BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR FEBRUARY 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 9:20 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/gNQo8wz1jPk?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
February 11, 2024
Transfiguration Sunday
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say (Burkhardt)—Karen Unruh
Welcome and Prayer—Tim Hodge
*Hymn—Come Away from Rush and Hurry—VT 9
Children’s Conversation—William & Esther Kreider Eash
*Hymn—I Know Not Why God’s Wondrous—VT 590
Scripture Reading—2 Kings 2:1-12; Mark 9:2-9—Doug Penner
Sermon—It Is Good For Us to Be Here—Julianna Schrag
*Hymn—You, Lord, Are Both Lamb and Shepherd—VT 432
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Praise to the Living God—VT 204
*Benediction
Postlude—A Rejoicing (Fedak)—Karen Unruh
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Karen Unruh
Audio visual—Francis Toews
Welcome Julianna Schrag as Guest Preacher
We are very happy to have Julianna Schrag as our guest preacher for Sunday, February 11. Julianna graduated from Bethel College in 2023 with a degree in Communications and minors in Management and English. She served as Faith Formation intern at BCMC in 2020 and 2021. Julianna currently works as an admissions counselor at Bethel and is busy planning her July wedding!
After the worship service on Sunday, February 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 and purchase some delicious Super Bowl snacks!
We offer sympathy to Doug Siemens & LuAnn Zook and Charlotte Siemens & David Sprunger and their families on the death of Richard Siemens, Feb. 3. The memorial service for Richard will be March 2, 11 a.m. with a lunch following in fellowship hall.
This Week at BCMC: February 11—18, 2024
Sunday, February 11, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/gNQo8wz1jPk?feature=share
Super Bowl Snacks Fundraiser by Junior High Youth in Gathering Place!
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)
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
9 a.m. Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Room 14
11 a.m. Staff meeting
3 p.m. Peace Sunday Planning Group in Room 14
Wednesday, February 14, 2024—Ash Wednesday
10 a.m. Library Committee in Room 14 and Library
6:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday Service in the sanctuary
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, February 15, 2024
4 p.m. Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bells Rehearsal in Room B-7
6:30 p.m. Abuse Prevention and Response Committee meeting
7 p.m. Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in fellowship hall
Sunday, February 18, 2024—Lent 1
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Choir
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
Roger’s Whereabouts: Roger will return to Newton on Wed., Feb. 21. Whether 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 February 4, 2024: General $5,211; Sr Hi Youth $176; Jr Hi Fund $25; Kitchen Fund $15; Solar Fund $13,050; Nancy Hilty Mem. $50.
After a great December finish for 2023, we apparently took a little breather in January and as a result, the churches’ expenditures exceeded income by over $13,000 or about 33% of expenditures. We realize that it is early in the year and we hope that this is not a trend, but we think that information is power and thus will give you a basis on which too act. Finance Committee
To my church family: I felt so blessed to celebrate my 98th birthday in my church during Sunday coffee hour. Thank you so much for the special cards and for the many best wishes I received! Willye Hinz
Thank You to Erin Brubacher and Crystal Gaeddert who stood by me on Jan. 17 when I fell at the Rec Center and ended up in ER with a broken hip. I felt I had angels watching over my situation until the EMT help arrived. Grateful for a caring community, for visit by Elizabeth Schmidt, cards, texts and calls
and your prayers. Lotti Boschmann
Thank you for your support on our January 28th soup luncheon fundraiser. We appreciate your generosity. We raised $3,550. Your support and donations allow us to take trips such as RMMC Snow Camp and our annual summer service trips. Save the Date: Sunday, February 25th, we will report to you on our Snow Camp experience. We especially enjoyed getting to know you a little bit better with the Find Someone Who activity.
The BCMC Senior High Youth Group
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 – see below for Wednesday Evening Programming
· 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 has matched people who signed up as hosts with people who signed 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.
Wednesday Evening Programming
Intersecting Climate Change, Christian Colonialism, & Indigenous Spirituality
On February 21 we will resume our Wednesday evening meal and discussion. For the next six weeks, after the meal, we will explore the intersection of climate change, colonialist Christian theology and indigenous spirituality. Each week, we will have a brief introduction on this theme and time for discussion. Discussions will go through March 27. For an entire outline of the programming, click here.
On the first Sunday of each month, we acknowledge that we live and worship on land that was once cared for by people who were indigenous to this land. Since the arrival of new peoples, this land has changed more than we can imagine. And with a changing climate, it will surely change even more. One of the consequences of the genocide and forced removal of Indigenous peoples is the loss of indigenous wisdom and spirituality, especially in regard to the land and the living things on it.
We hope to gain from this exercise more life affirming interpretations of Christian scriptures and theological understandings and indigenous spirituality that can help us become better stewards of God’s good creation.
My Coins Count Starts this Sunday, February 11, 2024 – Bring your loose change!
Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is April 12 & 13, 2024 at the Kansas State Fair Grounds in Hutchinson. Your participation supports MCC’s relief, development, and peace-building work around the world.
· Did you know that last year, MCC’s My Coins Count initiative collected over $600,000 for water, food, and other projects around the world? BCMC’s My Coins Count drive begins Sunday, February 11. Place your coins in the jug in the Gathering Place each Sunday. Can you help the children FILL THE JUG with coins (and bills!) by April?
· Check out the posterboard in the Gathering Place for KMRS information and extra forms for the Run for Relief, Quilt Auction, Sale Sponsorship, Friendship Meals, etc.
· A big THANK YOU to BCMC Sunday School classes who help underwrite KMRS costs. Thanks to generous donors, all sale expenses are covered before the sale so proceeds go directly to Mennonite Central Committee programs.
· Friendship Meals (March 3 or March 10) are a great way to meet new people and also contribute to MCC. Signup deadline is next Sun., Feb. 18.
· Many hands worked to create the beautiful quilt hanging in the Gathering Place Feb. 11. You may bid on it in the quilt auction! Additional quilts by BCMC quilters will be on display at church on Sunday morning, March 3.
· Do you have an item to donate to the silent auction, children’s auction, or general auction? The general auction sale bill deadline is February 28. Check the KMRS website for more information or speak with a BCMC liaison.
· 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.
The Library Theme for the rest of February is highlighting Civil Rights. As always, the adult books can be found in back of the library desk, while the youth/children’s books are displayed against the south wall of the youth library.
As a reminder, puzzles can be found on the puzzle cart outside the library door or on the shelves of the west wall of the library. Please continue to donate to our fund so that when special books are published, we are able to purchase them for our library.
Also, Healing Haunted Histories By Elaine Enns and Myers has disappeared and has not been in the library for almost a year. Please check your books at home to see if you may have forgotten to return it or if you have a copy that you would be willing to donate, we would greatly appreciate it.
Happy Reading/Happy Puzzling!!
Abuse Prevention and Response Committee Update Regarding Dan Baumgartner
On January 5, 2024, the Abuse Prevention and Response Committee (APRC) received an email from Dan Baumgartner stating his intention to attend a service at Bethel College Mennonite Church despite previously communicated restrictions. After receiving input from survivors, reviewing our past communications with Dan, and considering the intentions of our survivor-centered policy, the APRC chose to file a no-trespass order that was delivered to Dan on January 10, 2024, by the North Newton Police Department.
The letter sent to Dan included the following information:
Daniel Baumgartner,
When you decided to not sign a limited use agreement with Bethel College Mennonite Church in 2018, it was made clear to you that you were not to attend any events at or connected to Bethel College Mennonite Church.
Since your refusal to sign a limited use agreement, you have violated our policy by attending multiple events at BCMC. In addition, you recently emailed your intentions to continue to violate our policy and attend events at Bethel College Mennonite Church based upon your own interests.
Because of your past actions and stated intentions that show little regard for boundaries, we are now placing a firm boundary. As of January 10, 2024, we are placing a no-trespass order with the North Newton Police Department against you. You are not allowed to be on church property under any condition.
If you decide to attend any events at Bethel College Mennonite Church, you will be criminally trespassing, and the North Newton Police will be immediately notified of your presence on our property.
We hope you will be able to participate in [future services] by watching [them] online.
If in the future you want to discuss the possibility of signing a limited use agreement and thus be allowed to attend events at Bethel College Mennonite Church, please contact the Abuse Prevention and Response Committee
aprc@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
In general, anyone who wishes to report any instances of abuse or seek support are encouraged to reach out. Click here for contact information of organizations providing support and reporting. Individuals may also contact the APRC at aprc@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org . The BCMC Abuse Prevention and Response Policy can be found here.
Abuse Prevention and Response Committee of Bethel College Mennonite Church,
Judy Friesen, chair
Dwight Krehbiel
Bethany Schrag
Wes Schmidt-Tieszen
Naomi Krause
Nathan Koontz, pastor
Everence will hold its Medicare workshop at its office, 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton on Thurs., Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m. with topics: when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare covers, 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. If interested in attending contact the Everence office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.
Bethel College Announcements
· TODAY (Sun., Feb. 11) – KIPCOR Film Series presents Eroding History, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Afterwards, audience talkback with Dr. Jonathan Frye, professor of natural science at McPherson College; freewill offering 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 Doug O’Neill in an all-Bach program, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Thurs., Feb. 15 – The public is invited to a forum on local journalism sponsored by Harvey County Now, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Learn how Newton has become an example for local news and why a strong newspaper is critical for a rural community.
· Weds., Feb. 21 – Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center [NOTE DIFFERENT DATE from some previously printed calendars]
· SAVE THE DATE: Sun., March 3, 4 p.m. – Bethel College Choir Spring Tour Send-off Concert
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Spring Cleaning at Camp Mennoscah sponsored by Western District Women in Mission (WDWM) will be held on Saturday, March 23 from 10 am – 4 p.m. Come for part or all of the time. Women, men, kids, youth groups, Sunday school groups are all invited. If children younger than high school attend, they need to be supervised by their parents (no child care or children’s activities will be provided). Dress warm, bring a full water bottle, $5 to cover the cost of lunch, and the following cleaning supplies if you have them: rakes, long handled brooms for cobweb reaching. Other cleaning supplies will be provided. Register by March 18 by e-mailing westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com. Space is capped at this event to manage the jobs, so don’t delay in registering. Thanks!
The Retreat Center is an important part of Camp Mennoscah’s mission to create a sacred space for relationships in God’s creation. The building is used by church groups, families, and kitchen staff, as well as outside groups seeking a peaceful place in nature. Two volunteers are needed every week day (M-F) to continue the work on the Retreat Center project.
Every day there are not volunteers to work with the Retreat Center Project means one day closer to not having the Retreat Center ready by summer, the time when it is most used. It also means that the cost of the project will increase. Please seriously consider volunteering so this building where the camp community gathers is available by June. Work will start at 9am and end at 5pm. Half days are fine. Bring your own lunch and water bottle, please, and meet at the Retreat Center. Park off the edge of the road to the west of the building. 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:
- The Summer Staff application form will be closing February 15. Those interested in applying should submit their application soon. Like now would be good. The application for 2024 Summer Staff at Camp Mennoscah can be found here.
- 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!
- 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.
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements
ROCKY MOUNTAIN SUMMER YOUTH CAMPS – Summer is coming! Come explore our summer theme “What’s the Forecast?” No matter the weather, God is always with us; in the calm, in the storm, and everything in between. This summer we will be looking to Joshua 1:9 and Matthew 28:20 to learn how we can see God in all situations. For more information on camps and to register visit us at rmmc.org (Rates: Best-Before March 1, Better-March 1-May 31, and Good-after May 31). Scholarships are available as to ensure money isn’t a barrier to a summer camp experience at RMMC.
Men’s Retreat: March 1-3, 2024 Spend time with God and fellow men in the beauty of creation as we explore “Doing What We Can’t Not Do”, led by Mike Martin, the founder and Executive Director of RAWtools. When overcome with joy or pain, excitement or grief, we often do and say things we feel we have no other choice but to do or say. This impacts those around us in various ways. Using language from Parker Palmer’s “Let your Life Speak” as well as a recent experience on the Camino de Santiago, Mike will explore identity, wayfinding, and the mystery we experience in following Jesus. On the Friday prior to Men’s Retreat, participants have a tradition of tackling necessary projects at camp. This day of volunteering helps RMMC better serve campers and guests. Register@rmmc.org.
Mennonite Central Committee Announcements
For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here
Interested in working with MCC, or know someone who is? MCC is hiring a Community Engagement Coordinator!
The Community Engagement Coordinator, in North Newton, KS connects with local churches, individuals, and partners to educate on MCC material resources, programs, and events. Apply at the following link: Community Engagement Coordinator or find the job and other openings at mcc.org/careers.
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MCC Material Resources Center in North Newton critically low on inventory: An MCC kit cannot be distributed until each item for the kit is assembled, but some supplies in the Material Resources Center are so low that kits cannot be processed for shipping. You can help by filling the following needs: new infant sleepers (6-12 month sizes); bath towels (dark colored, light to medium weight); wide-toothed combs; laundry soap (such as Fels Naptha or Zote brands); shampoo (20 oz min); fingernail clippers (good quality); and hand towels (dark colored). Locally, MCC distributes prisoner care and returning citizen care kits, for those kits we currently need: men’s T-shirts (sizes L, XL, 2XL, 3XL — any color); men’s underwear (sizes L, XL, 2XL, 3XL — any color); men’s crew socks; lotion (12 oz min); and adult backpacks. 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 316.283.2720. A full list of MCC kit contents can be found at mcc.org/kits.
Global Voices Tour, MCC and the Anabaptist Climate Collaborative bring you Climate Action for Peace at Kidron Hall in North Newton on Monday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. Join us to hear MCC partners Caroline Pugeni from Zimbabwe and Victor Odinda from Cambodia share about how their work supports people in adapting to the challenges of climate change.
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
Bluestem Communities Announcement
The spring semester of Bluestem U will begin in March. Bluestem U is a lifelong learning program for individuals age 55 and better, and is a partnership between Bluestem Communities, Bethel College and Hesston College. Each course is $50. Registration is available at bluestemu.org. Spring 2024 courses are:
- “Diversity in American theatre,” taught by Lauren Friesen; Mondays, March 18 – April 15, 10 a.m. to noon, Kidron Bethel Village Kaye Penner Education Center
- “When ‘Just Do It’ doesn’t work!” taught by Kevin Wilder; Thursdays, March 21 – April 18, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Schowalter Villa Chapel
- “Climate Change: Hope, Effective Action and Climate Justice,” taught by Dwight Krehbiel; Tuesdays, April 2 – May 7, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Kidron Bethel Village Kaye Penner Education Center
Mennonite Heritage & Agricultural Museum, Goessel, Ks:
We continue the 150th As part of the 150th Anniversary celebration of the migration of Mennonites to Kansas on February 18, 2024. Dr. Mark Jantzen, professor of history at Bethel college, will present “Fifty-Three Years in the Russian Empire: The Context for Mennonites in the Years 1821 to1874.” The event will be held February 18, 2024, at 3 pm, at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Goessel, Ks.
Mark Jantzen grew up on a dairy farm near Beatrice, Nebraska and is a graduate of Bethel College. He served with Mennonite Central Committee in East Germany and in Serbia. He has been teaching European and Mennonite history at Bethel College since 2001. Among his books are The Wrong Side of the Wall: An American in East Berlin during the Peaceful Revolution, Mennonite German Soldiers: Nation, Religion, and Family in the Prussian East, 1772-1880, and most recently, European Mennonites and the Holocaust, co-editedwith John D. Thiesen. He has led student tours to Eastern Europe and leads an annual Mennonite Experience in Poland history tour.
Join us in person or by zoom.
Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86167911311?pwd=VUZWbHlRMVlLa0Y3TlR1VWhlZEhiUT09
Meeting ID 861 6791 1311
Passcode 473902
Ulrich Zwingli Film to be Shown February 18
We have a rare opportunity to see a film about Ulrich Zwingli, a priest in the Reformed Grossmunster Church in Switzerland, who opened scripture to the common man. The movie opened in Switzerland and topped the box office there in 2019. It has been released in cinemas around the world and Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association has permission to show it here. Now translated into English and brought to the U.S., the film is seen through the eyes of his wife, Anna. Zwingli is shown demanding that what is in the Bible should be taken seriously. This 90 minute movie with English sub-titles doesn’t flinch from the harsher circumstances including the split between Zwingli and the Anabaptists including Felix Mantz and Konrad Grebel. Zwingli’s said: “To be a Christian does not mean chattering about Christ, but rather to lead a life as Christ lived.” Anna is caught between the doctrines of Catholic Church and what she reads in Scripture.
“The Reformer” movie will be shown at the First Mennonite Church of Christian in Moundridge, KS, at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 18, 2024. There is no charge and all are welcome. No reservations are necessary.
Swiss Volhynian Mennonites and related groups are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the coming in 1874 of their ancestors to the U.S., through many events leading up to the August 23-25, 2024 celebration. Come see this movie and think about a piece of early Anabaptist history.
–Kathy Goering for the 150th committee
Volunteer Opportunity
Peace Connections and Harvey County Circle of Hope are looking for Volunteer Allies to match with individuals or families who are on the journey out of poverty. If YOU would like to provide intentional friendship to someone as they work toward their goals and write hope into their future story, please join us on Tuesday evenings to learn more. This is a great opportunity to build resources and grow connections, as well as increase economic stability in our community. The Volunteer Ally listens and encourages, without judgment, to Circle Leaders working to make positive changes in their life, and a focus on future goals during their 18-month match!
Check out more information at www.peaceconnections.org/volunteer or 316-284-0000.
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA Administration has named Jolene VonGunten as executive administrative assistant, serving the Executive Board and staff, the Constituency Leaders Council, the Governance Council, the Joint Executive Committee, and Human Resources. She also is continuing to serve part-time as executive assistant and communications coordinator for Mennonite Education Agency. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/vongunten-exec-admin-assistant
Menno Snapshots
When sorting through a donation to the MC USA Archives last summer, Olivia Krall, archives coordinator for MC USA, came across the story of WWI conscientious objector Guy O. Graber. She shares some of her findings here: mennoniteusa.org/graber-objector
Equipping, Mennonite Church USA’s quarterly email newsletter for pastors and leaders, features resources submitted by MC USA conferences, congregations, agencies, entities/ministry partners, constituency groups and affiliated schools and colleges. View the most recent issue here: mennoniteusa.org/equipping-january Subscribe to Equipping here: mennoniteusa.org/equipping-subscribe
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network has launched a new fellowship and learning program, Just Peace Pilgrimages, to help participants enter more fully into God’s justice and shalom. Pray that God’s spirit will prepare the hearts and minds of all who join in the healing work of dismantling the oppressive structures in the United States.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregations and listening teams participating in WDC’s conference-wide listening process to learn how God is at work in a diversity of church contexts, and to consider what resources WDC can offer to support congregational hopes and priorities for the future.
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.