring in or mail your $44.00 to the office or place it in the offering plate Sunday. Mark your checks with “Anabaptist World” in the memo line. If you are currently receiving Anabaptist World through the BCMC group subscription plan it will expire Nov. 2024. Anabaptist World would like us to renew the subscription now so that you receive the magazine without interruption.

The deadline for announcements for the week’s upcoming Sunday’s BCMC bulletin is Thursday morning. It may not be possible to include an announcement if it is received later.

Bethel College Announcements:
· Mon., Aug. 26“The Rose Aesthetic,” works by Gwen and Victor Rose, opens in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College (reception Sept. 19). Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Sat., Sept. 14 — Duo piano recital: Dr. Christina Liu (Bethel College) and Dr. Brett Janssen (Central Christian College), 4 p.m., Ad Building chapel at Bethel College
· SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, Sept. 15, Forum on Democracy and Christianity with David Gushee, Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University, 3 p.m., Memorial Hall at Bethel College; sponsored by Bethel College Mennonite Church and the Bethel Department of Bible and Religion. Gushee will also speak in convocation Mon., Sept. 16, 11 a.m., in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center.

The Life Enrichment program at Bethel College plans to start up again on Wednesdays from Aug. 28-Nov. 20 this Fall. Life Enrichment is for people age 60 and above and is an excellent way to continue learning and meet people from the surrounding area in a relaxed setting.
· Cost: $40 per semester or $4 per week; first-time attendees get a free day
· Time: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.-11:50 a.m. for two-session dates; Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. for three-session dates
· Location: All sessions will be in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center on the Bethel campus
· Lunch cost: $7 full meal; $5 soup/salad/dessert. Please purchase tickets for lunch by 10:30 a.m. with cash, or check payable to “Aladdin Foods.”
August 28—9:30 a.m. “The Case for a Mennonite Work College,” Jon C. Gering, president, Bethel College
August 28—10:50 a.m. “The Harvey Girls: Women’s Roses in Railroads, Kansas and U.S. History,” Dr. Michaeline Chance-Reay, professor emeritus of women’s studies and education, Kansas State University, Manhattan

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

We’re just a few weeks away from the Western District Women in Mission Women’s & Girls’ Retreat on September 7-8 at Camp Mennoscah with our theme of Peaceful Practices. Registrations are due by August 30. The retreat brochure and registration form are on our website at this link:
https://www.westerndistrictwomeninmission.org/events
If you plan to come Saturday morning to tie comforters, please remember that lunch is not provided, so bring a sack lunch. Questions? Send an e-mail to westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

FreedUp: Everence® is offering a new stewardship training program. The FreedUp program is a way for everyone to get their finances in order – and gain a deeper faith perspective on your money. Everence facilitators will lead the sessions. The upcoming option for participants is Mondays at 8 p.m. ET beginning Oct. 7; ending Nov. 18. Register at everence.com/partners.

SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER WEBINARS FROM EVERENCE^®
Finances and You!
Discover topics that integrate your faith and finances!Don’t miss this free, four-part webinar series. You’ll hear how Everence^® can help you make important financial decisions that reflect your faith values.The webinars will be presented by Everence professionals and there will be plenty of time for your questions.All webinars held on Wednesdays at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)Learn more and register SEPTEMBER 11
Why give now? 12 strategies to maximize your generosity in 2024.No matter your income or age, explore how you can make a difference in the world by stretching the impact of your giving to the missions, ministries and organizations you care about.Presented by: Lyle Miller, Stewardship Consultant & Phil Pratt, Charitable Consultant SEPTEMBER 18
Getting our lives together, Giving our lives away, and Giving our deaths away.For those of us interested in integrating our faith with our finances, we often find ourselves focusing on different concerns throughout our lives. Intentionally embracing these unique periods of our lives can encourage growth in our stewardship journey and help form us into the image of Christ. Presented by: Colin Saxton, Stewardship Theologian and Director of Church Relations SEPTEMBER 25
Social Security: Understanding your benefitsDoes the thought of figuring out social security make you want to curl up in a ball and cry? Well, help is on the way. Come and learn the in’s and out’s of social security that will provide you clarity as you consider your social security future.Presented by: Steve Lane, AWMA^®, CFP^®, Financial Consultant OCTOBER 2 Investing 202Mutual funds, pensions, stocks, bonds, IRA’s, Roth IRA’s, 401k’s, Real estate- this list seems to go on and on and on for investment options. This presentation will help you sort through your investment options and other considerations as you explore what investments make sense for you.Presented by: Michael Burton, CFP^®, CEPA^®, Financial ConsultantFor more information, visit everence.com/national. Please email national@everence.com with any questions.

Et Cetera Shop Volunteer Experience
Do you want to expand your social circle? Do you want to make new friends?
Do you want to be a part of a mission that serves our local communities and the world? Then join us for our Volunteer Experience Sat., Aug. 31 from 9-11 a.m., as we explore the mission and vision of the Newton Et Cetera Shop!
We will journey through the history of the shop, our current vision, the work of our volunteers, and how you might become a part of this vital mission in our community! This event is open to all!

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements
LABOR DAY WORK & PLAY RETREAT – If you, your family or a group of friends want to enjoy the holiday weekend at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, there are 16 spaces available to register. The weekend is offered as a day of work and play (Sat. or Sun.) with a Monday morning sendoff after breakfast. This year (August 30-September 2, 2024), we’ll be serving (foodservice & HK) along with additional work projects in preparing our facilities/grounds for the coming winter.

MDS FIRE, HAZARD & DISASTER MITIGATION – On October 8-12, 2024, Mennonite Disaster Service and Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp will continue their critical partnership in the work of forest thinning, chipping slash and moving/removing logs. A desire for 10 or more volunteers are needed each day to accomplish the tasks at hand. Volunteers for foodservice are also encouraged and welcomed to help in support of the week’s efforts. Please visit the volunteer page at www.rmmc.organd select “MDS FIRE MITIGATION & TREE THINNING & LIMBING” or “VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES & SIGN-UP” (foodservice) to register for the week or for the days you are able to come.

For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here
Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
Mennonite Men Webinar “Living outside the—Man Box” press here
Mennonite Mission Network “News from around the world” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

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

Menno Snapshots

Steve Griffin, the pastor of Bellwood Mennonite Church, Milford, Nebraska, chronicles his journey from leaving the Pentecostal church to Calvinism and to finally finding his home in Anabaptism. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/pentecostalism-to-anabaptism

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the 25 congregations that make up Colombia Mennonite Church (IMCOL). Pray that IMCOL will realize its goals of strengthening its Anabaptist identity and organizational capacity.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: As the sun sets on another day, let’s welcome the gift and blessing of tomorrow. Let’s pray and be thankful for the opportunities to build relationships and share the love of Christ. Let’s pray for resolve and encouragement along with perseverance to keep trying. Let’s pray for our leaders and those called and willing to church plant and support church planting across WDC. Let’s be thankful for a new day! -WDC Church Planting Commission

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

Worship Service and Announcements for August 18, 2024

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2024

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

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
August 18, 2024
Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (arr. Lau)–
Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome & Prayer—Adam Robb

*Hymn—Be Thou My Vision—VT 549

Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz

Worship Music—Lead me Lord  (Wesley)
Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will-Wiebe Friesen, accompanist

*Hymn—Come and Seek the Way of WisdomI—VT 196

Scripture Reading—1 Kings 3:3-14; Mark 10:35-45—Jeanette Stucky and Coralee Shenk

Sermon—The Glory of a Heart that Listens
Joanna Harader

*Hymn—Will You Let Me Be Your Servant—VT 778

Prayers of God’s People—Adam Robb

*Hymn—God of Grace and God of Glory—VT 716

*Benediction

Postlude–Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten (JS Bach)

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

The Next Week at BCMC: August 18—25, 2024
Sunday, August 18, 2024—Welcome to Joanna Harader
9:30 a.m.   Worship
YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/YCmTrnD5WVU?feature=share
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
9 a.m.       Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Room 14
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, August 22, 2024
4 p.m.   Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
7 p.m.   Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
Sunday, August 25, 2024—Blessing of the Backpacks
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz
4 p.m.        Newton Community Children’s Choir parents’ meeting in sanctuary

A reminder that the next Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting will be Wednesday, August 21 at 9 a.m.

Pastor Joanna will have office hours at the 1887 Cafe in the Schultz Student Center every Thursday morning from ten to noon. She would love for you to stop by for a chat!

The memorial service for Marilyn Stucky (Marilyn died June 20) will be Sat., Aug. 31, 11 a.m. at BCMC, with a lunch in fellowship hall following the service.

BCMC Offering for Aug. 11, 2024: General Fund $7,502; Mennonite Central Committee $200; Sr Hi Youth $200; Kitchen Fund $10; Solar Fund $80.

The Chancel Bells will begin practicing September 5 for our fall music. But, I need several players to complete the choir. This commitment ideally would be for the entire year, but I can work with a month at a time. We are easy to work with and very forgiving if you are a new player. Please consider making this contribution to the worship of our church. I am excited to get going again with some new music and some that hasn’t been done for several years. Our library has many options. Contact Verlene:
verlenegarber@gmail.com or 620-217-5266

If you’ve been a nursery volunteer in the past or would like to become a new nursery volunteer, please notify Sara Dick, new nursery schedule coordinator, at saradick1@gmail.com. The schedule is posted in the nursery and will be updated as folks volunteer. Please notify Sara rather than sign yourself up for shifts directly on the schedule, so she knows where we need helpers and where we’re all set. Thank you for caring for our youngest attenders and their families!

Greetings on behalf of Faith Formation!
The Sunday School teaching year will officially begin September 8 and we are in need of teachers and helpers to teach 3 age levels of our youth: pre-k, elementary, and middle school.
Sunday School Safe Sanctuary training will be September 1 during the Sunday School time in Fellowship Hall.
Even if you are the slightest bit interested, please listen to the call and email Jill Robb at jill@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org

We offer sympathy to the family of Monica Gross. Monica died August 15 at Kidron Bethel Village Health Care. Please remember in your prayers Monica’s daughters Cheryl Britsch and Camille Tantibanchachai and their families. The date and time for the memorial service will be announced soon.

Save the Date: Peace Witness Event, Sept. 15-16
The BCMC Witness Commission is very pleased to announce plans for a peace witness event around Peace Sunday on September 15-16. Our church along with the Bible and Religion Department of Bethel College and in collaboration with area churches invites you to engage with Christianity and Democracy led by well known author, academic, and presenter, David P. Gushee (https://davidpgushee.com).

The 2024 issue of Bethel College’s online journal Mennonite Life can now be viewed at ml.bethelks.edu The issue includes articles by Rod Ratzlaff, Mark Jantzen and Rachel Pannabecker related to the 150th anniversary of Mennonite immigration to North America from the Russian Empire, as well as the text from last spring’s Bible Lectures by César García and Sandra Báez, several other articles, and book reviews.

Last Call for those who subscribe to the devotional Rejoice through the BCMC group subscription. The last issue of Rejoice (Sept.-Oct.-Nov.) is in your mailboxes or in the mail. Therefore, it is time to renew for the coming year. The bulk subscription price is $35.93. The devotional is mailed to BCMC and your copy will be either placed in your mailbox here at church, or mailed to you. If you wish to subscribe (even if you have not subscribed before) place your check in the offering plate or bring or mail to the office with “Rejoice subscription” in the memo line.

Dear BCMC congregation:
The Solar Panel committee would like to bring you an update on our solar project.
1. About our pledges:
a. A total of $192,180 has been pledged — that is enough to pay for the entire project! A big thank you to BCMC! We are overwhelmed by your generosity!
b. To date $150,609.86 of the pledges have been received!
c. The remaining $41,109.14 pledges are expected to be received over the remaining pledge period for the years 2025 and 2026.
2. To follow the solar panels “at work”:
a. there is a link you can access to follow “minute by minute” how the solar collectors convert solar energy into electricity: Use the following link:
https://monitoringpublic.solaredge.com/solaredge-web/p/site/public?name=BCMC#/dashboard
b. This link will be available on the BCMC website in the near future.
c. Look at the bulletin boards in the Gathering Space for a large printout of the solar panels at work. Look for regular updates of these graphs.
d. Check out the solar equipment at ground level on the east side of the church. The “humming” you hear indicates that the inverters are at work.
3. The application for the 30% Federal Energy grant is in process. Applications for this energy grant can only be applied for once the project is finished. For BCMC the application will be processed in the next Federal tax cycle of 2025. The grant amount comes to about $58,000.
4. If you have questions concerning the BCMC Solar Panel project, please contact any member of our committee: Dwight Krehbiel, Margaret Toews, Lorna Harder and Hugo Boschmann

Looking ahead to November, the Library theme for the next few months will be Religion and Politics. We’ve pulled some books that might help answer questions about our current political climate. A partial display is behind the library desk.

Volunteer opportunity: The next volunteer training session for New Hope Shelter is on Monday, August 19th at 7:30 pm. BCMC is one of 24 area congregations regularly providing volunteers to New Hope, and about five times a year we fill a week’s worth of evening slots in coordination with Faith Mennonite Church. Volunteers provide food for an evening meal or spend time at the shelter with the residents, along with an on-site staff supervisor. More help is always welcomed, and can be regular or occasional. If you’d like to learn about the work of New Hope or consider volunteering, please plan to attend the August 19 session at 308 South Meridian Road, Newton, KS. New Hope serves homeless men, women, and children from Harvey, Butler, Marion, and McPherson counties. -Cynthia Linscheid

FreedUp: Everence® is offering a new stewardship training program. The FreedUp program is a way for everyone to get their finances in order – and gain a deeper faith perspective on your money. Everence facilitators will lead the group sessions, including the first get-acquainted session. There are two upcoming options for participants to choose from:
· Tuesdays at 2 p.m. ET beginning Aug. 20; ending Oct. 1 or
· Mondays at 8 p.m. ET beginning Oct. 7; ending Nov. 18.
Register at everence.com/partners.

We’re just a few weeks away from the Western District Women in Mission Women’s & Girls’ Retreat on September 7-8 at Camp Mennoscah with our theme of Peaceful Practices. Registrations are due by August 30. The retreat brochure and registration form are on our website at this link:
https://www.westerndistrictwomeninmission.org/events
If you plan to come Saturday morning to tie comforters, please remember that lunch is not provided, so bring a sack lunch. Questions? Send an e-mail to westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com.

Bethel College Announcements:
· Sun., Aug. 18 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum, 3 p.m., with Lorna Harder, professor emeritus of biology at Hesston College and former curator of natural history at Kauffman Museum, on the 40th anniversary of the museum’s tallgrass prairie reconstruction; museum auditorium (corner of Main & 27th streets, North Newton).
· SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, Sept. 15, Forum on Democracy and Christianity with David Gushee, Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University, 3 p.m., Memorial Hall at Bethel College; sponsored by Bethel College Mennonite Church and the Bethel Department of Bible and Religion. Gushee will also speak in convocation Mon., Sept. 16, 11 a.m., in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center.

It’s almost here – 150th celebration on August 23-25, at Eden Mennonite Church. Throughout the last year we have celebrated with Zwingli movie, Ukraine speaker, Quilt show, plowing and planting with horses and binding and shocking wheat, Jerry Juhnke talking about genealogy, the historical drama, unveiling the memorial sculpture by Ann Zerger and Chip Parker, and now comes more to enjoy: seminars, Readers’ Theater, poppyseed break, threshing Red Turkey wheat, ethnic supper, entertainment. Children’s activities. We still have t- shirts and mugs and books for you to remember the weekend. And lots of meeting new and old friends under the banner of “Schweitzers AND Friends.”
Better register now. All the events will be recorded and put on the www.swissmennonite.org website so you can see anything you missed. I can’t wait. See you there. – Kathy Goering

Saturday, Aug. 24, will be the final Schweitzers & Friends 150^th celebration Pioneer Event with a demonstration of threshing and milling of Turkey Red Hard Winter Wheat which was raised using horse drawn and vintage equipment, just west of the Moundridge Museum complex. We will be using a McCormick-Deering threshing machine powered by an antique tractor to thresh the bundles of Turkey Red we bound and shocked back on June first. There will also be an 1874 grist mill, milling demonstration providing a unique opportunity to have Turkey Red wheat flour available for purchase. Along with the threshing and milling events, Vintage Farm Equipment, with some of the great machines of the past, will be on display all day. These events will start with the farm equipment display beginning at 9 a.m., just west of the Moundridge Museum Complex. We will be setting up the threshing and milling demonstration all morning with our official start at 3 p.m. There will be limited bleacher seating and concessions (including K3 Creamery) available to help you enjoy these unique pioneer events and celebrate the 150th Schweitzers & Friends anniversary celebration. The whole community is invited to join us! —Glen Goering

A Message from the Mennonite Central Committee Peace & Justice Ministries

Dear Bethel College Mennonite,Apache Stronghold invites you to join in a journey of prayer to save the Apache sacred land of Oak Flat, or Chi’chil Bildagoteel,from copper mining. The proposed mine would cause the sacred land to collapse, leaving a crater more than 1,000 feet deep and two miles wide. Apache Stronghold invites others to join on this prayer journey to “stop the shattering of the human existence and to protect Mother Earth.” On July 13, Apache Stronghold began the prayer journey with the Lummi Nation in Washington state. They are traveling across the U.S., visiting with Indigenous supporters and spiritual leaders for prayer and ceremony in 20 locations before reaching Washington, D.C. Apache Stronghold will gather for a final prayer vigil on September 11 at the U.S. Supreme Court, to be held in conjunction with the filing of their appeal against Resolution Copper. You can support the prayer journey in the following ways: Keep Apache Stronghold in your prayers.Sign the petition to support Apache Stronghold in their quest for justice.Write to your members of Congress and urge them to save Oak Flat.Join in person at points along the prayer journey. You can follow Apache Stronghold on Instagram @protectoakflat for more details or connect with them via email.Come to Washington, D.C., for events with Apache leaders from September 8-10, and the final prayer vigil on September 11.

Save Oak Flat from copper mining

In peace and solidarity, Daniela Lázaro-Manalo
Racial Equity Advocacy and Education Coordinator Kirstin De Mello
Climate Advocacy and Education Coordinator National Peace & Justice Ministries
MCC U.S.

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.

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

Menno Snapshots

Spiritual director Jane Hoober Peifer laments the difficulties of staying present while at her listening post. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/confessions-spiritual-director

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Ben and Laurel Woodward-Breckbill, who are preparing to serve as directors of the Paris (France) Mennonite Center. Pray that God and God’s people will provide all the necessary resources, so that the Woodward-Breckbill family can begin ministry this month.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for WDC church communities observing the 150th anniversary of Mennonites coming to Kansas and Nebraska. Pray for God’s wisdom, both as we celebrate the gifts of the past and as we pursue paths for healing the harm and injustice that is also part of our story as Mennonites.

Worship service and announcements for August 11–18, 2028

Remember — this Sunday’s service (August 11) begins at 10 a.m.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 11, 2024

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

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:45 a.m., go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box below that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/-gAYqNYB6V4?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
August 11, 2024
Welcome Pastor Joanna Harader
and New Students from Bethel College

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Cynthia Neufeld Smith

Welcome—Brad Kohlman

Opening Prayer—Tobin Wise

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

Old Testament Reading—Deuteronomy 6:4-9—Lilith Jackson

Gospel Reading—Matthew 22:37-40—Emma Graber

Children’s Conversation—Roger Neufeld Smith

Worship Music—When the Morning Stars Together—Chancel Choir, Chancel Bells and
Congregation—Joel Garber, Chancel Choir director; Verlene Garber, Chancel Bells director;
Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

New Testament Reading – Corinthians 3:6-11—Taryn Paulino

Sermon – When the Ground is Shifting —Joanna Harader

*Hymn of Response—We Are People of God’s Peace—VT 797

Prayers of God’s People—Brad Kohlman

*Hymn—Guide My Feet— VT 816

Benediction

Blessing—The Lord Lift You—VT 832

Postlude

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

Everyone is invited to meet in the Gathering Place after the worship service to say farewell to Pastor Roger Neufeld Smith and to welcome Pastor Joanna
Harader!

Pastor Joanna will have office hours at the 1887 Cafe in the Schultz Student Center every Thursday morning from ten to noon. She would love for you to stop by for a chat!

The Next Week at BCMC: August 11—18, 2024

Sunday, August 11, 2024
10 a.m.   Worship
YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/-gAYqNYB6V4?feature=share

Come to the Gathering Place after the worship service for cake to say farewell to Pastor Roger Neufeld Smith and to welcome Pastor Joanna Harader!

Tuesday, August 13, 2024
5:30 p.m.   Faith Formation Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, August 15, 2024
9:30 a.m. Solar Panel Project Group meeting in Room 14
Friday, August 16, 2024
11 a.m. Inurnment Service for Phyllis Carlson in the BCMC Columbarium
Sunday, August 18, 2024—Welcome to Pastor Joanna Harader
9:30 a.m.    Worship with sermon by Pastor Joanna Harader; music by the
Chancel Choir

The memorial service for Marilyn Stucky (Marilyn died June 20) will be Sat., Aug. 31, 11 a.m. at BCMC, with a lunch in fellowship hall following the service.

BCMC Offering for Aug. 4, 2024 General Fund $8,981; Mennonite Central Committee $100; Caring Fund $100; Kitchen Fund $27; Mission Quilters $130.80; Solar Fund $1,050.

Save the Date: Peace Witness Event, Sept. 15-16
The BCMC Witness Commission is very pleased to announce plans for a peace witness event around Peace Sunday on September 15-16. Our church along with the Bible and Religion Department of Bethel College and in collaboration with area churches invites you engage with Christianity and Democracy led by well known author, academic, and presenter, David P. Gushee (https://davidpgushee.com).

A new book, THE CHURCH BY THE PLAYGROUND: THE STORY OF THE SHARING COMMUNITY IN ROSEDALE, by Dorothy Nickel Friesen, has been published by Rainbow Mennonite Church. The book will be launched at Rainbow Aug. 10 and 11 and at Kidron Bethel/Kidron Hall on Thurs., Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. (Faith and Life Bookstore will sell books.) The public is invited to hear Dorothy share, sign books, and tell this unique urban ecumenical ministry history.

For those who subscribe to the devotional Rejoice through the BCMC group subscription, the last issue of Rejoice (Sept.-Oct.-Nov.) will be coming soon. Therefore, it is time to renew for the coming year. The bulk subscription price is $35.93. The devotional is mailed to BCMC and your copy will be either placed in your mailbox here at church, or mailed to you. If you wish to subscribe (even if you have not subscribed before) place your check in the offering plate or bring or mail to the office with “Rejoice subscription” in the memo line.

It’s School Kit Challenge Time!
Lincoln and Lawrence Kohlman and Gabby and Jake Robb are participating in the Mennonite Central Committee School Kit Challenge again this year. Last year we packed 311 school kits. We will pack school kits on Sun., Aug. 11, after Fellowship Time. Please join us!

If you’ve been a nursery volunteer in the past or would like to become a new nursery volunteer, please notify Sara Dick, new nursery schedule coordinator, at saradick1@gmail.com. The schedule is posted in the nursery and will be updated as folks volunteer. Please notify Sara rather than sign yourself up for shifts directly on the schedule, so she knows where we need helpers and where we’re all set. Thank you for caring for our youngest attenders and their families!

Volunteer opportunity: The next volunteer training session for New Hope Shelter is on Monday, August 19th at 7:30 pm. BCMC is one of 24 area congregations regularly providing volunteers to New Hope, and about five times a year we fill a week’s worth of evening slots in coordination with Faith Mennonite Church. Volunteers provide food for an evening meal or spend time at the shelter with the residents, along with an on-site staff supervisor. More help is always welcomed, and can be regular or occasional. If you’d like to learn about the work of New Hope or consider volunteering, please plan to attend the August 19 session at 308 South Meridian Road, Newton, KS. New Hope serves homeless men, women, and children from Harvey, Butler, Marion, and McPherson counties. -Cynthia Linscheid

A reminder that the next Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting will be Wednesday, August 21, at 9 a.m. in Room 14 for a planning meeting.

Bethel College Announcements:
· Sun., Aug. 18 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum, 3 p.m., with Lorna Harder, professor emeritus of biology at Hesston College and former curator of natural history at Kauffman Museum, on the 40th anniversary of the museum’s tallgrass prairie reconstruction; museum auditorium (corner of Main & 27th streets, North Newton).
· The 2024 issue of Bethel College’s online journal Mennonite Life can now be viewed at ml.bethelks.edu The issue includes articles by Rod Ratzlaff, Mark Jantzen and Rachel Pannabecker related to the 150th anniversary of Mennonite immigration to North America from the Russian Empire, as well as the text from last spring’s Bible Lectures by César García and Sandra Báez, several other articles, and book reviews.
· SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, Sept. 15, Forum on Democracy and Christianity with David Gushee, Bethel College Mennonite Church and Bethel campus

We’re just a few weeks away from the Western District Women in Mission Women’s & Girls’ Retreat on September 7-8 at Camp Mennoscah with our theme of Peaceful Practices. Registrations are due by August 30. The retreat brochure and registration form are on our website at this link:
https://www.westerndistrictwomeninmission.org/events

If you plan to come Saturday morning to tie comforters, please remember that lunch is not provided, so bring a sack lunch. Questions? Send an e-mail to westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Thanks to all who participated in our WDC Annual Assembly this past weekend in Beatrice, NE!

Come to the Grace Hill Mennonite Church 150th Homecoming Celebration, August 31 – September 1. The celebration will begin at 10:00 am on Saturday with coffee and donuts, while you reminisce and browse through historical displays. The afternoon includes a light lunch, self-guided tours of the past/present Grace Hill community and faspa. Enjoy an organ concert by Pastor Chelsea Vaught from 4:00-4:30 pm. A German dinner will be held from 5:00-6:30pm, followed by “Celebrating Our History” program at 7:00 pm. On Sunday, participate in Worship at 9:30 am, followed by a potluck lunch and more time for self-guided tours, reunions and browsing displays. Contact Virgil Penner at (316) 283-6738 or gracehill1874@gmail.com for information and meal registration

Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church is celebrating their 150^th anniversary and invites you to join us Aug 31 for Community Fun Night and Sept 1 for the worship service. Saturday will be fun for the family with inflatables, cornhole tourney with cash prizes, yard games, food trucks, music entertainment and the outdoor movie “If” at dark! Sunday worship begins at 10:00am. Following Worship, we will have a catered meal at the cost of $15. Please RSVP for the meal by August 25 by calling/texting Barb at 620-543-6863 or email HoffSecretary@gmail.com with payment by Venmo @BJ-Reeves-55 or check to Hoffnungsau, 43 13^th Ave, Inman 67546. Watch Hoffnungsau Facebook for other info.

Schweitzers & Friends 150^th celebration Announcements

August 23-25 is not far ahead. So much happening. If Ethnic meal suits you, make reservation on swissmennonite.org. Bohne beroggi included. Don’t forget 3:00-5:00 Saturday Threshing and Milling Turkey Red Wheat at the field west of the Moundridge Museum. Flour for sale too.
Bo Howard sent this note: There’s still time to sign up for the Schweitzers and Friends mass choir that will participate in morning worship on Sunday, August 25. The choir will sing 3 pieces: 2 from the “Goodly Heritage” musical presented in March and 1 commissioned for the 125^th celebration. A brass ensemble will join the choir for 2 of the pieces. An additional rehearsal has been scheduled for Sunday, August 18, 1:30 pm, at Eden Mennonite Church, along with the previously scheduled 3:00 pm rehearsal August 24 and a rehearsal prior to worship August 25. Join even if you are unable to make both of the August 18th and 24th rehearsals. To sign up, go to the www.swissmennonite.org website or contact Bonita Howard at 620-386-4388. Music will be available at rehearsal or you may let Bonita know if you would like the music ahead of time.

Saturday, Aug. 24, will be the final Schweitzers & Friends 150^th celebration Pioneer Event with a demonstration of threshing and milling of Turkey Red Hard Winter Wheat which was raised using horse drawn and vintage equipment, just west of the Moundridge Museum complex. We will be using a McCormick-Deering threshing machine powered by an antique tractor to thresh the bundles of Turkey Red we bound and shocked back on June first. There will also be an 1874 grist mill, milling demonstration providing a unique opportunity to have Turkey Red wheat flour available for purchase. Along with the threshing and milling events, Vintage Farm Equipment, with some of the great machines of the past, will be on display all day. These events will start with the farm equipment display beginning at 9 a.m., just west of the Moundridge Museum Complex. We will be setting up the threshing and milling demonstration all morning with our official start at 3 p.m. There will be limited bleacher seating and concessions (including K3 Creamery) available to help you enjoy these unique pioneer events and celebrate the 150th Schweitzers & Friends anniversary celebration. The whole community is invited to join us! –Glen Goering

Sat. Aug. 24, in conjunction with the Schweitzers & Friends 150^th celebration, there will be a Vintage Farm Equipment Show. It will run from 9:00am to 5:00pm in the field West of the Moundridge Museum Complex. If you have an antique tractor, truck, implement or any equipment you would like to display, please call Glen Goering 620-242-3100.

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

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

Menno Snapshots

Rachel Ringenberg Miller denominational minister for ministerial leadership for MC USA, explains how pastors fill their work week with various activities that congregants may or may not be aware of, answering the question, “What does my pastor do all day?” Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/pastor-all-day

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

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Join Mennonite Mission Network in praising God for the surge of interest in Christian service programs that has led to all openings for the coming year being filled. Pray for the new participants in Mennonite Voluntary Service and Service Adventure units as they begin their time together.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for God’s joy and energy to be with students, teachers and their families in WDC congregations, as they anticipate the beginning of a new school year.

Worship service and announcements for August 4–11, 2028

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2024

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

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
August 4, 2024
Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost
Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—When Morning Gilds the Skies (Wood)– Karen Unruh

Land Acknowledgement—Raylene Hinz Penner

Welcome & Prayer—Raylene Hinz Penner

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

Children’s Conversation—Kevin Neufeld

*Hymn—Open My Eyes That I May See—VT 738

Scripture Reading—Ephesians 4:1-16; 1 Peter 5:1-4—Jim Robb

Sermon—Watch Your Language: Biblical Grammar and Leadership—Trent Voth

*Hymn—Christ Be in Your Senses—VT 721

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—We, Your People, Sing Your Praises—VT 849

*Benediction

Postlude—Sent Forth By God’s Blessing (Behnke)–Karen Unruh

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

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

GOING BEYOND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
*The Task Group is working to build a Kansas Repair community in the Newton area with several other churches. We hope to host the Apache Stronghold convoy in a prayer and learning event when they come through en route to the Supreme Court.
*Many of us from BCMC attended the 150th commemoration at Tabor Church July 14 when Annette Voth and Pauline Sharp detailed intersecting family timelines of their Russian Mennonite and Kanza People.
*”The Land We Came To,” seminar by Raylene Hinz-Penner at the Schweitzer 150th commemoration of settlement 9 a.m. Saturday, August 24, Eden Mennonite Church.
*Recent youth trip to First Americans Museum in OKC with a tour led by Nathan Hart accompanied by interested BCMC family.
*Read Augustine and Hostetler, So We and Our Children May Live: Following Jesus in Confronting the Climate Crisis before Sarah Augustine’s visit to Bethel Campus during Fall Festival.
*Seekers’ Class is considering a monthly reparations offering

Sunday, August 4, we welcome Trent Voth, Assistant Professor of Bible and Religion at Bethel College. Trent grew up in Halstead, and graduated from Tabor College, Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, and The University of Toronto (ON) where he earned a PhD in Theology in New Testament Studies.

Everyone is invited to meet in the Gathering Place after the Sunday, August 4 worship service to celebrate Dwight Platt’s 93rd birthday with a light fruit snack!

The Next Week at BCMC: August 4—11, 2024

Sunday, August 4, 2024
9:30 a.m.   Worship
YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/85tBUtxvV_U?feature=share

Monday, August 5, 2024
10 a.m.    Library Committee meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, August 8, 2024
3 p.m.        Peace Sunday Planning meeting in Room 14
Sunday, August 11, 2024—New Student Sunday + Farewell for Pastor Roger Neufeld Smith and Welcome to Pastor Joanna Harader
10 a.m. (Note the time change for the beginning of worship) Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by the Chancel Choir; Cynthia Neufeld Smith at the organ

Those who enjoy singing are invited to join as the Chancel Choir begins the year with the August 11 worship service. The anthem includes parts for choir, handbells, and congregation, and will be a meaningful way to both bid farewell to Roger Neufeld Smith and welcome to Joanna Harader. Rehearsal will take place on August 7 at 7:30 PM.

Roger Neufeld Smith will return to Newton, Tues., Aug. 6, remaining in Newton until Aug. 11. August 11 will be a special day as it is the Bethel College New Student Sunday, Roger’s last day at BCMC, and Pastor Joanna Harader’s first day at BCMC. And….there will be cake to say farewell to Pastor Roger and to welcome Pastor Joanna! Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)

Pastor Nathan Koontz is on vacation July 8—August 10.
Pastor Elizabeth Schmidt will be on vacation August 5-11.

BCMC Offering for July 28, 2024 General Fund $4,914.50; Plant Fund $50; Caring Fund $250; Solar Fund $550.

BCMC Library Announcements:
· Looking ahead to November, the Library theme for the next few months will be Religion and Politics. We’ve pulled some books that might help answer questions about our current political climate. A partial display is behind the library desk.
· BCMC children and youth summer book promotion: What’s new for children and youth in the BCMC library this summer? What’s new is old. Your library committee has sorted through the shelves and uncovered some classics.
These books may look drab, but they have been loved by many, many children over many years. They are waiting for you on a special shelf in the children’s room. Come check them out. Read them with parents or grandparents who remember reading them. Create new memories. Inside each book you will find a certificate good for one book at “Book Reviews” (Newton’s Main Street used book store). Go to “Book Reviews”. Pick out a book that has been loved by another kid. Read it. Share it. Create more memories.

For those who subscribe to the devotional Rejoice through the BCMC group subscription, the last issue of Rejoice (Sept.-Oct.-Nov.) will be coming soon. Therefore, it is time to renew for the coming year. The bulk subscription price is $35.93. The devotional is mailed to BCMC and your copy will be either placed in your mailbox here at church, or mailed to you. If you wish to subscribe (even if you have not subscribed before) place your check in the offering plate or bring or mail to the office with “Rejoice subscription” in the memo line.

It’s School Kit Challenge Time!
Lincoln and Lawrence Kohlman and Gabby and Jake Robb are participating in the Mennonite Central Committee School Kit Challenge again this year. You can help with donations of money, school kit supplies, or school kit bags. Please give monetary donations to Lincoln, Lawrence, Gabby, or Jake by Wed., Aug. 7. School kit supplies and bags can be left on the tables on the Fellowship Hall stage. A list of school kit supplies and directions for sewing bags can be found on the MCC website. Last year we packed 311 school kits. Can you help us beat our record?! We will pack school kits on Sun., Aug. 11, after Fellowship Time. Please join us!

FreedUp: Everence® is offering a new stewardship training program. The FreedUp program is a way for everyone to get their finances in order – and gain a deeper faith perspective on your money. Everence facilitators will lead the group sessions, including the first get-acquainted session. There are two upcoming options for participants to choose from:
· Tuesdays at 2 p.m. ET beginning Aug. 20; ending Oct. 1 or
· Mondays at 8 p.m. ET beginning Oct. 7; ending Nov. 18.
Register at everence.com/partners.

If you’ve been a nursery volunteer in the past or would like to become a new nursery volunteer, please notify Sara Dick, new nursery schedule coordinator, at saradick1@gmail.com. The schedule is posted in the nursery and will be updated as folks volunteer. Please notify Sara rather than sign yourself up for shifts directly on the schedule, so she knows where we need helpers and where we’re all set. Thank you for caring for our youngest attenders and their families!

A reminder that the next Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting will be Wednesday, August 21, at 9 a.m. in Room 14 for a planning meeting.

The memorial service for Marilyn Stucky (Marilyn died June 20) will be Saturday, Aug. 31, 11 a.m. at BCMC, with a lunch in fellowship hall following the service.

Save the Date: Peace Witness Event, Sept. 15-16
The BCMC Witness Commission is very pleased to announce plans for a peace witness event around Peace Sunday on September 15-16. Our church along with the Bible and Religion Dept. Bethel College and in collaboration with area churches invites you engage with Christianity and Democracy led by well known author, academic, and presenter, David P. Gushee (https://davidpgushee.com).

Bethel College Announcements:
· Sun., Aug. 18 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum, 3 p.m., with Lorna Harder, professor emeritus of biology at Hesston College and former curator of natural history at Kauffman Museum, on the 40th anniversary of the museum’s tallgrass prairie reconstruction; museum auditorium (corner of Main & 27th streets, North Newton).
· The 2024 issue of Bethel College’s online journal Mennonite Life can now be viewed at ml.bethelks.edu The issue includes articles by Rod Ratzlaff, Mark Jantzen and Rachel Pannabecker related to the 150th anniversary of Mennonite immigration to North America from the Russian Empire, as well as the text from last spring’s Bible Lectures by César García and Sandra Báez, several other articles, and book reviews.

Western District Women in Mission invites women and girls to the annual retreat Sept. 7-8 at Camp Mennoscah. Theme: Peaceful Practices; Kristine Regehr keynote speaker. Girls’ Programming for 5th grade-high school with Janna Duerksen. Registration is due Aug. 30. Retreat brochure and registration form are available at: https://www.westerndistrictwomeninMission.org/register Come early at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning to tie Camp Mennoscah t-shirt comforters which will also be available to tie throughout retreat. We hope to get 6 comforters tied and give them to Camp to sell as fundraisers. At least 15 years of past camp T-shirts are in the comforters!

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

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Announcements
· The MCC Sale Quilter’s Corner is looking for donations of quilts, quilt tops, fabric, books, magazines and vintage linens for our next sale. We hope to have an October sale if we receive enough donations. Donations can be dropped off at the MCC Center in North Newton labeled for Quilter’s Corner or at Stitches Quilt Shop in McPherson. If you have questions, please contact
   Ann Yoder Smith at 919-604-3282.
· Mennonite Central Committee Material Resources Center in North Newton critically low on inventory: An MCC kit cannot be distributed until each item for the kit is assembled, but some supplies in the Material Resources Center are so low that kits cannot be processed for shipping. You can help by filling the following needs: new infant sleepers (6-12 month sizes); hand towels (dark colored); bar soap; bath towels (dark colored, light to medium weight); wide toothed combs (6-8 inches long); laundry soap (such as Fels Naptha or Zote brands); and shampoo (20 oz min). Buy online and ship it to MCC or bring items to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117). Questions: phone 316-836-5045 or email brociamueller@mcc.org A full list of MCC kit contents can be found at mcc.org/kits.
· WANTED: Cars, Tractors, Pickups, Farm Machinery, Motorcycles, etc.  We are collecting items for next year’s KS Mennonite Central Committee Sale. Your donations are tax deductible and help feed and clothe thousands of people in need around the world. Call Jerry Toews at 620-367-8257 for more info.
· MCC immigration-focused learning tour in South Texas, Aug. 18-23: MCC learning tours are an opportunity to engage directly with the work done by MCC and partner organizations. The tour gives participants the chance to meet with law enforcement officials from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), gain insights into the complexity of immigration enforcement, including deportation and apprehensions, and visiting migrant response shelters. It will shed light on the challenges faced by migrants on their journey and raise awareness about the asylum process, and conditions faced by displaced and uprooted individuals. Find out more and register for the trip by Aug. 9.  Questions, contact Abraham Diaz Alonso, MCC Central States Immigration Program Coordinator at abrahamdiazalonso@mcc.org
· URGENT OPENING:  Would you or someone you know consider serving a two-year term as an MCC mobile canner operator? Do you want to gain new skills while traveling across the country? To learn more, contact Joe Miller at joemiller@mcc.org or call 717-808-2417.

Janet Harder Stucky’s emails from Mercy Ships
Janet Harder Stucky has returned to Mercy Ships, a surgical ship currently docked in Toamasina, Madagascar. Janet has joined the medical team as a clinical dietitian collaborating with the medical staff to treat local surgical patients. In this role she is responsible for the overall nutrition management of the patients in preparation for surgery, during hospitalization, and as outpatients during their healing process. Her assignment continues through mid August 2024.

Janet is a member of Bethel College Mennonite Church. When she leaves Mercy Ships she will return to her home in Chanhassen, Minnesota. She is the sister-in-law of Steve and Jeanette Stucky.

Dorothy Nickel Friesen is sharing her emails from Janet. If you wish to read emails from Janet about her work on the ship click here.

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

For Mennonite Mission Network “Urgent Prayer Request” press here

For Anabaptist Disabilities “Opening Doors Blog” press here

For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here

For an Anabaptist Biblical Seminary short course “Dive deeper into Anabaptism press here

As a supporter of Anabaptist World, we invite you to join Creation Justice Ministries for the upcoming Season of Creation. Season of Creation is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment together. During this time, we join our siblings in the ecumenical family in prayer and action for our common home.
Join us this year in celebrating the Season of Creation. Find resources and opportunities below and on our Season of Creation Hub: creationjustice.org/seasonofcreation

The 150th Celebration of the Swiss Volhynian Mennonites Coming to U.S. in 1874 will open on Friday night, August 23, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at Eden Mennonite Church, rural Moundridge, with the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Wynn Goering, speaking on “The Use of Memory.” Wynn grew up on a farm that was literally in Moundridge. He graduated from Moundridge High School and Bethel College and earned masters and doctoral degrees at the University of Chicago. Wynn farmed with his father and taught at Chicago, McPherson, and Bethel before becoming Bethel’s academic dean in 1991. Wynn and his wife Ardie moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. They manage a Christmas tree farm near Goessel.
Dr. Austin McCabe Juhnke, Assistant Professor of Musicology at Ohio State University, will lead attendees through a music-historical journey on “Singing 150 Years of Schweitzer Mennonite Heritage” as Dr. William Eash, Professor Emeritus of Music at Bethel College, will lead a hymn sing.
Saturday morning, August 24, will begin with “Schweitzers Talking” Readers Theater, a cross-generational dialogue based on (probably) true and (mostly) entertaining stories told by Schweitzers. Conceived and directed by John McCabe-Juhnke and featuring the dramatic talents of Jerod Kaufman, John McCabe-Juhnke, Leann Toews, Julianna Schrag Kaufman, Aaron Tschetter, Karin Kaufman Wall. A full day of seminars is in store for Saturday with lunch at Food Trucks and supper Ethnic Meal by reservation. Children’s activities are planned. Vans are available to take visitors to see the Mennonite Monument, 1943 Marker, Hopefield Cemetery and Church. And to top off the day at 7:00 p.m. will be Menno Night Live; Schweitzers and Friends Edition: Six Swiss Sisters, Christopher Shaw, Flannelbacks, and September River.
Community Worship Service at Eden Mennonite Church. Dr. Nathan Stucky will bring the message Sunday, August 25, at 9:30 a.m. Dr. Stucky is Director of the Farminary Project at Princeton Theological Seminary. He grew up on a farm in Kansas where his love for Christian faith and agriculture first took root. A Mass Choir accompanied with brass will sing. Worship open to all.
For more information and to register, go to www.swissmennonite.org. The only cost is for Ethnic Meal ($25/plate, $10/plate children) that can be paid by credit card on the web or at the door. Schweitzers and Friends is our theme — that includes you too.

“Travels to Ancestral Lands” seminar at 150th celebration August 23-25, 2024.
At the Swiss Mennonite 150^th Anniversary on August 23-25, 2024 at Eden Mennonite Church, Moundridge, one seminar, Travels to Ancestral Lands, features the European history and ancestry of the Swiss Volhynian Mennonites. Using pictures, maps, and stories from travels, on Saturday, 9:00-10:00 a.m., the panel will explore the emigration routes from the 1500s to 1874, when our ancestors arrived in Kansas and South Dakota. Panelists will focus on1500-1600 in Switzerland, journey on to Alsace, Montbeliard in France, Poland, and Volhynia in Ukraine. You might expand your vision. Register at www.swissmennonite.org and check out the full schedule.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
MC USA responded to the July 13 assassination attempt with a statement that called for prayer. Read the statement here: mennoniteusa.org/prayer-assassination

Season One of MC USA’s “Lead/Follow” podcast for pastors and leaders is now complete! Watch all 10 episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple or Spotify! Watch or listen here: mennoniteusa.org/lead-follow View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/leadfollow-pdf2

Menno Snapshots

In 2018, Ardean Friesen, a member of Silverwood Mennonite Church, asked his church to begin the process of discerning whether the congregation would become open and affirming. The two-year inclusion process let him know that he has a seat at the table. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/journey-inclusion

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Sibonokuhle Ncube, one of Mennonite Mission Network’s regional directors for Africa and Europe, is spending the summer on the African continent. Pray for her as she gets acquainted with African partners and builds on the agency’s more than 100-year-old legacy.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for the WDC Annual Assembly this weekend, and pray that we would all be open to God’s transforming work as we join together in community.

Worship service and announcements for July 28–August 4, 2028

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR
July 28, 2024

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

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 28, 2024

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Ave Maria— (Saint-Saens, arr. Van Camp)—Doyle Preheim & Ron Garber; Verlene Garber, accompanist

Welcome and Prayer—Mary Ann Boschmann

*Hymn—I Sing the Mighty Power of God— VT 182

Children’s Conversation—Adam Robb

Worship Music—Agnus Dei—(Bizet, arr. DeCesare)—Doyle Preheim & Ron Garber

Scripture Reading selected verses from Exodus 20, Matthew 5, John 8 & 18, and Ephesians 4—Jill Robb & Adam Robb

Sermon—To Tell the Truth—Roger Neufeld Smith

*Hymn—You Are Salt for the Earth—VT 297

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Heart With Loving Heart United— VT 813
People with July birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal

*Birthday Blessing and Benediction

Postlude—Postlude on Llanfair (Robert J. Powell)—Karen Schlabaugh

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

The Next Week at BCMC: July 28—August 4, 2024

Sunday, July 28, 2024
9:30 a.m.   Worship
YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/R3I49ES4Fzw?feature=share

Tuesday, July 30, 2024
4 p.m.   Worship Commission meeting by Zoom
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
11 a.m. Staff meeting
Thursday, August 1, 2024
7 p.m.    Church Board meeting in Room 14
Sunday, August 4, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Trent Voth

Please remember Jon Gering, president of Bethel College and Gretchen Schrag, KIPCOR Office Assistant, and their family as they grieve the death of their mother, Diane L. (Stucky) Gering. Diane died unexpectedly July 22, at the family farm near Ritzville, WA. She was 79 years old. Diane grew up in the McPherson and Moundridge communities before relocating to Washington to raise her family. Funeral arrangements are pending.

A reminder that the next Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting will be Wednesday, August 21, at 9 a.m. in Room 14 for a planning meeting.

Roger Neufeld Smith will be driving back to Topeka Sunday (July 28) afternoon and will return to Newton Wed., July 31. He will then go to Beatrice, NE to attend the WDC Assembly Aug. 2-4. He will return to Newton, Tues., Aug. 6, remaining in Newton until Aug. 11. August 11 will be a special day as it is the Bethel College New Student Sunday, Roger’s last day at BCMC, and Pastor Joanna Harader’s first day at BCMC. And….there will be cake to say farewell to Pastor Roger and to welcome Pastor Joanna! Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)

Pastor Nathan Koontz is on vacation July 8—August 10.
Pastor Elizabeth Schmidt will be on vacation August 5-11.

BCMC Offering for July 21, 2024 General Fund $5,742; Caring Fund $50; Library Reserve Fund $17; Kitchen Fund $9; Evelyn Lehman Mem. $100.

You are invited to an open house to celebrate Raymond Regier’s 100th birthday on Friday, August 2, from 3 – 4 p.m. The open house will be at Kidron Bethel Assisted Living, 3056 Ivy Court. Please stop by to wish him happy birthday and enjoy some refreshments. If you cannot come to the open house, you can also send him a card at this address: 3056 Ivy Court, Room 18, North Newton, KS 67117. — Ray’s Family

If you’ve been a nursery volunteer in the past or would like to become a new nursery volunteer, please notify Sara Dick, new nursery schedule coordinator, at saradick1@gmail.com. The schedule is posted in the nursery and will be updated as folks volunteer. Please notify Sara rather than sign yourself up for shifts directly on the schedule, so she knows where we need helpers and where we’re all set. Thank you for caring for our youngest attenders and their families!

It’s School Kit Challenge Time!
Lincoln and Lawrence Kohlman and Gabby and Jake Robb are participating in the MCC School Kit Challenge again this year. You can help with donations of money, school kit supplies, or school kit bags. Please give monetary donations to Lincoln, Lawrence, Gabby, or Jake by Wed., Aug. 7. School kit supplies and bags can be left on the tables on the Fellowship Hall stage. A list of school kit supplies and directions for sewing bags can be found on the MCC website. Last year we packed 311 school kits. Can you help us beat our record?! We will pack school kits on Sun., Aug. 11, after Fellowship Time. Please join us!

Comforter tying
We had 134 women work at Mennonite Central Committee last week for a mini-blitz. 94 comforters were tied during the two day event. BCMC women are invited to join Carol Peters and Janet Friesen tie more comforters at MCC on Monday morning July 29 from 9 a.m. until noon.

BCMC Library Announcements:
· Looking ahead to November, the Library theme for the next few months will be Religion and Politics. We’ve pulled some books that might help answer questions about our current political climate. A partial display is behind the library desk.
· BCMC children and youth summer book promotion: What’s new for children and youth in the BCMC library this summer? What’s new is old. Your library committee has sorted through the shelves and uncovered some classics. These books may look drab, but they have been loved by many, many children over many years. They are waiting for you on a special shelf in the children’s room. Come check them out. Read them with parents or grandparents who remember reading them. Create new memories. Inside each book you will find a certificate good for one book at “Book Reviews” (Newton’s Main Street used book store). Go to “Book Reviews”. Pick out a book that has been loved by another kid. Read it. Share it. Create more memories.

A new book, THE CHURCH BY THE PLAYGROUND: THE STORY OF THE SHARING COMMUNITY IN ROSEDALE, by Dorothy Nickel Friesen, has been published by Rainbow Mennonite Church. The book will be launched at Rainbow Aug. 10 and 11 and at Kidron Bethel/Kidron Hall on Thurs., Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. (Faith and Life Bookstore will sell books.) The public is invited to hear Dorothy share, sign books, and tell this unique urban ecumenical ministry history.

Western District Conference Annual Assembly: We hope you join us in-person or virtually. If you haven’t registered yet, our registration deadline has been extended to July 25. After this date, you may still register by contacting the WDC Office (316-283-6300), but you will need to provide your own meals as meal counts will already be turned in. Join us at the WDC Annual Assembly, August 2-4, 2024 at First Mennonite Church, Beatrice, NE! Register HERE through July 25.

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

- FreedUp: Everence^® is offering a new stewardship training program. The FreedUp program is a way for everyone to get their finances in order – and gain a deeper faith perspective on your money. Everence facilitators will lead the group sessions, including the first get-acquainted session.
  
  There are two upcoming options for participants to choose from:
  - Tuesdays at 2 p.m. ET beginning Aug. 20; ending Oct. 1
  - Mondays at 8 p.m. ET beginning Oct. 7; ending Nov. 18

The Camp Mennoscah annual Camp Sing Event will be Sat., Aug. 3, 3 p.m. at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton. All are welcome to come for a gathering of the Camp Mennoscah community to sing camp songs led by the Summer Staff, enjoy a recap of the summer, and hear testimony to the great work camp is doing. There will also be a donation raffle for baked goods, camp merch, and more! Following the singing we will have popcorn and generic pop together! We would love to see you there.

The presentation “From Russia to Kansas: A Story of the 1874 Mennonite Immigration” Fri., Aug. 2, 7 p.m. at the Goessel High School Auditorium 100 E. Main, Goessel, will give some insight on what it was like to travel across a vast ocean to start all over on the Kansas prairie. A narrated pictorial presentation, with firsthand accounts, will describe the journey of the Alexanderwohl immigrants leaving South Russia. This is a benefit event for the Mennonite Heritage & Agricultural Museum. Donations gratefully accepted.

What a wonderful array of speakers and topics will be waiting for you at the 150th Celebration of Mennonite ancestors coming to the US. in 1874, to be held at Eden Mennonite Church, 401 18th Ave., Moundridge, Kansas. The “Schweitzers and Friends” theme invites you and all to take advantage of a very full weekend of speakers, singing, learning, harvesting wheat, and visiting with friends. Activities for children. Attached is the list of Seminars. Be sure to register if you want to eat the cafeteria style Ethnic Meal $25/plate) at Eden, 5:00-6:30 catered by Bread Basket, Newton KS. – swissmennonite.org “Registration and Celebration Information.”
–Kathy Goering, Publicity for 150th Celebration

Bethel College Announcements:
· Sunday July 28, “A Day with the Birds: Community Science & the Audubon Christmas Bird Count” closes at Kauffman Museum; 1:30-4:30 p.m., come-and-go reception, with remarks by museum director Andi Schmidt Andres at 3 p.m.
· Sat., Aug. 3 – Kauffman Museum bird walk, 7 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets (2801 N. Main St., North Newton). Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail.
· The 2024 issue of Bethel College’s online journal Mennonite Life can now be viewed at ml.bethelks.edu The issue includes articles by Rod Ratzlaff, Mark Jantzen and Rachel Pannabecker related to the 150th anniversary of Mennonite immigration to North America from the Russian Empire, as well as the text from last spring’s Bible Lectures by César García and Sandra Báez, several other articles, and book reviews.

Western District Women in Mission invites women and girls to the annual retreat Sept. 7-8 at Camp Mennoscah. Theme: Peaceful Practices; Kristine Regehr keynote speaker. Girls’ Programming for 5th grade-high school with Janna Duerksen. Registration is due Aug. 30. Retreat brochure and registration form are available at: https://www.westerndistrictwomeninMission.org/register Come early at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning to tie Camp Mennoscah t-shirt comforters which will also be available to tie throughout retreat. We hope to get 6 comforters tied and give them to Camp to sell as fundraisers. At least 15 years of past camp T-shirts are in the comforters!

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Announcements
· Colorado Peaches can be ordered July 1-31 by contacting the MCC Central States Office at patsydirksen@mcc.org or calling 316-283-2720. Two sizes are available:  9 lbs. for $30 and 18 lbs. for $41.  Payment for peaches in the form of cash or checks is due by Aug. 1 to MCC.
Checks should be made payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “peaches” in the memo line.  Peaches will be available for pickup from the MCC Office, 121 East 30^th, North Newton, Mon., Aug. 19 (tentative date). This is a fundraiser for the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale held in Castle Rock, Colorado, October 18-19.
· The MCC Sale Quilter’s Corner is looking for donations of quilts, quilt tops, fabric, books, magazines and vintage linens for our next sale. We hope to have an October sale if we receive enough donations. Donations can be dropped off at the MCC Center in North Newton labeled for Quilter’s Corner or at Stitches Quilt Shop in McPherson. If you have questions, please contact
   Ann Yoder Smith at 919-604-3282.
· Mennonite Central Committee Material Resources Center in North Newton critically low on inventory: An MCC kit cannot be distributed until each item for the kit is assembled, but some supplies in the Material Resources Center are so low that kits cannot be processed for shipping. You can help by filling the following needs: new infant sleepers (6-12 month sizes); hand towels (dark colored); bar soap; bath towels (dark colored, light to medium weight); wide toothed combs (6-8 inches long); laundry soap (such as Fels Naptha or Zote brands); and shampoo (20 oz min). Buy online and ship it to MCC or bring items to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117). Questions: phone 316-836-5045 or email brociamueller@mcc.org A full list of MCC kit contents can be found at mcc.org/kits.
· WANTED: Cars, Tractors, Pickups, Farm Machinery, Motorcycles, etc. We are collecting items for next year’s KS Mennonite Central Committee Sale. Your donations are tax deductible and help feed and clothe thousands of people in need around the world. Call Jerry Toews at 620-367-8257 for more info.
· MCC immigration-focused learning tour in South Texas, Aug. 18-23: MCC learning tours are an opportunity to engage directly with the work done by MCC and partner organizations. The tour gives participants the chance to meet with law enforcement officials from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), gain insights into the complexity of immigration enforcement, including deportation and apprehensions, and visiting migrant response shelters. It will shed light on the challenges faced by migrants on their journey and raise awareness about the asylum process, and conditions faced by displaced and uprooted individuals. Find out more and register for the trip by Aug. 9. Questions, contact Abraham Diaz Alonso, MCC Central States Immigration Program Coordinator at abrahamdiazalonso@mcc.org

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

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
The management board of the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online (GAMEO) held its annual meeting both in person, in Goshen and Elkhart, Indiana, and by Zoom, on May 24, 2024. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/gameo

Menno Snapshots

Olivia Krall, archives coordinator for Mennonite Church USA, writes about the MC USA Archives’ MEDA collection and a new donation of archival materials from Dan Sauder, grandson of MEDA founder, Erie Sauder. Read her blog here: mennoniteusa.org/archives/meda

What is deep listening? Spiritual director Ruth Johnston discusses the benefits of having a spiritual director who really listens. Read her blog here: mennoniteusa.org/deep-listening-essential

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the Mennonite Bible School in South Africa. Pray for the participants in five locations as they study the Bible together and engage in church leadership training. Pray also for wisdom and energy for director Dr. Reuben Mgodeli.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the church planting initiative and emerging faith communities seeking God’s guidance and provision. -WDC Church Planting Commission

Worship service and announcements for July 21–28, 2024

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR
July 21, 2024

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

Announcement from Bethel College
Make sure you have Saturday, July 20 on your calendar! The second annual Bethel College Summer Concert will happen on the Green.
Starting at 5:30, food will be available for sale, including: BBQ by Big Joes Catering, burgers and dogs grilled by the advancement office, soft drinks by enrollment management, ice cream by Salted Creamery, watermelon and popcorn by BCWA, lemonade by Lemonade Parade, and baked goodies by BCAPA!
Then, at 6 p.m. enjoy music by The Flannelbacks, Sometimes on Sunday, and Pretend Friend!
Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. In case of rain, we will be inside Memorial Hall.
Tell a friend and see you there!

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 21, 2024

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—In the Bulb there is a Flower (arr. Portman)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome & Prayer—Tim Hodge

Hymn—Sing Praise to God Who Reign—VT 101

Children’s Conversation—Kathy Stucky

Special Music—Rondeau (Mouret)—Ben Lichti, trumpet; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Readings—Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Mark 12:28-34 —Suzanne Burch, Lucy Burch, Faith Burch

Sermon—A Good Teacher—Sara Dick

Hymn—Renew Your Church—VT 717

Prayers of God’s People

Hymn—Holy Presence, Holy Teacher—VT 531

Benediction

Postlude—I Sing the Mighty Power of God –(Payne)—Will Wiebe-Friesen, organ

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together

Audio-visual—Ben Lichti, Francis Toews

The Next Week at BCMC: July 21—28, 2024

Sunday, July 21, 2024

9:30 a.m.   Worship
YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/Gl0-oIWtNFw?feature=share

10:45 a.m. Book discussion on Judith Herman’s book Truth and Repair led by the Abuse Prevention and Response Committee—in Fellowship Hall

Abuse Prevention and Response Committee (APRC) will be hosting an education time to discuss how we can continue the journey of being a survivor centered congregation. This education opportunity will be held during the Sunday School hour July 21 in Fellowship Hall. Chapter discussion of Judith Herman’s book Truth and Repair will be led by members of the APRC committee. The video How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice can be found on YouTube. This is approximately a 40 minute video. Judith Herman’s book Truth and Repair can be found at your favorite local bookstore or local library inter library loan. Please contact Bethany Schrag at bethanyjoyschrag@gmail.com if you have questions. We look forward to continuing learning more of how we can best support trauma survivors in our church with you! — APRC Committee

Tuesday, July 23, 2024
2 p.m.   Everence Stewardship Team—Room 14
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
10 a.m. Deacon Commission meets in Room 14 to assemble the mailing to non-residents of BCMC
1:30 p.m. Structure Group meets in Room 14
Thursday, July 25, 2024
3 p.m.    Peace Sunday Ad Hoc Committee meets in Room 14
Sunday, July 28, 2024
9:30 a.m.   Sermon by Pastor Roger Neufeld Smith; music by Ron Garber and Doyle Preheim; Birthday Blessing for July birthdays

Please hold Nathan Toews and Leidy Muñoz in prayer as they mourn the death of their newborn daughter, Antonia Sophia, in Mexico City on July 9. Nate and Leidy are at the end of their term in Bolivia and were in Mexico City to attend meetings of MCC leaders from Central and South America. They plan to relocate to Goshen, Indiana in August.

Those who enjoy singing are invited to join as the Chancel Choir begins the year with the August 11 worship service. The anthem includes parts for choir, handbells, and congregation, and will be a meaningful way to both bid farewell to Roger Neufeld Smith and welcome to Joanna Harader. Rehearsal will take place on August 7 at 7:30 PM.

Comforter tying
We had 134 women work at MCC last week for a mini-blitz. 94 comforters were tied during the two day event.
BCMC women are invited to join Carol Peters and Janet Friesen tie more comforters at MCC on Monday morning July 22 and 29 from 9 a.m. until. noon.

Roger Neufeld Smith will be returning to Newton Wed., July 24 and will be in Newton through Sun. afternoon, July 28. Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)

Pastor Nathan Koontz is on vacation July 8—August 10.

BCMC Offering for July 14, 2024 General Fund $7,807; Kitchen Fund $15; Solar Fund $30; Evelyn Lehman Memorial-$220

If you’ve been a nursery volunteer in the past or would like to become a new nursery volunteer, please notify Sara Dick, new nursery schedule coordinator, at saradick1@gmail.com. The schedule is posted in the nursery and will be updated as folks volunteer. Please notify Sara rather than sign yourself up for shifts directly on the schedule, so she knows where we need helpers and where we’re all set. Thank you for caring for our youngest attenders and their families!

BCMC Library Announcements:
· Looking ahead to November, the Library theme for the next few months will be Religion and Politics. We have pulled a few that might help answer questions about our current political climate. A partial display is behind the library desk.
· BCMC children and youth summer book promotion: What’s new for children and youth in the BCMC library this summer? What’s new is old. Your library committee has sorted through the shelves and uncovered some classics.
These books may look drab, but they have been loved by many, many children over many years. They are waiting for you on a special shelf in the children’s room. Come check them out. Read them with parents or grandparents who remember reading them. Create new memories. Inside each book you will find a certificate good for one book at “Book Reviews” (Newton’s Main Street used book store). Go to “Book Reviews”. Pick out a book that has been loved by another kid. Read it. Share it. Create more memories.

Service of Remembrance at Kidron Bethel Village

There will be a service of remembrance on Sunday, July 21, at 3 p.m., in Kidron Hall to remember Kidron Bethel Village residents Don Mosiman, Lucy Pritchett, Elizabeth “Betty” Bowlin, Barbara (Jeanie) Jones, Norman Pankratz, Jennie Arellano, Charlotte Siemens, Evelyn Lehman, Shirley Abrahams and Elvera Voth.

For those who subscribe to the devotional Rejoice through the BCMC group subscription, the last issue of Rejoice (Sept.-Oct.-Nov.) will be coming soon. Therefore, it is time to renew for the coming year. The bulk subscription price is $35.93. The devotional is mailed to BCMC and your copy will be either placed in your mailbox here at church, or mailed to you. If you wish to subscribe (even if you have not subscribed before) place your check in the offering plate or bring or mail to the office with “Rejoice subscription” in the memo line.

Women & Girls! Western District Women in Mission invites you to our annual retreat September 7-8 at Camp Mennoscah! Bring a friend!
Theme: Peaceful Practices with Kristine Regehr as our keynote speaker
Girls’ Programming for 5th grade – high school with Janna Duerksen
Registration is due August 30. Retreat brochure and registration form are available at: https://www.westerndistrictwomeninmission.org/register

Come early at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning to tie Camp Mennoscah t-shirt comforters! They will also be available to tie throughout retreat. We hope to get 6 comforters tied and give them to Camp to sell as fundraisers. At least 15 years of past camp T-shirts are in the comforters!

Scam Awareness Webinar: Learn how to outsmart the scammers and protect your finances. In this webinar, you’ll discover how to recognize the most common forms of scams and fraud, how to reduce your risks and how to respond if fraud occurs. Tune in on July 25 at 2 p.m. ET, with Steve Bustos, Everence Stewardship Consultant, and Kim Miller, Partner Relationship Specialist for Financial Choice. Register at Scam-proof your finances link. (link to https://www.everence.com/everence-events/everence-stewardship-partners/scam-awareness-webinar)

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Announcements
· Colorado Peaches are coming! Peaches can be ordered July 1-31 by contacting the MCC Central States Office at patsydirksen@mcc.org or calling 316-283-2720. Two sizes are available: 9 lbs. for $30 and 18 lbs. for $41. Payment for peaches in the form of cash or checks is due by Aug. 1 to Mennonite Central Committee. Checks should be made payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “peaches” in the memo line. Peaches will be available for pickup from the MCC Office, 121 East 30^th, North Newton, Mon., Aug. 19 (tentative date). This is a fundraiser for the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale held in Castle Rock, Colorado, October 18-19.
· The MCC Sale Quilter’s Corner is looking for donations of quilts, quilt tops, fabric, books, magazines and vintage linens for our next sale. We hope to have an October sale if we receive enough donations.
Donations can be dropped off at the MCC Center in North Newton
labeled for Quilter’s Corner or at Stitches Quilt Shop in McPherson. If you have questions, please contact Ann Yoder Smith at 919-604-3282.
· Mennonite Central Committee Material Resources Center in North Newton critically low on inventory: An MCC kit cannot be distributed until each item for the kit is assembled, but some supplies in the Material Resources Center are so low that kits cannot be processed for shipping. You can help by filling the following needs: new infant sleepers (6-12 month sizes); hand towels (dark colored); bar soap; bath towels (dark colored, light to medium weight); wide toothed combs (6-8 inches long); laundry soap (such as Fels Naptha or Zote brands); and shampoo (20 oz min). Buy online and ship it to MCC or bring items to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117). Questions: phone 316-836-5045 or email brociamueller@mcc.org A full list of MCC kit contents can be found at mcc.org/kits.
·Join the MCC School Kit Challenge and help pack 24,000 school kits for 24,000 kids this summer (plus, you could win a pizza party)! All school kits donated and completed in the month of August will help us meet this goal. Currently, in the Material Resources Center in North Newton we are very low on these specific school kit items: school kit bags (sewn), pens, erasers, and rulers. Please make your donations of individual kit items or full school kits by August 31. Buy online and ship it to MCC or bring items to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117). Questions are always welcome, please contact brociamueller@mcc.org or 316.836.5045. Join the MCC School Kit Challenge today!

Request from Faith Mennonite Church, Newton
I am hoping a little networking with other WDC congregations will yield us some help at Faith Mennonite in Newton. Our annual church retreat at Camp Mennoscah is August 10-11 and we are needing to find a certified lifeguard so that we can use the swimming pool. Our swim times are 3-4:30 pm on Sat, Aug 10 and 1-2:30pm on Sun, Aug 11. Lodging and meals are provided and we will pay an hourly rate to make it worth their while. We will also host a friend if they would like to bring someone with them. We must have at least one life guard, but two are recommended. Please pass this on to anyone you think might be able to help us find a lifeguard(s).
Thank you and best regards,-
Shari Scheffler
Congregational Support Facilitator
Faith Mennonite Church
sharis@faithmenno.org
cell: 316-253-4567

150th Celebration Announcements
· Sat. Aug. 24, 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Eden Mennonite Church, Moundridge, part of the 150 Years Celebration of Mennonites Coming to U.S., is John McCabe-Juhnkes’ Readers Theater, “Schweitzers Talking.” A cross-generational dialogue based on (probably) true and (mostly) entertaining stories told by Schweitzers. Featuring the dramatic talents of Jerod Kaufman, Julianna Kaufman, John McCabe-Juhnke, Leann Toews, Aaron Tschetter, Karin Kaufman Wall. Be sure to make your reservations at swissmennonite.org.
· See the schedule posted on the bulletin board for what is planned August 23-25 at the 150th Celebration of Ancestors coming to U.S. to be held at Eden Mennonite Church, rural Moundridge, 401 18th Ave. Interested persons can register on www.swissmennonite.org website under “Reservations and Celebration Information” Step 1 and sign up for the ethnic meal on step 2 (pay credit card or pay at the door). If persons need help registering, they can call Kathy Goering 316-371-6189. Hopefield Church will be open for visitation 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, even serving coffee, lemonade, and cookies. The Moundridge Museum will be open for visitors 1:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon.

What was it like to travel from the home you knew across a vast ocean to start all over on a treeless prairie. The presentation on Fri., Aug. 2, 7 p.m. “From Russia to Kansas: A Story of the 1874 Mennonite Immigration” will help give some insight. A narrated pictorial presentation, with firsthand accounts, will describe the journey of the Alexanderwohl immigrants leaving South Russia and finding a new home in Kansas. The event will be at the Goessel High School Auditorium
100 E. Main, Goessel. This is a benefit event for the Mennonite Heritage & Agricultural Museum. Donations gratefully accepted.

Mennonite Central Committee immigration-focused learning tour in South Texas, Aug. 18-23: MCC learning tours present a unique opportunity to engage directly with the work done by MCC and partner organizations. The tour will give participants the chance to meet with law enforcement officials from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), gain insights into the complexity of immigration enforcement, including deportation and apprehensions, and visiting migrant response shelters. The tour will shed light on the challenges faced by migrants on their journey and raise awareness about the asylum process, and conditions faced by displaced and uprooted individuals. Find out more and register for the trip by August 9. Questions, please contact Abraham Diaz Alonso, MCC Central States Immigration Program Coordinator at abrahamdiazalonso
@mcc.org.

For Mennonite Church USA “Equipping” Newsletter press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network “Opening Doors” Blog press here

Dear Bethel College Mennonite,Gun violence is a key driver of instability and displacement in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the first eight months of 2023, more than 2,400 people were killed by gang violence in Haiti. Many of the over 270,000 illegal firearms in Haiti originated in Florida due to its weaker weapons sales’ restrictions. As a multinational force arrives in Haiti to respond to gang activity, it is important that we address the root causes of violence and empower Haitian peacemakers. You are invited to attend an MCC-sponsored webinar about gun trafficking to Haiti to be held on July 30 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

United Nations Haiti expert Bill O’Neill, U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Sherfilus-McCormick, and Haitians affected by gun violence will share about this important issue and propose ways to reduce the trafficking of guns from the U.S. to Haiti. MCC partners in Haiti continue to work to care for people’s basic needs and inspire the next generation of peacebuilders. This webinar will give you the tools to support their work through advocacy to the U.S. government.
Register today!We look forward to seeing you on July 30.
Warm regards,Galen Fitzkee
Legislative Associate
MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries

To Western District Conference Congregations and Pastors,
My prayers are with you – and with the whole church and our nation – as we respond to the disturbing news and aftermath of the shootings at last Saturday’s campaign rally for former president Trump. I grieve this tragedy, and all the gun deaths, hate crimes and political violence that tear our nation and communities apart. In the face of polarized politics, reactive rhetoric, threats of violence and heightened anxiety, I pray that we may continue to claim our identity as followers of Jesus, bearing witness to God’s reign of shalom. As you seek faithful responses and initiatives in your congregation, I want to offer some resources that may be helpful:

MC USA resources: Learn, Pray, Join: End Gun Violence
Statement from MC USA: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/uncategorized/mc-usa-prayer-assassination-attempt/
Mennonite Central Committee resource – Fear Not: Creating a Plan to Respond to Active Violence: https://mcc.org/resources/fear-not-creating-plan-respond-active-violence
AMBS short course on Resisting Christian Nationalism: https://www.ambs.edu/resisting-christian-nationalism-with-the-gospel-of-peace/
Resources from Faith and Leadership (a learning resource for Christian leaders from Leadership Education at Duke Divinity School) – How Should Christian Leaders Respond to Gun Violence? – https://faithandleadership.com/how-should-christian-leaders-respond-gun-violence
Resource from Colossian Forum on a way to have faithful conversations on American politics, integrating Biblical interpretation and spiritual practices: https://colossianforum.myshopify.com/collections/sample-curricula/products/curriculum-sample-political-talk-free-download

Also, I encourage you to check out resources through the WDC Resource Library at https://mennowdc.org/library/. Consider these Book Bundles on topics related to peacemaking, gun violence and politics, with multiple copies available to check out for group study:

All our griefs to bear: Responding with resilience after collective trauma – by Jodi S. Sancken
Collateral damage: Changing the conversation about firearms and faith – by James E. Atwood
How to have an enemy: Righteous anger and the world of peace – by Melissa Florer-Bixler
I am not your enemy: Stories to transform a divided world – by Michael T. McCray
Jesus takes a side: Embracing the political demands of the gospel – by Jonny Rashid
Peaceful practices: A guide to healthy communication in conflict – by Jes Stoltzful Buller (MCC Publication)
Stuck together: The hope of Christian witness in a polarized world – by J. Nelson Kraybill
What is God’s kingdom and what does citizenship look like? – By Cesar Garcia

Thank you for your ministry and leadership in practices that shape the church as a community of healing and hope in a broken world. May the Holy Spirit grant us wisdom, hope and courage in these times.

Grace and peace,
Heidi Regier Kreider
Conference Minister

From Mennonite Church USA
The Mennonite Church USA Church Vitality office encourages college students and churches to participate in the Ministry Inquiry Program, which pairs students from Mennonite colleges with host congregations across the country for ministry internships. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/internships-young-adults

Holding it(,) Together is a podcast, produced by MC USA’s Women in Leadership, that delves into the lives and experiences of people across MC USA. Listen here: mennoniteusa.org/hit View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/hit-pdf View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/hit-slide

Menno Snapshots

Martin Gunawan shares about his cultural heritage through his childhood in Indonesia and adult life in the United States. Read his interview here: mennoniteusa.org/unity-in-diversity

Rachel Ringenberg Miller, denominational minister for ministerial leadership for Mennonite Church USA, uses her own experience to offer ideas to help congregations raise up the next generation of pastors from within. Read her blog here: mennoniteusa.org/pastors-come-from

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Joseph and Rachel Givens, who are serving with Mennonite Mission Network, are on North American ministry. Pray for safety as they travel, as well as for a time of renewal and Spirit-inspired sharing in congregations. Pray for the ministry of Maria Skobtsova House in Calais, France, as it adapts to new anti-immigration laws.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for the WDC Resource Library, and pray for children and their families who join in fun and faith formation activities at the library’s Summer Story Day on July 27.

Worship service and announcements for July 14–21, 2024

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR

July 14, 2024

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

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 14, 2024
Reflections on the Past, Hopes for BCMC’s Future
with Western District Conference Listening Team

Christ Candle LIghting

Centering Music—Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above (Portman)
Karen Unruh

Welcome and Prayer—Roger Neufeld Smith

*Hymn—Listen, God is Calling—VT 765

Children’s Conversation—Adam Robb

Kin_dom Report—WDC Listening Process—WDC Team member

Scripture Reading—I Thessalonians 1:1-3, 5:11-24—Coralee Shenk and Jeanette Stucky

Reflection on Scripture—Kathy Neufeld Dunn

*Hymn—Christ Be in Your Senses—VT 721

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—God of Grace and God of Glory—VT 716

Benediction

Postlude— Give To Our God Immortal Praise (Cherwien)
Karen Unruh

* You are invited to stand

VT–Voices Together

Audio visual—Ken Lamp

The Next Week at BCMC: July 14—21, 2024

Sunday, July 14, 2024—Western District Conference Listening Tour

9:30 a.m. Worship
YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/zAHo9TlJbac?feature=share

10:45 a.m. WDC Listening Team leads table discussions in Fellowship Hall

Sunday, July 21, 2024
9:30 a.m. Sermon by Pastor Sara Dick; worship music by Ben Lichti
10:45 a.m. Book discussion on Judith Herman’s book Truth and Repair led by the Abuse Prevention and Response Committee—in Fellowship Hall

Western District Conference Listening Tour: Sun., July 14, three representatives from Western District Conference – Kathy Neufeld Dunn, Dave Wiebe and Wendy Funk Schrag – are visiting our congregation as part of WDC’s conference-wide Listening Tour. The purpose of the Listening Tour is to empower the vitality of WDC congregations by hearing their stories, offering ongoing relationship, and supporting congregational witness and mission. For BCMC, this will also be an opportunity to share important stories and hopes for the future (in written form) with our soon-to-be pastor, Joanna Harader.
During BCMC worship July 14, a representative from the WDC Listening Team will share a brief meditation, then the team will introduce the process for learning about BCMC ministries and hopes for the future. All adults and youth will then be invited to Fellowship Hall during the Sunday School hour to share responses around tables to the following questions.

1. When have you felt most alive and vibrant as a congregation, or as a participant at BCMC?
2. What is foundational and reassuring about BCMC that has helped in difficult times (COVID, pastoral transition, etc.)?
3. What do you hope for the future for your church and what resources from WDC would be helpful for that?

Responses from the table discussions will be shared with all participants at the end of the SS hour. A summary of themes will be compiled by WDC to share with WDC constituency and used to guide ongoing resourcing for congregations in WDC. A summary will also be shared with Joanna Harader and other members of BCMC leadership. This listening process can be a very valuable resource, both for WDC and for our new BCMC pastors and leaders. Please plan to participate Sunday, July 14!

Save the Date: Peace Witness Event, Sept. 15-16
The BCMC Witness Commission is very pleased to announce plans for a peace witness event around Peace Sunday on September 15-16. Our church along with the Bible and Religion Dept. Bethel College and in collaboration with area churches invites you engage with Christianity and Democracy led by well known author, academic, and presenter, David P. Gushee (https://davidpgushee.com).

Roger will be in the BCMC office Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday this week (July 10, 11, 12). He will be driving back to Topeka Sunday afternoon (7/14). Roger will be back in Newton on Wednesday, July 24. Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)

Pastor Nathan Koontz is on vacation July 8—August 10.

BCMC Offering for July 7, 2024 General Fund $8,840; Library Reserve Fund $6; Kitchen Fund $18; Solar Fund $1,250.

BCMC Library Announcements:
· Looking ahead to November, the Library theme for the next few months will be Religion and Politics. We have pulled a few that might help answer questions about our current political climate. A partial display is behind the library desk.
· BOOK SALE June 30 to July 14: The Library Committee has culled books from our collection for several reasons: some to be replaced since they are no longer in good enough shape; some because they no longer fit the needs of our library and some because they were donated books that are already in our collection. Please stop by the table outside of the library and take as many as you are interested in. A donation basket will be available for any size donation that seems appropriate to you. Happy Summer Reading!!
· BCMC children and youth summer book promotion: What’s new for children and youth in the BCMC library this summer? What’s new is old. Your library committee has sorted through the shelves and uncovered some classics.
These books may look drab, but they have been loved by many, many children over many years. They are waiting for you on a special shelf in the children’s room. Come check them out. Read them with parents or grandparents who remember reading them. Create new memories. Inside each book you will find a certificate good for one book at “Book Reviews” (Newton’s Main Street used book store). Go to “Book Reviews”. Pick out a book that has been loved by another kid. Read it. Share it. Create more memories.

Western District Conference Annual Assembly: Delegates will process recommendations to receive three congregations into membership in WDC (Crystal Springs Mennonite Church, Harper, KS; New Life Christian Center, San Benito, TX; and Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston, KS), and to release West Zion Mennonite Church from membership in WDC. Delegate agenda also includes approving a financial budget for WDC ministries in 2025, and affirming new leaders for elected positions. Join us at the WDC Annual Assembly, August 2-4, at First Mennonite Church, Beatrice, NE. Register on the WDC website: https://mennowdc.org/ Registration deadline is July 21. If you are interested in being a delegate to the Assembly, contact Jeanette Stucky, Roger Neufeld-Smith or Monica Lichti in the BCMC office.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.

The nursery is staffed with approved volunteers again! If you’ve been a nursery volunteer in the past or would like to become a new nursery volunteer so you can sign up, please notify Sara Dick, new nursery schedule coordinator, at saradick1@gmail.com. The schedule is posted in the nursery and will be updated as folks volunteer. Please notify Sara rather than sign yourself up for shifts directly on the schedule, so she knows where we need helpers and where we’re all set. Thank you for caring for our youngest attenders and their families!

Bluestem Communities will host its annual Dementia Forum at 6:30 p.m., Wed., July 17, at Kidron Bethel Village’s Kidron Hall, 3001 Ivy Dr. This event, free and open to the public, features Amy Siple, APRN, presenting “Under- standing Dementia and Caring for Those Who Have It.” The forum is designed to be beneficial for anyone providing care for someone living with dementia, both professional caregivers and family or friends. One Continuing Education (CE) hour available for $15. Those wanting the CE must register for it prior to the forum at bluestemks.org/events.

See the schedule of what is coming up August 23-25 at the 150th Celebration of Ancestors coming to U.S. to be held at Eden Mennonite Church, rural Moundridge, 401 18th Ave.
Interested persons can register on www.swissmennonite.org website under “Reservations and Celebration Information” Step 1 and sign up for an ethnic meal on step 2 (pay credit card or pay at the door). If persons need help in registering, they can call Kathy Goering 316-371-6189.
And
Hopefield Church will be open for visitation 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, even serving coffee, lemonade, and cookies.
The Moundridge Museum will be open for visitors 1:30-4:30 Saturday afternoon.
–Kathy Goering

What was it like to travel from the home you knew across a vast ocean to start all over on a treeless prairie. The presentation on Fri., Aug. 2, 7 p.m. “From Russia to Kansas: A Story of the 1874 Mennonite Immigration” will help give some insight. A narrated pictorial presentation, with firsthand accounts, will describe the journey of the Alexanderwohl immigrants leaving South Russia and finding a new home in Kansas. The event will be at the Goessel High School Auditorium, 100 E. Main, Goessel. This is a benefit event for the Mennonite Heritage & Agricultural Museum. Donations gratefully accepted.

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Announcements
· Colorado Peaches are coming! Peaches can be ordered July 1-31 by contacting the MCC Central States Office at patsydirksen@mcc.org or calling 316-283-2720. Two sizes are available: 9 lbs. for $30 and 18 lbs. for $41. Payment for peaches in the form of cash or checks is due by Aug. 1 to Mennonite Central Committee. Checks should be made payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “peaches” in the memo line. Peaches will be available for pickup from the MCC Office, 121 East 30^th, North Newton, Mon., Aug. 19 (tentative date). This is a fundraiser for the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale held in Castle Rock, Colorado, October 18-19.
· The MCC Sale Quilter’s Corner is looking for donations of quilts, quilt tops, fabric, books, magazines and vintage linens for our next sale. We hope to have an October sale if we receive enough donations. Donations can be dropped off at the MCC Center in North Newton labeled for Quilter’s Corner or at Stitches Quilt Shop in McPherson. If you have questions, please contact Ann Yoder Smith at 919-604-3282.
· Mennonite Central Committee Material Resources Center in North Newton critically low on inventory: An MCC kit cannot be distributed until each item for the kit is assembled, but some supplies in the Material Resources Center are so low that kits cannot be processed for shipping. You can help by filling the following needs: new infant sleepers (6-12 month sizes); hand towels (dark colored); bar soap; bath towels (dark colored, light to medium weight); wide toothed combs (6-8 inches long); laundry soap (such as Fels Naptha or Zote brands); and shampoo (20 oz min). Buy online and ship it to MCC or bring items to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117). Questions: phone 316-836-5045 or email brociamueller@mcc.org A full list of MCC kit contents can be found at mcc.org/kits.

Open to new participants. A confidential group of women meets to seek healing and hope as they support each other in the experience of betrayal trauma (a spouse or partner’s use of pornography, affair, or sexual addiction). Bimonthly meetings are held Wednesday evenings via Zoom. This group is sponsored by First Mennonite Church of Newton and facilitated by Audrey Ratzlaff, M.Div. Contact Audrey at aaratzlaff@yahoo.com or 316-619-4580 for more information.

To view the Prairie View Inc. Newsletter press here It is also posted on the BCMC bulletin board
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here
For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA’s Women in Leadership Steering Committee recently bid farewell to two of the founding members, Linda Gehman Peachey and Erica Littlewolf, after more than a decade of service. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/wil-founding

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

Menno Snapshots

Camille Dager shares highlights from “My Life Story,” the autobiography of James Liu. The memoir is part of the MC USA Archives’ Mennonite World Conference collection. Read her blog here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/james-liu

Veronica Horst has spent the past six months traveling the country and living on communal farms. One thing that all the farms they have spent time on have in common is an abundance mentality and the desire to share the fruits of their labor. Read their blog here: mennoniteusa.org/symbiosis-communal-farming

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network’s workers in Asia and the Middle East recently completed a five-day retreat in Thailand. Pray that the refreshing times of worship, fellowship and encouragement will help them return to their ministries renewed.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for all who are preparing to lead and participate in WDC Annual Assembly on August 2-4, as we open ourselves to the transforming presence of Christ in this gathering of the church.

Worship service and announcements for July 7–14, 2024

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR

July 7, 2024

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

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 7, 2024
Youth Service & Learning

Maisie Brubacher, Lucy Burch, Adah Hodge, Emma Gering, Emerson Gering, Orlando Gonzalez, Adam Oswald, Abram Wall, Mabel Wall. Sponsors: Cliff Dick, Marlene Ewert, Megan Leary, George Leary.

Christ Candle Lighting

Land Acknowledgement

Centering Music—John Mark Koontz, bass; Josh Bergman, trumpet

Call to Worship
Leader: Come. You are welcome here, as everywhere, in the faithful presence of God. Sit. Listen. Breathe. This presence is a gift.
All: We breathe in the gift of God.
Leader: Bubbling, beautiful joy that bursts from our lips. Joy in this earth, for the blessed bustle of beings that make this their home.
All: We breathe the gift of hope.
Leader: Hope for the past, that we can hear true stories. Hope for today, that we can be people of God’s healing. Hope for the future, for the world anew where justice and peace shall kiss.
All: We breathe in the gift of love.
Leader: Love that fills and overflows. Love that will never turn away, even from our darkest places.
All: We breathe in the gift of life.
Leader: Come, into the gift of new life, in the name of the true and living Holy One, who made us for love, who saved us by love, and who loves us still.   Come in the fullness of life!

*Hymn—Creation is a Song—VT 181

Children’s Conversation

Worship Music—John Mark Koontz, bass; Josh Bergman, trumpet

Scripture Reading—Psalm 130

Readings & Reflections—Broken Covenants and Stolen Land
Confession & Lament (based on Psalm 130)
Leader: Out of the depths we cry to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our voice! We are deep under the weight of sin that piles up generation upon generation. Pressed into the ground we wait for the Lord, our souls wait, and in God’s word we hope.
All: Our souls wait for the Lord, more than those who watch for morning.
*Hymn—Kyrie eleison—VT 147

Readings & Reflections—Cultural Assimilation and Intergenerational Trauma
Confession & Lament (based on Psalm 130)
Leader: Out of the depths we cry to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our voice! We are deep under the weight of sin that piles up generation upon generation. Pressed into the ground we wait for the Lord, our souls wait, and in God’s word we hope.
All: Our souls wait for the Lord, more than those who watch for morning.
*Hymn—For the Healing of the Nations—VT 705

Readings & Reflections—Ecological Devastation and Neocolonialism
Confession & Lament (based on Psalm 130)
Leader: Out of the depths we cry to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our voice! We are deep under the weight of sin that piles up generation upon generation. Pressed into the ground we wait for the Lord, our souls wait, and in God’s word we hope.
All: Our souls wait for the Lord, more than those who watch for morning.
*Hymn—O Healing River—VT 706

Readings & Reflections—Resilience, Survival, and Hope
Leader: O my people, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with God is great power to redeem. It is God who will redeem us from all our iniquities, who will show us the way of justice and peace.
All: Our souls wait for the Lord, more than those who watch for morning.

Prayers of God’s People

*Sung Benediction—Go, My Friends, in Grace—VT 810

Postlude— John Mark Koontz, bass; Josh Bergman, trumpet

* You are invited to stand
VT–Voices Together
Keyboard- Meghann Rogers
Audio visual—Francis Toews

The Next Week at BCMC: July 7—14, 2024
Welcome visitors and friends! May you sense God’s presence at BCMC. The nursery at the back of the sanctuary is available during worship for families with infants and toddlers.

We light the Christ candle to welcome God’s presence among us. Sent out from worship, we carry the light of Christ with us into the world.
Sunday, July 7, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship Service—YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/x0rN1w7NSHk?feature=share

There is no Church Board meeting in July

Monica Lichti will be on vacation July 11 and 12.
Pastor Nathan Koontz will be on vacation July 8—August 10.
Roger Neufeld Smith will be back in the BCMC office Wed., July 10. He will return to Topeka Sun. afternoon, July 14. Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)
BCMC Offering for June 30, 2024 General Fund $2,855; Plant Fund $50; Caring Fund $25; Library Reserve Fund $5.50; Kitchen Fund $10; Solar Fund $2,100.

Sunday, July 14, 2024—Western District Conference Listening Tour
9:30 a.m. Worship with meditation by Kathy Neufeld Dunn, Dave Wiebe and Wendy Funk Schrag
10:45 a.m. Listening Tour continues in Fellowship Hall

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

Going Beyond Land Acknowledgement at BCMC:
· On June 22 about 15 people from BCMC attended the rematriation ceremony for the return of the Sacred Red Rock, Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe to Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park near Council Grove, KS where the Kaw Nation are returning to former homelands. Some 300 people were present to support the Kaw Nation where they plan to build an educational center alongside the Sacred Red Rock.
· Read Sarah Augustine and Sheri Hostetler, So We and Our Children May Live: Following Jesus in Confronting the Climate Crisis, in preparation for Sarah Augustine’s visit here in October.
· In the recent Annual Gathering of the Repair Coalition held in Minneapolis June 29 and 30, Repair Coalition churches were encouraged to build a statewide network to help with Repair Coalition campaigns like Oak Flat. Sarah Augustine said we have about 1,000 people involved in repair work across the country and need to move toward 10,000 people, especially targeting younger persons in their 20’s and 30’s who will carry this work into the next three decades. BCMC would like to include college aged adults in our Task Group and work. If you have a suggestion for someone we should ask to join us, please let Raylene Hinz-Penner know.

BCMC Library Announcements:
· Looking ahead to November, the Library theme for the next few months will be Religion and Politics. We have pulled a few that might help answer questions about our current political climate. A partial display is behind the library desk.
· BOOK SALE July 7 & 14: The Library Committee has culled books from our collection for several reasons: some to be replaced since they are no longer in good enough shape; some because they no longer fit the needs of our library and some because they were donated books that are already in our collection. Please stop by the table outside of the library and take as many as you are interested in. A donation basket will be available for any size donation that seems appropriate to you. Happy Summer Reading!!
· BCMC children and youth summer book promotion: What’s new for children and youth in the BCMC library this summer? What’s new is old. Your library committee has sorted through the shelves and uncovered some classics. These books may look drab, but they have been loved by many, many children over many years. They are waiting for you on a special shelf in the children’s room. Come check them out. Read them with parents or grandparents who remember reading them. Create new memories. Inside each book you will find a certificate good for one book at “Book Reviews” (Newton’s Main Street used book store). Go to “Book Reviews”. Pick out a book that has been loved by another kid. Read it. Share it. Create more memories.

The nursery will be staffed with approved volunteers again starting in July! If you’ve been a nursery volunteer in the past or would like to become a new nursery volunteer so you can sign up, please notify Sara Dick, new nursery schedule coordinator, at saradick1@gmail.com. The schedule is posted in the nursery and will be updated as folks volunteer. Please notify Sara rather than sign yourself up for shifts directly on the schedule, so she knows where we need helpers and where we’re all set. Thank you for caring for our youngest attenders and their families!

Western District Conference Listening Tour: Sun., July 14, three representatives from Western District Conference – Kathy Neufeld Dunn, Dave Wiebe and Wendy Funk Schrag – will be visiting our congregation as part of WDC’s conference-wide Listening Tour. The purpose of the Listening Tour is to empower the vitality of WDC congregations by hearing their stories, offering ongoing relationship, and supporting congregational witness and mission. For BCMC, this will also be an opportunity to share important stories and hopes for the future (in written form) with our soon-to-be pastor, Joanna Harader.
During BCMC worship on July 14, a representative from the WDC Listening Team will share a brief meditation, then the team will introduce the process for learning about BCMC ministries and hopes for the future. All adults and youth will then be invited to Fellowship Hall during the Sunday School hour to share responses around tables to the following questions.

1. When have you felt most alive and vibrant as a congregation, or as a participant at BCMC?
2. What is foundational and reassuring about BCMC that has helped in difficult times (COVID, pastoral transition, etc.)?
3. What do you hope for the future for your church and what resources from WDC would be helpful for that?

Responses from the table discussions will be shared back with all participants at the end of the SS hour. A summary of themes will be compiled by WDC to share with WDC constituency and used to guide ongoing resourcing for congregations in WDC. A summary will also be shared with Joanna Harader and other members of BCMC leadership.
This listening process can be a very valuable resource, both for WDC and for our new BCMC pastors and leaders. Please plan to attend and participate on Sunday, July 14.

The Live Wire Stringband, a collection of players with decades performing for audiences throughout the Midwest, play old time fiddle tunes, gospel, & traditional songs on the fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin and bass, sometimes harmonica. Come and enjoy lively tunes to make your feet want to move at Kidron Hall Fri., July 12 at 6:30 p.m. Members of the band: Jesse Graber, son of Charles & Diana Graber of Newton and husband of Ruth Harder, former pastor of BCMC and current pastor of Rainbow Mennonite Church. Steve and Gail Goeke live in rural Missouri, just northeast of KC and are current members of Rainbow Mennonite Church. Bob and Melissa Atchinson live in Manhattan, KS, and Melissa is the current pastor of Manhattan Mennonite Church.

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Announcements
· Colorado Peaches are coming! Peaches can be ordered July 1-31 by contacting the MCC Central States Office at patsydirksen@mcc.org or calling 316-283-2720. Two sizes are available: 9 lbs. for $30 and 18 lbs. for $41. Payment for peaches in the form of cash or checks is due by Aug. 1 to Mennonite Central Committee. Checks should be made payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “peaches” in the memo line. Peaches will be available for pickup from the MCC Office, 121 East 30^th, North Newton, Mon., Aug. 19 (tentative date). This is a fundraiser for the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale held in Castle Rock, Colorado, October 18-19.
· Mini Blitz at MCC! Come tie, trim, or bind comforters at the MCC Material Resource Center in North Newton Fri., July 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat., July 13 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring a snack to share and a sack lunch/supper. Drinks will be provided. Beginners are welcome!
· The MCC Sale Quilter’s Corner is looking for donations of quilts, quilt tops, fabric, books, magazines and vintage linens for our next sale. We hope to have an October sale if we receive enough donations. Donations can be dropped off at the MCC Center in North Newton labeled for Quilter’s Corner or at Stitches Quilt Shop in McPherson. If you have questions, please contact Ann Yoder Smith at 919-604-3282.
· Mennonite Central Committee Material Resources Center in North Newton critically low on inventory: An MCC kit cannot be distributed until each item for the kit is assembled, but some supplies in the Material Resources Center are so low that kits cannot be processed for shipping. You can help by filling the following needs: new infant sleepers (6-12 month sizes); hand towels (dark colored); bar soap; bath towels (dark colored, light to medium weight); wide toothed combs (6-8 inches long); laundry soap (such as Fels Naptha or Zote brands); and shampoo (20 oz min). Buy online and ship it to MCC or bring items to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117). Questions: phone 316-836-5045 or email brociamueller@mcc.org A full list of MCC kit contents can be found at mcc.org/kits.

Western District Conference Annual Assembly: Assembly registration is now open. Register on-line on the WDC webpage. Join us at the WDC Annual Assembly, August 2-4, 2024 at First Mennonite Church, rural Beatrice, NE. For more information about Assembly, visit the WDC Assembly webpage. Don’t want to drive to Beatrice? Vans will leave from North Newton on August 2 afternoon. When you register, please mark, “Reserve a seat in the van” for $30 a seat. If you are interested in being a delegate to the Assembly, contact Jeanette Stucky, Roger Neufeld-Smith or Monica Lichti in the BCMC office.

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

On Sunday, July 14, 2024 to continue the 150th celebrations there will be an opportunity to hear story telling from two women, Pauline Sharp, Kaw People and Annette Voth, Alexanderwohl People. Their stories told side by side present a unique perspective of the history of the Kaw and Alexanderwohl people. The event will be held at the Tabor Mennonite Church at 7:00 pm, 891 Chisholm Trail Rd, Newton, Ks.

The Warkentin House invites you to an event featuring music from the Flannel Backs on July 14 at 4 p.m. A free will offering will be taken to support the Warkentin House Museum. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the music.

On Saturday, August 3rd, at 3:00 PM at Faith Mennonite Church (Newton, KS) we will be holding our annual Camp Sing event. All are welcome to join us for a gathering of the Camp Mennoscah community to sing camp songs led by the Summer Staff, enjoy a recap of the summer, and hear testimony to the great work camp is doing. Following the singing we will have popcorn and generic pop together! We would love to see you all there.

August 23-25 Celebration of our Ancestors coming to US

We are searching for families who would be interested in hosting a visiting family who will be coming from a distance. If willing to be a host family, please call, text or email E. Fred Goering of Moundridge, KS at 620-345-9890 or fredgoering65@gmail.com. The celebration is Friday, August 23 to Sunday, August 25. You would be hosting for one or two nights. The information that Fred needs are: your first & last name, physical address, cell phone number, email address, and the total number of kids and adults you could host. Thank you.

Plans are underway for Children’s Activities on Saturday, August 24, that will not only entertain but also educate youngsters about the lives their Great, Greats might have experienced. If you or someone you know would like to assist in this program, Danielle Goering would be delighted to hear from you at 602-448-7215. Stay tuned for information as things develop.

–Kathy Goering, Publicity for 150th

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board and MC USA’s Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference filed an amicus brief on April 25, 2024, in support of Apache-Stronghold’s petition for a new full-court hearing on the potential destruction of Oak Flat, a sacred Indigenous site in Arizona. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/apache-stronghold

“Lead/Follow” is a video podcast for pastors and congregational leaders, hosted by MC USA’s executive director, Glen Guyton. Find season one here: mennoniteusa.org/leadfollow View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/leadfollow-pdf View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/leadfollow-slide

Menno Snapshots

Carol Penner describes the history of the Together in Worship team and their website, which offers free worship resources in one convenient location. Read her blog here: mennoniteusa.org/resourcing-church-community

Brenda L. Yoder, author of “Uncomplicated: Simple Secrets for a Compelling Life,” has found that the uncomplicated life of living in a rural Amish/Mennonite community has appeal for many people, due to the slower lifestyle and values that come with living this way. Read her blog here: mennoniteusa.org/uncomplicated

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Participants from Belmont Mennonite Church, in Elkhart, Indiana, have just returned from a week-long Mennonite Mission Network-sponsored Just Peace Pilgrimage (JPP). Pray for them as they discern what Jesus’ response is for their congregation, after witnessing the reality of life along the Mexico-United States border in southern Texas.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregations and members engaging in witness for peace and justice, seeking to follow the way of Jesus in the face of war and violence in the world.

Worship Service and Announcements for June 30-July 7, 2024

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR
June 30, 2024

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

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
June 30, 2024
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Amazing Grace, (arr. by Courtney, Angelika Donaldson soprano; Verlene Garber, accompanist

Welcome & Prayer—Lois Preheim

*Hymn—Come, Let Us All Unite to Sing—VT 7

Children’s Conversation—Barb Koontz

Worship Music—Into the Night (by Edwards)– Angelika Donaldson, soprano; Verlene Garber, accompanist

*Hymn—Praise to the Lord, the Almighty—VT 88

Scripture Reading—Mark 5:21-43—William Eash

Sermon—Believing is Seeing—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Healer of Our Every Il— VT 644

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Go Now in Peace, Worship Continues—VT 829
People with June birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal

*Birthday Blessing and Benediction

Postlude—How Firm a Foundation (arr. by Moyer), Verlene Garber, organ

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

Orientation for New Board, Commission, and Committee Members—June 30: If you are a new member of the Board or a commission or committee at BCMC, you are invited to an orientation to our work together on today, June 30, at 10:45 in the Fellowship Hall. We’ll talk together about new directions for our work following a brief introduction to the structure and function of committees and the Board. There will also be a chance to get acquainted with others; bring your coffee and come a few minutes early for refreshments.

The Next Week at BCMC: June 30—July 7, 2024
Sunday, June 30, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship Service—YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/rUpcB8Ucf9A?feature=share

Monday, July 1, 2024
Church office will be closed today
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
4 p.m. Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
Thursday, July 4, 2024—Church building will be locked and office closed
Sunday, July 7, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship planned and led by the Senior High Youth Group

The Memorial service for Evelyn Lehman is today, Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. Lunch will follow in the fellowship hall. The live-stream link for the service is: https://www.youtube.com/live/X-yJvwA80e0?si=_yaKcJkZNGssl6Hb

Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Fireworks Extravaganza Thurs., July 4, at 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton. Arrival may begin at 7:30 p.m., and fireworks will begin at sundown. Admission is free. A fun family event featuring games, giveaways, and food for purchase. All proceeds benefit the Kidron Bethel Village Health Care Benevolent Fund.

Roger will be back in BCMC on Monday, July 1 (a little different pattern than usual), staying in Newton until late Wednesday night, July 3. Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)

Join the Youth in OKC at the First Americans Museum
This coming Friday, July 5, the congregation is encouraged to attend the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City with the BCMC youth. Please arrange carpooling and meet the youth at the museum for a tour from 1-4. Lawrence Hart’s son, Nathan, will be the tour guide. For more information, contact Pastor
Nathan.

BCMC Offering for June 23, 2024 General Fund $13,849.50; Library Reserve Fund $5; Kitchen Fund $19; Solar Fund $2,000; Don Kaufman Memorial $100.

Western District Conference Listening Tour:
On Sunday, July 14, three representatives from Western District Conference – Kathy Neufeld Dunn, Dave Wiebe and Wendy Funk Schrag – will be visiting our congregation as part of WDC’s conference-wide Listening Tour. The purpose of the Listening Tour is to empower the vitality of WDC congregations by hearing their stories, offering ongoing relationship, and supporting congregational witness and mission. For BCMC, this will also be an opportunity to share important stories and hopes for the future (in written form) with our soon-to-be pastor, Joanna Harader.

During BCMC worship on July 14, a representative from the WDC Listening Team will share a brief meditation, then the team will introduce the process for learning about BCMC ministries and hopes for the future. All adults and youth will then be invited to Fellowship Hall during the Sunday School hour to share responses around tables to the following questions.

            1. When have you felt most alive and vibrant as a congregation, or as a participant at BCMC?
            2. What is foundational and reassuring about BCMC that has helped in difficult times (COVID, pastoral transition, etc.)?
            3. What do you hope for the future for your church and what resources from WDC would be helpful for that?

Responses from the table discussions will be shared back with all participants at the end of the SS hour. A summary of themes will be compiled by WDC to share with WDC constituency and used to guide ongoing resourcing for congregations in WDC. A summary will also be shared with Joanna Harader and other members of BCMC leadership.

This listening process can be a very valuable resource, both for WDC and for our new BCMC pastors and leaders. Please plan to attend and participate on Sunday, July 14.

Abuse Prevention and Response Committee (APRC) will be hosting an education time to discuss how we can continue the journey of being a survivor centered congregation. This education opportunity will be held during the Sunday School hour July 21 in Fellowship Hall. Chapter discussion of Judith Herman’s book Truth and Repair will be led by members of the APRC committee. The video How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice can be found on YouTube. This is approximately a 40 minute video. Judith Herman’s book Truth and Repair can be found at your favorite local bookstore or local library inter library loan. Please contact Bethany Schrag at bethanyjoyschrag@gmail.com if you have questions. We look forward to continuing learning more of how we can best support trauma survivors in our church with you! — APRC Committee

The Memorial service for Marilyn Stucky is planned for Saturday, August 31 at 11 a.m.
If there are date or time changes for this memorial service, we will announce the changes in an email or a bulletin announcement.

Western District Conference Annual Assembly: Is your congregation talking about how to re-imagine faith formation? Send a non-delegate adult (and their child or grandchild) to Annual Assembly. The first 3 hours of the Intergenerational Faith Formation Track will be age-specific, with adults discussing faith formation ideas led by the experienced FMC Beatrice Pastor of Faith Formation, Sarah Neher. The hour after lunch will be intergenerational, putting into practice what we’ve learned. Join us for Annual Assembly, August 2-4, 2024, First Mennonite Church, Beatrice, NE. Register HERE –Registration deadline is July 21.

For more information about Assembly, visit the WDC Assembly webpage. Don’t want to drive to Beatrice? Vans will leave from North Newton on August 2 afternoon. When you register, please mark, “Reserve a seat in the van” for $30 a seat.

If you are interested in being a delegate to the Assembly, contact Jeanette Stucky, Roger Neufeld-Smith or Monica Lichti in the BCMC office.

WDC is looking for two volunteer van drivers to drive two 15 passenger vans with folks who are interested in a ride from North Newton (Bethel College Football Stadium Parking lot) to First Mennonite Church in rural Beatrice, NE for the 2024 Assembly Aug 2-4. The vans will be leaving at 1:30 p.m. Friday and returning after the morning worship service Sunday. The drivers will also need to take their passengers to the Assembly from the hotels and back to start and end the days and will be asked to shuttle over some folks participating in the Intergenerational Faith Formation Track on Saturday as needed at Summit Street Church, which is in town. If you or someone you know (and trust) from your church would be interested in driving one of these vans, please let WDC know, (316-283-6300). Assembly registration for these two individuals will be free.

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

Pastor Nathan’s Extended Summer Vacation
In the fall of 2023, Staff Congregation Relations Committee (SCRC) and Nathan began discussing Nathan’s sabbatical plans. Nathan was eligible for a sabbatical in the summer of 2024, but with uncertainty around the possibility of pastoral transition during the summer of 2024, Nathan offered to postpone his sabbatical until the summer of 2025, given that he could take a long vacation in the summer of 2024. This plan was approved by SCRC in November and the Church Board in December of 2023. So Nathan will be on vacation this summer from July 8-August 10. He will start back up again on the day that Joanna Harader begins her term. Joanna will begin on August 11 and preach on that Bethel College new student orientation Sunday.
A number of different preachers are scheduled while Nathan is gone. July 14 worship and Sunday school will be led by the Western District Listening Group. Sara Dick will preach on July 21. Roger Neufeld Smith will preach on July 28. August 4 will have guest preacher, Trent Voth, from Bethel College. Pastoral care will be provided under the leadership of Elizabeth Schmidt and Roger Neufeld Smith. If you have questions or concerns regarding Nathan’s extended vacation, please contact Nathan or SCRC.

BCMC Library Announcements:· Looking ahead to November, the Library theme for the next few months will be Religion and Politics. We have pulled a few that might help answer questions about our current political climate. A partial display is behind the library desk.
· BOOK SALE June 30, July 7 & 14: The Library Committee has culled books from our collection for several reasons: some to be replaced since they are no longer in good enough shape; some because they no longer fit the needs of our library and some because they were donated books that are already in our collection. Please stop by the table outside of the library and take as many as you are interested in. A donation basket will be available for any size donation that seems appropriate to you.
Happy Summer Reading!!
· BCMC children and youth summer book promotion:
What’s new for children and youth in the BCMC library this summer?
What’s new is old. Your library committee has sorted through the shelves and uncovered some classics. These books may look drab, but they have been loved by many, many children over many years. They are waiting for you on a special shelf in the children’s room. Come check them out. Read them with parents or grandparents who remember reading them. Create new memories. Inside each book you will find a certificate good for one book at “Book Reviews” (Newton’s Main Street used book store). Go to “Book Reviews”. Pick out a book that has been loved by another kid. Read it. Share it. Create more memories.

Summer Story Days are BACK! Stop by the Western District Conference Resource library, 2517 N. Main in North Newton, KS on Saturday July 27 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. for Read Alouds; self-guided, come-and-go activities; and opportunities to learn and grow together! Activities geared for ages 3-8 and their families, but open to all ages. Take advantage of these Saturday hours to tour the library and check out resources.

Camp Mennoscah urgently needs 2-3 more kitchen staff for the week of July 7-12 (Junior High II Camp with Derek Klingenberg). David Enns is the head cook. No special skills are needed, just the ability to follow directions and willing hands. Kitchen staff must be at least 18. If you are able to come for part of the week, you are welcome!

Contact Olivia at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org, call 620-297-3290 or text 316-293-7313. You are needed to make this week of camp a good experience for campers and staff alike.

Bluestem Communities will host its annual Dementia Forum at 6:30 p.m., on Wednesday, July 17, at Kidron Bethel Village’s Kidron Hall, 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton. The event is free and open to the public. Amy Siple, APRN, will present “Understanding Dementia and Caring for Those Who Have It.” The forum is designed to be beneficial for anyone providing care for someone living with dementia, both professional caregivers and family or friends. One Continuing Education (CE) hour available for $15. Those wanting the CE must register for it prior to the forum at bluestemks.org/events.

The Live Wire Stringband, a collection of players with decades performing for audiences throughout the Midwest, play old time fiddle tunes, gospel and traditional songs on the fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin and bass, sometimes harmonica. Come and enjoy lively tunes to make your feet want to move at Kidron Hall Fri., July 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Members of the band: Jesse Graber, son of Charles & Diana Graber of Newton and husband of Ruth Harder, former pastor of BCMC and current pastor of Rainbow Mennonite Church. Steve and Gail Goeke live in rural Missouri, just northeast of KC and are current members of Rainbow Mennonite Church. Bob and Melissa Atchinson live in Manhattan, KS, and Melissa is the current pastor of Manhattan Mennonite Church.

Colorado Peaches are coming! The Palisade peaches on the Western Slope are looking to be a good crop once again. Peaches will be available to order from July 1-31. Orders can be made by contacting the MCC Central States Office at patsydirksen@mcc.org or calling 316-283-2720. Two sizes are available: 9 lbs. for $30 and 18 lbs. for $41. Payment for peaches in the form of cash or checks is due by August 1 to Mennonite Central Committee. Checks should be made payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “peaches” in the memo line. Peaches will be available for pickup from the MCC Office, 121 East 30^th, North Newton, Mon., Aug. 19 (tentative date). This is a fundraiser for the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale held in Castle Rock, Colorado, October 18-19.

Commemorating 500 Years of Anabaptism + Swiss Alps Tour. Sites: Lake Geneva, cliffside Murren, Mennonites near Bern, & 500 Year Celebration in Zurich. 9-day tour in late May 2025. Details and registration coming soon. Preview tour at www.tourwithweldon.com Interested? Contact Weldon Martens at weldon.martens@gmail.com / 402-202-9276. Persons registering interest will receive early notification when registration opens.

Bible classes offered on Hesston College’s campus
Lifelong learning is a goal of many individuals. Did you know Hesston encourages community members to enroll in Bible courses? We even have a discounted rate for senior citizen attenders. This coming fall semester we have opportunities to take two Bible classes on campus: Biblical Literature (at two different times) and Missional Leadership on Monday evenings. These classes will only be offered in person this semester. To learn more, visit hesston.edu/bible. If you are interested in enrolling in a course, contact Michele Hershberger at michele.hershberger@hesston.edu.

Registration is open on the swissmennonite.org website for the August 23-25, 2024 Celebration of the 150th Anniversary of our ancestors coming to US in 1874. On the site, click on Registration and Celebration Information and then on Step 1 to register and on “See available seminars” there to see that list. After indicating choice of seminars is an invitation to join the mass choir and a request to indicate which part you sing. On Step 2 you can reserve and/or purchase your ethnic meal on Saturday evening 5:00 provided by Bread Basket in Newton. You can pay here or reserve and pay at the door. If you have difficulty with reservations on the website, you may call Kathy Goering at 316-371-6189 for assistance.

Anyone who likes to sing is invited to join the Mass Choir that sings Sunday morning. Rehearsal is 3:00 on Saturday and Sunday morning 8:30 a.m. You can mark your intentions and your part on the website. Bonita Howard asks you to bring a 3-ring black binder to rehearsals.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News from Around the World” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network “Connections” Newsletter press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Menno Snapshots

Having grown up in Texas, Hannah Koester, an attendee at Pasadena Mennonite Church, felt distant from China — her birth country — and her cultural heritage. Her Mennonite faith has helped her feel safe to explore what it means to be Chinese. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/finding-cultural-heritage

Jenna Liechty Martin, executive director at Camp Friedenswald in Cassopolis, Michigan identifies what makes camp such a special place for faith formation. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/camp-life-changing

For Everence Summer edition of “Toolkit” press here

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Kate Widmer, as she helps extend the community outreach ministries of La Prairie (The Prairie) Mennonite Church in France, through a café, a bookstore and building relationships in the Muslim neighborhood in which she lives. Pray for renewal of energy and spiritual insight, as she pours herself out in service.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: We are in the middle of the year 2024 and let’s pray that the rest of the year, His presence will shine upon us. Let’s pray that God will open doors for us and witness the moving of His holy Spirit, whispering to our inner being the desires of God, so that we may arise and move. “Revive your work in the midst of the ages” said Habakkuk. All this we ask as the WDC Church Planting Commission, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Worship Service and Announcements for June 23-30, 2024

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCHWORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR
JUNE 23. 2024

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

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20 a.m., go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box below that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/R23rw9Ey4jE?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
June 23, 2024

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music–Adagio from Chorale No. 3 in A Minor (CésarFranck)–Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome & Prayer–Lauren Friesen

*Hymn–What is this Place–VT 22

Kin-dom Report–Brad Kohlman

Worship Music–Allegro Moderator (Luigi Boccherini)–Lucy Burch, flute; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Children’s Conversation–Glen Ediger

Scripture Reading–John 24:36-49; VT 856 selections from 1 Corinthians 12–Judy Harder

*Hymn–There are Many Gifts–VT 374

Sermon–The Living, Broken, Beautiful Body of Christ–Elizabeth Schmidt

*Hymn of Response–Christ Has No Body Here but Ours–VT 568

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn–Christ Be in Your Senses–VT 721

*Benediction

Postlude–Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten (J.S. Bach)

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

Saturday June 22: Memorial service for Charlotte Siemens, 11 a.m. with a lunch to follow. Live-stream link: https://www.youtube.com/live/nrsIasteGP8?si=cLVEbHtEyaJ76RPa

The Next Week at BCMC: June 23-30, 2024
Sunday, June 23, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship Service—YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/R23rw9Ey4jE?feature=share

Monday, June 24, 2024
10 a.m. Library Committee meeting in Room 14
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
5:30 pm. Grief Group meeting in BCMC nursery
Thursday, June 27, 2024
6 p.m. Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
Saturday, June 29, 2024
11 a.m. Memorial service for Evelyn Lehman; lunch follows in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, June 30, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Angelika Donaldson

BCMC Offering for June 16, 2024 General Fund $3,032; Kitchen Fund $20; Library Reserve Fund $2; Solar Fund $7,732.54.

We offer sympathy to the family of Marilyn Stucky. Marilyn died June 20 in Newton. Please remember in your prayers her husband LaVern, and their daughters Janelle Unrau and Cindy Beth and their extended families. The memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Abuse Prevention and Response Committee (APRC) will be hosting an education time to discuss how we can continue the journey of being a survivor centered congregation. This education opportunity will be held during the Sunday School hour July 21 in Fellowship Hall. Chapter discussion of Judith Herman’s book Truth and Repair will be led by members of the APRC committee. The video How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice can be found on YouTube. This is approximately a 40 minute video. Judith Herman’s book Truth and Repair can be found at your favorite local bookstore or local library inter library loan. Please contact Bethany Schrag at bethanyjoyschrag@gmail.com if you have questions. We look forward to continuing learning more of how we can best support trauma survivors in our church with you! — APRC Committee

Future Events at BCMC:
June 29: Memorial service for Evelyn Lehman, 11 a.m. with a lunch to follow. Live-stream link:
https://www.youtube.com/live/X-yJvwA80e0?si=_yaKcJkZNGssl6Hb
Evelyn died June 3. See Evelyn’s obituary.

Save the Date: Peace Witness Event, Sept. 15-16
The BCMC Witness Commission is very pleased to announce plans for a peace witness event around Peace Sunday on September 15-16. Our church along with the Bible and Religion Dept. Bethel College and in collaboration with area churches invites you engage with Christianity and Democracy led by well known author, academic, and presenter, David P. Gushee (https://davidpgushee.com).

Roger will be driving back to Topeka Sunday afternoon, June 23. He will be back in BCMC on Monday, July 1 (a little different pattern than usual), staying in Newton until late Wednesday night, July 3. Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)

Orientation for New Board, Commission, and Committee Members—June 30: If you are a new member of the Board or a commission or committee at BCMC, you are invited to an orientation to our work together on Sunday, June 30, at 10:45 in the Fellowship Hall. We’ll talk together about new directions for our work following a brief introduction to the structure and function of committees and the Board. There will also be a chance to get acquainted with others; bring your coffee and come a few minutes early for refreshments.

The BCMC Solar Energy sub-committee of the BCMC Creation Care Committee would like to update the congregation on the progress of the solar project. As many of you have noticed, most of the solar panels are now installed. Some of the last items, such as the squirrel guard, are being installed this week. Ongoing work with Evergy Electric is proceeding as the solar project enters the final phase of its work. We hope that the project will be finished by the middle of July. Our biggest thanks, as always, goes to the BCMC members who have so faithfully sent in their financial pledges to cover the cost of this “once-in-a-lifetime” BCMC Creation Care project. Hugo Boschmann, for the BCMC solar energy subcommittee.

Pastor Nathan’s Extended Summer Vacation
In the fall of 2023, Staff Congregation Relations Committee (SCRC) and Nathan began discussing Nathan’s sabbatical plans. Nathan was eligible for a sabbatical in the summer of 2024, but with uncertainty around the possibility of pastoral transition during the summer of 2024, Nathan offered to postpone his sabbatical until the summer of 2025, given that he could take a long vacation in the summer of 2024. This plan was approved by SCRC in November and the Church Board in December of 2023. So Nathan will be on vacation this summer from July 8-August 10. He will start back up again on the day that Joanna Harader begins her term.
A number of different preachers are scheduled while Nathan is gone. July 14 worship and Sunday school will be led by the Western District Listening Group. Sara Dick will preach on July 21. Roger Neufeld Smith will preach on July 28 and August 11. August 4 will have guest preacher, Trent Voth, from Bethel College. Pastoral care will be provided under the leadership of Elizabeth Schmidt and Roger Neufeld Smith. If you have questions or concerns regarding Nathan’s extended vacation, please contact Nathan or SCRC.

Western District Conference Annual Assembly: Assembly registration is now open. Register on-line on the WDC webpage. (See below.) Join us at the WDC Annual Assembly, August 2-4, 2024 at First Mennonite Church, rural Beatrice, NE. . Don’t want to drive to Beatrice? Vans will leave from North Newton on August 2 afternoon. When you register, please mark, “Reserve a seat in the van” for $30 a seat. Join us at the WDC Annual Assembly, August 2-4, 2024 at First Mennonite Church, Beatrice, NE.
If you are interested in being a delegate to the Assembly, contact Jeanette Stucky, Roger Neufeld-Smith or Monica Lichti in the BCMC office.

Register HERE

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

Save the Date! Western District Women in Mission’s annual Women’s & Girls’ Retreat will be Sat./Sun. Sept. 7-8 at Camp Mennoscah. The keynote speaker will be Kristine Regehr on the topic of Peaceful Practices. More information and registration info will follow in July. Activities will be available for girls age 5th grade – high school and women of all ages! Come for a time of relaxation, peace, and friendship! Email questions to: westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com.

Summer Story Days are BACK! Stop by the Western District Conference Resource library, 2517 N. Main in North Newton, KS on Saturdays June 29 and July 27 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. for Read Alouds; self-guided, come-and-go activities; and opportunities to learn and grow together! Activities geared for ages 3-8 and their families, but open to all ages. Take advantage of these Saturday hours to tour the library and check out resources.

You’re invited! Support a new Mission Network family, Wed., June 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mennonite Mission Center office in downtown Newton, come hear about the work of a new Mennonite Mission Network family. Later this year, Laurel and Ben Woodward-Breckbill, from Newton, will move to Paris, France to be directors of the Paris Mennonite Center. Come hear about the work of the Center, enjoy snacks, and even offer your financial support. Make a giving pledge and you will be entered to win a pair of Kansas City Chiefs tickets! (Las Vegas at Kansas City, Nov. 29, 2024).

Bluestem Communities will host its annual Dementia Forum at 6:30 p.m., on Wednesday, July 17, at Kidron Bethel Village’s Kidron Hall, 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton, Kan. The event is free and open to the public. Amy Siple, APRN, will present “Understanding Dementia and Caring for Those Who Have It.” The forum is designed to be beneficial for anyone providing care for someone living with dementia, both professional caregivers and family or friends. One Continuing Education (CE) hour available for $15. Those wanting the CE must register for it prior to the forum at bluestemks.org/events.

Mini Blitz at Mennonite Central Committee! Come tie, trim, or bind comforters at the MCC Material Resource Center in North Newton Fri., July 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat., July 13 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring a snack to share and a sack lunch/supper. Drinks will be provided. Beginners are welcome!

The MCC Sale Quilter’s Corner is looking for donations of quilts, quilt tops, fabric, books, magazines and vintage linens for our next sale. We hope to have an October sale if we receive enough donations. Donations can be dropped off at the MCC Center in North Newton labeled for Quilter’s Corner or at Stitches Quilt Shop in McPherson. If you have questions, please contact Ann Yoder Smith at 919-604-3282.

Mennonite Central Committee Material Resources Center in North Newton critically low on inventory: An MCC kit cannot be distributed until each item for the kit is assembled, but some supplies in the Material Resources Center are so low that kits cannot be processed for shipping. You can help by filling the following needs: new infant sleepers (6-12 month sizes); hand towels (dark colored); bar soap; bath towels (dark colored, light to medium weight); wide toothed combs (6-8 inches long); laundry soap (such as Fels Naptha or Zote brands); and shampoo (20 oz min). Buy online and ship it to MCC or bring items to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117). Questions are always welcome: phone 316-836-5045 or email brociamueller@mcc.org A full list of MCC kit contents can be found at mcc.org/kits.

Commemorating 500 Years of Anabaptism + Swiss Alps Tour. Sites: Lake Geneva, cliffside Murren, Mennonites near Bern, & 500 Year Celebration in Zurich. 9-day tour in late May 2025. Details and registration coming soon. Preview tour at www.tourwithweldon.com Interested? Contact Weldon Martens at weldon.martens@gmail.com / 402-202-9276. Persons registering interest will receive early notification when registration opens.

Stories for 150th Swiss Volhynian Mennonite Celebration August 23-25, at Eden Mennonite Church. There is still time to send a story of your grandfolks to Brian Adams (smolts123@yahoo.com) or his daughter Casey (cpadams992@gmail.com) for their collection to be available at celebration.
Don Kaufman and Larry Stucky are collecting old photos to display at the 150th. Please send copies or scans to donbon@mtelco.net or cstucky@mtelco.net with identification.

For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” click here
For KIPCOR Newsletter press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Representatives of Native Mennonite Ministries, a Mennonite Church USA Indigenous assembly composed of three congregations in Montana and Oklahoma, recently gathered for their biannual business meeting in Billings, Montana. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/native-menno-ministries

Menno Snapshots

Chris Meyer, stewardship investing advocacy and research manager at Everence, reflects on his passion for creation care, on behalf of Everence and his own family, reminding us how much we all have invested in caring for creation — and how rarely we stop to bask in its glory. Read his reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/guided-by-wonder

After years of avoiding pastoral ministry, Jen Shenk, campus pastor at Goshen College, felt a calling that she needed to say “yes” to. Her position as campus pastor officially began on Aug. 1, 2023, after she served as interim pastor in April and May 2023. Read about her calling here: mennoniteusa.org/vocation-spiritual-lens

Despite feeling some discomfort with the Letter to the Hebrews and the idea of writing a commentary, Debra Bucher just released her Believers Church Bible Commentary on Hebrews. She shares her principles and how she worked through the discomfort here: mennoniteusa.org/discomfort-way-forward

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Martine Audéoud works in administrative and teaching roles for several international theology and global leadership formation doctoral programs. Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for her and her family as they move from France to Côte d’Ivoire, where the family previously lived and where her son, 16-year-old, Samuel, feels at home. Samuel experienced bullying in his school in France.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the WDC Gifts Discernment Committee, as they discern nominees for new leadership positions to be elected at WDC annual assembly.