BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
Worship Service and Announcements for February 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.
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/OSHhgTNhf7I?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
February 4, 2024
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music— I’m Bound for the Promised Land (arr. Bish)—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Land Acknowledgement—Esther Kreider Eash
Welcome and Prayer—Esther Kreider Eash
*Hymn—You Are Salt for the Earth—VT 297
Kin-dom Report—Junior High Youth Report on Snow Camp at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp
Children’s Conversation—Junior High Youth
Anthem—Give to Our God Immortal Praise (John Ferguson)— Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
Kin-dom Report—Anti-Racism Training—Elizabeth Schmidt and Lil Peters
Scripture Reading—Mark 1:29-39—Abby Koontz
Sermon—Journey Inward, Journey Outward—Roger Neufeld Smith
*Hymn—Lead Me, Guide Me—VT 601
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Come Walk With Us—VT 23
Benediction
Postlude—March on a Gregorian Theme (A. Guilmant)—Will Wiebe-Friesen
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ben Lichti
YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/OSHhgTNhf7I?feature=share
This Week at BCMC: February 4—11, 2024
Sunday, February 4, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/OSHhgTNhf7I?feature=share
Sunday is Willye Hinz ‘s 98th birthday. Come share a piece of birthday cake with her after worship with your coffee in The Gathering Place.
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Room 26; High School-Room 24 Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
Monday, February 5, 2024
10 a.m. Library Committee meeting in Room 14
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
11 a.m. Staff meeting
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, February 8, 2024
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bells Rehearsal in Room B-7
7 p.m. Finance Committee meeting in Room 14
7:30 p.m. Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, February 11, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Julianna Schrag; Junior High Super Bowl Fundraiser in the Gathering Place
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
After the worship service Feb. 11, the Junior High Youth will be selling an assortment of Super Bowl snacks. Snacks will be sold by donation. Donations go toward the Junior High Fund which is used to support activities like Snow Camp. Come prepared to support the Junior High Youth!
Roger’s Whereabouts: Roger will drive back to Topeka this Sunday afternoon (2/4). He will return to Newton on Wed., Feb. 21. Whether he’s in Newton or Topeka, Roger checks his email and cell phone regularly, so feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968).
BCMC Offering for January 28, 2024: General $14,267; Plant Fund $50; Caring Fund $25; Kitchen Fund $11.50; Solar Fund $3,250; Sr Hi Youth Fund $3,700
Thank you. A brush with death makes one appreciate the sanctity of life. Thanks to all for the many acts of kindness during the whole month of January for prayers, cards, phone calls, texts, emails, visits, food, the prayer shawl–so special, friends that helped out at my home, etc. Healing and getting strength back from RSV. Virus and pneumonia bacteria is predicted to take 6-8 weeks. Don’t get RSV. It is relentless on old bodies.
Marlene V. Faul
GOING BEYOND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (First Sunday Report from Task Group for Indigenous Justice):
The Repair Network BCMC has joined provides learning activities, actions, contacts and networking for its members. Darlene Dick, Margaret Toews, and Raylene Hinz-Penner participated in a six-session Minnesota/Kansas Learning Circle (Zoom) to help us build repair communities in Kansas and Minnesota. The Learning Circle builds networks with others in our own states and provides access to powerful Indigenous leaders. The Repair Network hopes to build repair communities in various Kansas regions including Newton/North Newton. We will be asking for your help in inviting others in our region. Members of the Task Group are also participating in a four-session book study with the authors Sarah Augustine and Sheri Hostetler on their new book, So We and Our Children May Live: Following Jesus in Confronting the Climate Crisis; we hope to offer book study possibilities in our own congregation soon. See Mark Charles interview of Augustine and Hostetler at this link:
My Second Cup of Coffee: A Conversation with Sarah Augustine and Sheri Hostetler, co-authors of …
The Oak Flat campaign is ramping up, and we will be offering petitions and other actions for participation to our congregation. Talk to members of the Task Group about your interests and requests: Darlene Dick, Janet Friesen, Raylene Hinz-Penner, Karin Kaufman Wall, Lyn Krause, Doug Penner, Ada Schmidt-Tieszen, Dale Schrag, Margaret Toews.
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.
From the Church Board: At the congregational meeting on Sunday, January 28, the budget for 2024 was approved as were several additional proposals. Specific wording of these proposals can be found in the annual meeting’s booklet as well as several past bulletin announcements. After an editorial change of the last “and” to “or”, the proposal to revise the Welcoming Statement was approved with 90 Yes votes and 1 No vote. The proposal for a new model of leadership (moderator elect, moderator, and past moderator) passed with 92 Yes votes and 1 No vote. The proposal to install solar panels on our church roof passed with 85 Yes votes and 4 No votes. Overwhelming support for the project in terms of funds pledged (approximately $180,000) was reported. We’re grateful for the extensive background research, hard work, and advocacy of the Creation Care Committee’s subcommittee of Dwight Krehbiel, Lorna Harder, and Hugo Boschmann; the assistance with collaboration and communication from Margaret Toews and Jon Zerger of the Board; and the advice and collaboration of the Finance Committee (LaVern Stucky, Jerry Buller, Margaret Goering, Jeanette Leary, and John Zerger). We look forward to a good year ahead!
The Search Committee has been hard at work in an effort to fill BCMC’s open Co-Pastor position. The Committee has identified possible candidates and is in the process of conducting interviews. We will continue to update the congregation as our progress continues. In the meantime, we appreciate your continued patience and prayers.
Thanks to Heather Esau Zerger and the rest of the committee–Doug Penner, Megan Kohlman, John Waltner, and Lois Preheim– for assertively taking initiative in search and recruitment.
From Pastor for Congregational Care, Elizabeth Schmidt
Richard Siemens is receiving hospice care in Healthcare at Kidron Bethel Village, following a fall, broken hip and hospitalization. Pray for Richard and his family, especially Doug and LuAnn, and Charlotte and David, to rest in God’s comforting presence as Richard journeys home to his Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.
Future February Events at BCMC:
· February 14, 2024, 6:30 p.m.—Ash Wednesday Service in the Sanctuary
· February 18, 2024, 9:30 a.m.—First Sunday in Lent
· February 21, 2024, 6 p.m.—Wednesday night suppers begin—more details will follow
· February 25, 2024, 9:30 a.m.—Second Sunday in Lent and at noon, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” is a way for BCMC folks to get acquainted with other BCMC folks that they might not know very well. The Hospitality Commission will match people who sign up as hosts with people who sign up as guests. Guests: You will receive your food assignment Sunday, February 18. Hosts: you will receive the number of guests you will host on February 18.
Memorial Services at BCMC
· The memorial service for Nancy Hilty has been re-scheduled to Sat., March 9, 11 a.m. followed by a light lunch in fellowship hall.
· The memorial service for Don Kaufman will be Sat., April 13, 11 a.m. followed by a light lunch in fellowship hall.
BEWARE OF A SCAM TEXT!
There seems to be a scam text going around that says it is from Pastor Nathan Koontz. The text asks for help and also may ask for the purchase of gift cards. This is a scam. Do not reply to this text. If you are in doubt, call the church office. Be sure to delete the text from your phone.
Monica Lichti in the BCMC office
Bethel College Announcements
· Feb. 7, 9:30 a.m. Life Enrichment meets at Krehbiel Auditorium, Fine Arts Center with two sessions: 9:30 a.m. “The Story of the Stone Creek Family Farm,” Loretta and Ryan Kucharo, Halstead, and 10:30 a.m. “How to Spot a Scam So You Don’t Fall For It!” with Michael Schwanke, news anchor, KWCH Channel 12, Wichita
· Last week to experience “Forest Listening,” a sound art installation by Liz K. Miller, in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Exhibit closes Fri., Feb. 9 (no reception). Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.
· Sun., Feb. 11 – KIPCOR Film Series presents Eroding History, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Audience talkback with Dr. Jonathan Frye, professor of natural science at McPherson College, follows the screening; freewill offering will be taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.
· Sun., Feb. 11 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program at Kauffman Museum, 3 p.m., with Lorna Harder, Hesston, guest curator of the special exhibit “A Day with the Birds: Community Science and the Audubon Christmas Bird Count.” In “Sisters, Scientists, Birders and Friends,” Harder will explore the history of local birding pioneers Dwight Platt, North Newton, and the Ruth sisters of Halstead, how they’ve passed on their legacy through the Christmas Bird Count, and how birding brings people together.
· Tues., Feb. 13 – Bethel College Organ Recital Series presents Douglas O’Neill in an all-Bach program, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is April 12 & 13, 2024 at the Kansas State Fair Grounds in Hutchinson. This year’s theme is “Sowing seeds of hope, seeds of Love.”
· BCMC Sunday School classes help underwrite KMRS costs. All expenses are covered before the sale so 100% of sale profit goes directly to Mennonite Central Committee.
· Start collecting your coins! BCMC’s My Coins Count drive begins February 11.
· Friendship Meals (March 3 or March 10) are a great way to meet new people and also contribute to MCC. Signup to be a host or a guest by February 18. Green forms are in the Gathering Place.
· Run for Relief entry forms are available–sign up to run, walk, jog, or to be a sponsor. You can now even participate virtually!
· Do you have a quilt to donate, or are you considering bidding on a quilt? Quilts by BCMC quilters will be on display at church on Sunday, March 3.
· Consider donating furniture, quilts, vehicles, or children’s items for the auctions. Check the KMRS website for more information.
· For more information, see https://kansas.mccsale.org/, the posterboard in the Gathering Place, or contact a BCMC liaison: Steve & Elaine Schurr, William & Esther Kreider Eash, and Brad & Diane Born.
WANTED—Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, RV’s, Campers, Tractors, Modern Farm Equipment, etc. for the Kansas Mennonite Central Committee Sale. Items you no longer need can help feed and clothe thousands in desperate living conditions. ALL donations are Tax Deductible. Call Jerry Toews for info: 620 367 8257. Help make a difference.
Everence® February workshop: Make Medicare an Easy Step
Everence will hold its popular Medicare workshop at its office in North Newton on Thursday, February 15 at 6:30 p.m. Topics will include, when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare covers, plus an explanation of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare.
The in-person workshop will be held at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton. Those interested in attending should contact the Everence office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.
The 16th annual MCC Comforter Blitz will be March 4-6 near Yoder. Check mcc.org/comforter-blitz or the Kansas MCC Comforter Blitz page on Facebook. The blitz will be Mon., March 4 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tues., March 5 from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Wed., March 6 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at 3605 East Longview Rd., Haven. Contact brociamueller@mcc.org with questions.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements
WDC Gifts Discernment Committee Announcement – The WDC Gifts Discernment Committee is at work again seeking to identify leaders for the conference. While we always welcome any nominations or suggestions of people who might have leadership gifts to share, this year we are specifically looking again for help in discerning nominees for the role of Moderator-elect. Please prayerfully consider if there is someone in your community (or yourself) who might be called to this important leadership role in the conference. Suggestions or nominations can be shared (English here) / (Español aqui) or emailed to wdc@mennowdc.org! Thank you!
Western District Conference forwarded this announcement of a free webinar series on disaster preparedness for faith communities from Crisis Care Ministries, an extension ministry of the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church. Kevin King, Executive Director of Mennonite Disaster Service, affirms this resource and notes that the United Methodist Church has been a strong partner with MDS in the work of disaster recovery, through funding, expertise and case management. We encourage representatives from your congregation to consider registering for this webinar series, as you care for your church members and the wider community.
.png?width=556)
Dear Colleagues,
Faith and community leaders are early responders to crises within their communities. The Trauma-Informed Faith Communities project of Crisis Care Ministries can help you be more trauma-informed and prepared in 2024.
Register here for the live webinar series, Navigating Storm Season. Prepare for spring storm season with brief webinars provided by experienced partners from Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. The series goes live on February 6 through 27, Tuesdays, at 10:00 to 11:00 AM Central Time. Register only once to sign up for all Navigating Storm Season sessions, attending as you are able.
- Topics include:
- February 6, 2024 – Individual and Family Disaster Preparedness
- February 13, 2024 – From Disaster Preparedness Through Long-Term Recovery
- February 20, 2024 – Faith Community Disaster Preparedness
- February 27, 2024 – First Things to Know About Disaster Emotional and Spiritual Care
The Trauma-Informed Faith Communities project is designed to strengthen the capacity of faith and community leaders to better respond to individuals and communities affected by and at risk for experiencing numerous crises and disasters. For the project home page, click here.
Click here for the Webinar and Training Archives with previous webinar videos and resources.
For questions about the Navigating Storm Season webinar series, email crisiscare@earthlink.net or call 405-530-2071.
We’re looking forward to seeing you in February!
Blessings,
Mary Gaudreau Hughes
Crisis Care Ministries
Prairie View Mental Health Center Announcements
Prairie View is having several events coming up in the next couple of months and we want you to join us!
Lunch and Learn February 7, 2024 at 12:00pm
This is your chance to gain insights, share experiences, and celebrate the vital role of school counselors in shaping educational journeys. To secure your spot, don’t forget to RSVP to the ever-awesome Ashleigh Hollis at
hollisar@pvi.org.
Come be a part of the discussion, connect with fellow educators, and let’s celebrate the impact of school counseling together!
Freddy’s Give Back Night February 20, 2024 5:00pm-9:00pm
Prairie View Inc. will receive 15% of fundraiser sales during this fundraiser to help us continue providing behavioral healthcare in our community. Participate on Feb 20, 2024 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm by ordering digitally or at the physical Freddy’s restaurant, 520 SE 14th St
Newton, KS 67114. To participate digitally, order on the Freddy’s mobile app or website using the code GIVEBACK. To participate at the restaurant, tell the cashier of your participation (before payment) or show the fundraiser flyer below to the cashier (before payment).
Prairie View 70th Anniversary Gala and Silent Auction March 16, 2024 at 5:00pm
For seven decades, Prairie View has been a beacon of hope, illuminating the heart of Kansas. Join us in commemorating this milestone at the Prairie View 70th Anniversary Gala and Silent Auction!
Date: March 16, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM
Venue: Bethel College Memorial Hall
Indulge in an evening of celebration, reflection, and community. Your presence is the key to making this gala truly special.
Tickets: $70
RSVP by March 1st to Ashleigh Hollis:
316-284-6379
Chicken-N-Pickle Give Back Night
Prairie View Inc. will receive 10% of fundraiser sales during this fundraiser to help us continue providing behavioral healthcare in our community. Participate on March 26, 2024 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Join us at Chicken-N-Pickle (1240 N Greenwich Rd, Wichita, KS 67206) for good food, conversation and a game of pickle ball!
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Two volunteers are needed every week day (M-F) to continue the work on the Retreat Center project. Work will start at 9am and end at 5pm. Bring your own lunch and water bottle, please, and meet at the Retreat Center. Park nose-first to the wooden fence. Camp Mennoscah will provide tools needed. Space heaters will be used, but temperatures inside may be around 50 degrees. Please let us know you are coming so we can be prepared. Contact us at 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. We are grateful for your generosity as a volunteer. Thank you for helping make the Retreat Center project a reality!
Other events and happenings:
- Registration for 2024 Summer Youth Camps is open! Staff is still adjusting to the big Retreat Center project and some details are sure to have been missed–but that will not stop you from registering for a great week of camp. The theme for the summer is Linked By Love and looks at the many ways we experience God’s love through relationships. Register online!
- The phone system for Camp Mennoscah is changing. The 3014 number will no longer be a camp phone number. The main camp number of 620-297-3290 is the best number to use. The new system will not go in until after the Retreat Center HVAC project is complete.While offices are in the temporary spaces, there will be more limited access to staff by phone. Please leave a message at 620-297-3290 and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
- Staff hours will be changing and offices have moved from the Retreat Center. These changes are happening with the start of the Retreat Center HVAC Project. Olivia may be pulled to help with the HVAC project, meaning that her office work hours may move to the evening. Some staff will also be working off-site, which changes the frequency of certain office tasks. Thank you for your understanding!
- Interviews for the 2024 Summer Staff are underway! Summer staff must be 18 years old or older. The staff leadership positions receiving stipends are naturalist, crafts leader, lifeguard, grounds/maintenance, music leader, and office/media. Get your application in soon, but applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. The 2024 summer camp season begins with orientation for summer-long positions on June 2 and ends August 4. The application for 2024 Summer Staff at Camp Mennoscah can be found here.
- Summer Youth Camps take many hands to make them run. Nurses, head cooks, kitchen staff and maintenance volunteers are needed for every week of camp. The summer camps range from 3 to 6 days and begin June 9. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org if you are interested.
- We are so excited to share with you the catalog for the 2024 Camp Mennoscah season! Fun-filled summer days await you at Camp Mennoscah where we are ready to welcome campers new and old to come build their house upon the Rock while they play in the sand.
Attached to this email you will find a digital copy of our catalog, and we welcome you to register here for the upcoming summer season! Detailed information about our Summer Youth Camps and our Program Directors can be found here, on the Camp Mennoscah website.
We’re looking forward to a fantastic and joy-filled 2024 and hope that you will be able to join us.
If you have any questions about any of our upcoming retreats, the registration process, or Camp Mennoscah in general, don’t hesitate to reach out! We would love to hear from you and hope to see you soon.
Camp Mennoscah Staff
For Catalog press here
For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
From Mennonite Central Committee
Feb. 23: MCC High School Essay Contest – Are you a youth who attends a Mennonite high school or an Anabaptist church? This is your opportunity to express your views in essay format on critical issues facing U.S. society. Submissions are due Feb. 23, 2024, and may be in English or Spanish. The grand prize is $1000! Find out more about the high school essay contest. https://mcc.org/events/high-school-essay-contest Submit essays to centralstates@mcc.org.
March 10-15: MCC Young adult Peace Camp in Black Forest, Colorado – Join us for an incredible week of hands-on peacebuilding training in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado Springs! MCC’s Peacebuilders Training is a learning experience for young adults hungry to connect with other young adults; root themselves in intentional, theological reflection; and apply that to the real-world work of peace and justice in their communities. Find out more and register for the Peace Camp. https://mcc.org/get-involved/peace-camps
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
In celebration of Black History Month (February), Mennonite Church USA invites you to discover the people and events that have helped shape our denomination. Visit MC USA’s African American Mennonite History Timeline here: mennoniteusa.org/african-american-mennonite-history-timeline/
Menno Snapshots
Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler, climate justice coordinator for Mennonite Church USA, looks at the role of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as an early leader in the environmental justice movement and provides suggested actions to honor his legacy. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/mlk/
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Join Mennonite Mission Network in praising God for Matthew and Toni Krabill’s four years of ministry at the Paris Mennonite Center in France. Pray for them as they move to Ghana this month, where Matthew will supervise research and develop curricula at The Sanneh Institute, and Toni will discern what God is calling her to next.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray that God would nurture faith, wisdom and spiritual growth as members and friends of WDC engage materials in the WDC Resource Library.
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.