Keep Awake! is the theme for worship at BCMC during the season of Advent 2014 through Epiphany 2015. During this season we await and celebrate the coming of Christ. Through the birth of Jesus and the in-breaking of God’s shalom, God reveals the divine mystery and sheds new light on all things! Join BCMC to observe this season through worship, scripture study, and other special events. Look for discussion and reflection questions in the bulletin and on the website each Sunday.
Here is the schedule of Sunday scripture readings and worship:
Nov. 30, 1st Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7,17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37. 9 a.m. Prelude by string quartet – Rebecca Schloneger and Jason Wong, violin; Keith Neufeld, viola; Danny Friesen, cello. 9:30 a.m. Worship with Communion, music by Chancel Choir
Dec. 7, 2nd Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2,8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8. 9 a.m. Prelude by Christopher Shaw, organist. 9:30 a.m. Worship with music by Junior Choir
Dec. 14, 3rd Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 61:1-4,8-11; Psalm 126; 1 Thess. 5:16-24; John 1:6-8,19-28. 9 a.m. Prelude by Howard Glanton, guitarist. 9:30 a.m. Worship with music by Cherub Choir and Chancel Choir
Dec. 21, 4th Sunday of Advent: 2 Samuel 7:1-11,16; Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26; Luke 1:26-55; Rom. 16:25-27. 9 a.m. Prelude by Chancel Bells. 9:30 a.m. Worship with music by Menno Ringers and Chancel Bells
Dec. 28, Sunday after Christmas: Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Psalm 148, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40. 9:30 a.m. Prelude of vocal solos by members and friends of BCMC. 10:00 a.m. Worship with Christmas carol singing. 11:00 a.m. Fellowship and coffee – bring goodies to share (no Sunday school).
Jan. 4, 2015, Epiphany (regular Sunday morning schedule resumes). Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12. 9:15 a.m. Prelude by Mark Kreider, pianist. 9:30 a.m. Worship
Participate in this year’s Advent giving project by supporting Harvest of Love. This annual campaign sponsored by Newton Ministerial Alliance and Salvation Army gathers non-perishable food and donations to assist households in need in Harvey County. To contribute make checks payable to “Harvest of Love” and send to Salvation Army at 208 W. 6th, St., Newton, KS 67114. You may also bring non-perishable food items to BCMC and place them on the first pew under the balcony, near the south entrance of the sanctuary. Thanks to Kathy Stucky and members of Witness Commission for taking items to Salvation Army.
Other special events at BCMC and Bethel College:
Wednesday, December 3 – 11 a.m. – Bethel College Messiah-sing. Community members are welcome to come sing or listen – BCMC Sanctuary
Friday, December 5 – 8 p.m. – Christmas Gala Jazz Concert – Krehbiel Auditorium, Bethel College
Saturday, December 6 – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Five Places of Christmas includes Luyken Fine Arts Center and Kauffman Museum at Bethel College
Sunday, December 7 – 8:00 p.m. – Lighting of the Green at Bethel College
Wednesday, December 24, Christmas Eve – 7 p.m. Worship led by children and youth, BCMC Sanctuary. 11 p.m. – Candlelight service of Lessons and Carols with anthems by Chancel Choir and congregational singing– BCMC Sanctuary
Sunday, January 4, 2015 – Epiphany Sunday – 7 p.m. Communion service and candle-lighting in memory of BCMC members and friends who died in 2014 – BCMC Sanctuary
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