BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
FEBRUARY 18, 2024 WORSHIP AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
First Sunday of Lent
Christ Among Us: Repent and Believe
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/SN7Pkhl5fwE?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
February 18, 2024
First Sunday of Lent
Christ Among Us: Repent and Believe
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—What Wondrous Love is This (arr. Wood)–Will Wiebe-Friesen
Call to Worship (based on Psalm 25:1–10)—Ada Schmidt-Tieszen
One: Teach us your pathways, O God—
our eyes and our souls are trained on you.
Many: For you are the greatest guide,
and your map is always good.
One: Other paths have left us lost;
other ways have left us confused.
Many: You guide us along the trail of your mercy,
drawing sinner and saint down this well worn way.
All: All your paths are love, made smooth by your faithful walking.
We are led into your truth by following the tread of your feet.
*Hymn—Lo, I Am with You (verses 1-4)—VT 284
Children’s Conversation—Jill Robb and Bethany Schrag
Anthem—O Sing Unto the Lord a New Song (Peter Aston)–Chancel Choir; William Eash, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
Scripture Reading—Genesis 9:8–17; Mark 1:9–15
Sermon—With the Wild Beasts and the Angels—Nathan Koontz
*Hymn—Spirit of God! Descend—VT 557
Prayers of God’s People
Prayer of Confession
One: God, on Ash Wednesday, we remembered our humanity,
our fragility, our limits, our sinfulness, our need for repentance.
Today, we come to you with this fresh on our minds as we continue our Lenten journey. Many: Be with us in this wilderness.
One: We so often focus on the difficulty of our walk with Christ.
Many: Forgive our self-focused minds.
One: Forgive us, Lord, when on our journey,
we forget your extensive, covenantal love for the world.
Many: May we partner with you and your church to remember.
All: (looking at one another) You are beloved.
*Hymn—Spirit, Open My Heart—VT 636
*Benediction
Postlude—Precious Lord, Take My Hand (arr. Schrader)–Will Wiebe-Friesen
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ken Lamp
This Week at BCMC: February 18—25, 2024
Sunday, February 18, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/SN7Pkhl5fwE?feature=share
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 20, 2024
11 a.m. Staff meeting
5:30 p.m. Pastor Search Committee meeting in room 14
5:30 p.m. Women’s Fellowship meets at First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 801 North Main.
An Opportunity for Men and Women – February Women’s Fellowship Meeting. Circle of Hope is one of the organizations that BCMC supports. Tues., Feb. 20, is graduation night for those completing their “Getting Ahead” to get out of poverty. An invitation has been extended for us to attend the 5:30 p.m. supper (by donation) as well as the 6:30 p.m. graduation at First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 801 North Main St. (east entrance). Come and see how this organization, which we support, is helping people out of poverty. If you would like transportation, call Lois Brubacher, 316-772-3033 or Lois Goertzen, 316-283-4049 and meet in alley drive east of church at 5 p.m. Tues. Offerings for Women’s Fellowship – please put in Lois Goertzen’s church box.
6:30 p.m. Newton Chorale Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Wednesday, February 21, 2024—Wednesday meal and program
6 p.m. Wednesday night meal in fellowship hall (menus are below)
Wednesday Night Suppers are Coming (February 21, 2024) – Here are the menus
Feb 21
- Chicken with creamy spinach and artichoke sauce
Red beans and rice
Cake with hearts
Feb 28
- Baked Penne with Italian sausage
Caesar salad
Cannoli dessert
Mar 6
- Shepherd’s Pie
Fruit salad
Lemon bars
Mar 13
- Potato green bean bacon soup
Green grapes
Pistachio lush
Mar 20
- Tuna melts
Coleslaw
Tater tots
Brownies and ice cream
Mar 28
- Meatloaf
Twice baked potato casserole
Mixed vegetables
Chocolate chip cookies
PLEASE EMAIL THE OFFICE office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE FEBRUARY 21 SUPPER SO THE COOKS CAN HAVE AN IDEA OF HOW MUCH FOOD TO PREPARE! TELL US HOW MANY PEOPLE IN YOUR FAMILY/PARTY WILL BE ATTENDING. THANK YOU!
6:30 p.m. Gifts Discernment Committee meeting in room 14
6:45 p.m Wednesday program in fellowship hall
Wednesday Evening Programming—Intersecting Climate Change, Christian Colonialism, & Indigenous Spirituality
On Feb. 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. There are copies of the entire outline of the programming on the ledge in the gathering place. 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.
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, February 22, 2024
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bells Rehearsal in room B-7
7 p.m. Deacon Commission meeting in room 14
Friday, February 23, 2024
6: 30 p.m. Newton Chorale rehearsal in the sanctuary
Saturday, February 24, 2024
We offer sympathy to John Suderman and his extended family on the death of John’s wife, Alice, February 14, at Kidron Bethel Village. The memorial service will be Sat., Feb. 24, 11 a.m. at BCMC with a visitation preceding at 9:30 a.m. in the BCMC Chapel. A light lunch in fellowship hall will follow the service.
Sunday, February 25, 2024—Lent 2
9:30 a.m. Worship led by the Senior High Youth group with reflections from the youth; music by Chancel Bells 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
Noon Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Event
Future Events at BCMC:
· Feb. 21, 6 p.m.—Wednesday night suppers begin
· Feb. 24, 9:30 a.m. Visitation with the Suderman family in BCMC Chapel (open to all) followed by Memorial Service for Alice Suderman at 11 a.m. in BCMC sanctuary. A light lunch in fellowship hall will follow the service.
· Feb. 25, 9:30 a.m.—Second Sunday in Lent and at noon, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. This event 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 will receive your food assignment slips Sunday, Feb. 18, and hosts will receive the slips Sunday, Feb. 18, with the number of guests they are hosting. (In mailboxes)
· Feb. 25, the BCMC Senior High Youth Group are planning the worship service and will have reflections and report on their Snow Camp experience.
· March 2, 11 a.m., memorial service for Richard Siemens, followed by a light lunch in fellowship hall.
· March 9, 11 a.m., memorial service for Nancy Hilty followed by a light lunch in fellowship hall.
· April 13, 11 a.m., memorial service for Don Kaufman followed by a light lunch in fellowship hall.
Roger’s Whereabouts: Roger returns to Newton 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).
Deacon Care Concern: Deacons were made aware of a community need involving the death of a mother of 4 young girls, ages 2, 3, 5, and 6. The family welcomes donations of gently-used clothing for young girls. Donated items may be brought to the church office for coordination of delivery. – Deacon Commission
BCMC Offering for February 11, 2024: General $9,607; Sr Hi Youth $1,010; Jr Hi Fund $1,535; Kitchen Fund $14; Solar Fund $5,900.
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 to act. Finance Committee
The Library Theme for the rest of February is Civil Rights. Come in and browse our collection of some amazing Black History books either on the shelving behind the library desk or along the south wall of the Youth/Children’s room.
Please continue to support our puzzle swap via a $5 donation. (We raised $130 last year!) We are using the extra funds to help pay for the library computer program as well as to purchase more expensive books than our $300 budget normally allows. You will find the puzzles outside the library door as well as along the north wall of the library. And, coming soon to the library: A Mennonite Poetry Corner. We are happily supporting the request to house Mennonite poetry books along the east wall of the library. We hope to have this display up by the end of the month. Happy Reading and Happy Puzzling!
Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is April 12 & 13 at the Kansas State Fair Grounds in Hutchinson. This sale is one way to generate funds to help MCC share God’s love and compassion for all people in the name of Christ.
· Last week we learned about Germaine and her family who live in Kikwit, DR Congo. Their lives were transformed by easy access to clean water, thanks to MCC’s water projects. Did you know that last year, MCC helped over 55,000 people gain an improved water source? Help fill the My Coins Count jug in the Gathering Place with coins (and bills) to support water projects around the world. Look at the Water Calendar on the KMRS table for participation ideas.
· What do a copper kettle, an oil painting, a guitar, a signed jersey, an RV, a vintage quilt, a weekend getaway, and an antique truck have in common? They can all be donated to KMRS and sold at one of 4 different auctions: Silent Auction, General Auction, Children’s Auction, Quilt Auction. You simply donate it, and the auction committees can decide the best location for your item. Talk to a BCMC sale liaison today!
· Do you have a green thumb? Now is the time to start seeds or cuttings for Plants & Things. They can sell just about any fruit, tree, vegetable or house plant…and items used for gardening.
· Upcoming Deadlines:
· Feb 18 (Sunday!) — Friendship Meal registration ends today. Sheets are on the KMRS table.
· Feb 28 — General Auction sale bill. Have something to donate? Let us know so we can include pictures and descriptions.
· Mar 2 — Quilt Auction items to BCMC for the BCMC display.
· Mar 13 — Last day for SS classes to help underwrite KMRS costs. To date, BCMC classes have purchased $1750 of goods, including pickles, butter, cheese, and more. The next round of bidding takes place on March 14. Thanks to donors, all sale expenses are covered before the sale so proceeds go directly to MCC programs.
· More Information: KMRS posterboard & table in the Gathering Place for information and forms for Run for Relief, Quilt Auction, Sale Sponsorship, Friendship Meals, as well as the My Coins Count jug.
· KMRS website: https://kansas.mccsale.org/
BCMC liaisons: 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.
Mennonite Central Committee partner Team Brownsville welcomes your gently used winter coats and jackets! Team Brownsville seeks to share God’s love by welcoming asylum seekers, including providing them with warm coats. It’s as easy as collecting your gently used coats and jackets, boxing them up and shipping (up to) 70 lb./box to Team Brownsville – just follow the instructions on the poster which is on the bulletin board. Spring clean your closets and help Team Brownsville prepare for next winter! Have questions? Please email the MCC Central States Immigration Team at centralstates@mcc.org and either Abraham Diaz Alonso or Becky Teiwes, will respond.
Bethel College Announcements
· Mon., Feb. 19 – “Transmutation Speculation: Fluid Nature,” works by Marguerite Perret, opens in Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center (through Mar. 22; reception Mar. 21). Gallery hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Weds., Feb. 21 – Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Fri., Feb. 23 – Bethel College’s Faculty Lecture Series continues with Brad Born, professor of English, “Walking Ways and Ways of Seeing,” 11 a.m., Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village
· Fri., March 1 – KIPCOR 50th-anniversary Peace Lecture, “Justice Delayed is Democracy Denied.” with Christina Swarns, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall. Swarns is the executive director of Innocence Project and former litigation director for the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund.
· Sat., March 2 – A one-day endowed Justice Symposium at Bethel College, focusing on the U.S. carceral and criminal justice system, with Christina Swarns, executive director of Innocence Project, and a variety of other voices on the death penalty, prosecution and racial justice; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on the Bethel campus. The symposium is free but pre-registration is required by going to https://kipcor.org
· Sun., March 3 – Bethel College Choir Tour Send-off Concert, “Music Exploring American Identity” directed by Dr. Henry S. Waters, 4 p.m., Memorial Hall. The concert has performances by the Chamber Singers, Woven, and Open Road.
· SAVE THE DATES: Sun., March 17 & Mon., March 18 – Hartzler Bible Lectures at Bethel College with César Garcia and Sandra Baez
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
CAMP MENNOSCAH ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
Contractors depend on volunteer work being completed before they arrive. 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. Camp can provide overnight housing and a kitchen in most situations, if you want to volunteer more than one day. We will work with you to find you a comfortable place to stay.
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:
- he Summer Staff application form will be closing February 15. Those interested in applying should submit their application now. Only hours remain. 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!
- Scholarship funds are needed for summer youth camps. Just as facilities are an important part of Camp Mennoscah’s ministry, so are campers. There are campers who are unable to come to camp without assistance. Give to the Scholarship Fund or Scholarship Endowment to help more campers learn about Christ while in God’s creation. Mark your donation with the fund/endowment you prefer. The Scholarship Endowment will give up to two full scholarships a year, depending on earnings. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290 for more information.
- 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.
For Mennonite Men press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
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For Mennonite World Conference press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Menno Snapshots
Jonathan Kuttab, international human rights attorney and Mennonite Church USA 2023 Bring the Peace Legacy Peacemaker honoree, describes how his work as a human rights lawyer relates to peace and justice. Read more and watch the interview here: mennoniteusa.org/kuttab-btp
Beryl Jantzi, director of stewardship education for Everence, a ministry partner of Mennonite Church USA, shares congregational stewardship resources in his recent Menno Snapshots blog. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/new-year-stewardship
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Tomorrow, members of the Community of Anabaptist Theological Institutions will gather for a four-day meeting in Mexico. Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the leaders of Anabaptist seminaries in Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico and the United States, as they collaborate to expand Spanish-language opportunities for church leadership development.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for youth pastors, leaders and sponsors in WDC congregations, as they accompany and encourage young people growing as followers of Jesus in today’s world.
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.