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.

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/Gl0-oIWtNFw?feature=share

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.

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

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.

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.