BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR
JUNE 16, 2024–HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
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/xd7zlx2WRzM?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
June 16, 2024
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—For the Beauty of the Earth (arr. Rice)– Meghann Rogers
Welcome & Prayer—Jim Robb
*Hymn—Summoned By the God Who Made Us—VT 1
Children’s Conversation—Jill Robb, Emma Gering
Kin-dom Report—Jill Robb
Worship Music—Shooting Stars (Naoko Ikeda)–Abby Koontz, piano
*Hymn–Could It Be That God Is Singing–VT 42
Scripture Reading—Genesis 1:26-28, 31a; Luke 4:16-21—Jeanette & George Leary
Sermon—Given Color, Given Balance—Nathan Koontz
*Hymn–We Are One in the Spirit–VT 387
Welcome of New Members—VT 961 Hennie & Mark Janzen, Pauletta and Stan Brodhagen
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn–Sing a New World Into Being—VT 809
*Benediction
Postlude—Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum (Debussy)– Meghann Rogers
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual—John Thiesen
BCMC Welcomes new members this Sunday, June 16! For the Faith Statements of these new members, press here.
The Next Week at BCMC: June 16-23, 2024
Sunday, June 16, 2024—Happy Father’s Day!
9:30 a.m. Worship Service—YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/xd7zlx2WRzM?feature=share
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
4:30 p.m. Faith Formation Commission meeting by Zoom
Wednesday, June 19, 2024—Juneteenth
Church office will be closed; church building will be locked in honor of the federal holiday Juneteenth
Thursday, June 20, 2024
7 p.m. Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
Saturday, June 22, 2024
11 a.m. Memorial service for Charlotte Siemens; lunch follows in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, June 23, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Elizabeth Schmidt; music by Lucy Burch
All are welcome to a free concert at Friends University – Alumni Auditorium on Saturday, June 15 at 7:30 p.m. TREASURES OF DARKNESS: a choir concert to benefit Ukrainian refugees and the oppressed poor in Hungary. The Church of the Savior Chamber Choir, under the direction of Dr. William Eash, will feature two world premiers: “I Will Go Before You” by Hungarian composer David Magda, and “Treasures of Darkness” by Wichita composer Miriam Overholt. A freewill offering will benefit Ukrainian refugees and Hungarian poor.
BCMC Offering for June 9, 2024 General Fund $15,956; Columbarium Fund $2,000; Library Reserve Fund $16; Kitchen Fund $13; Women’s Fellowship $50; Mission Quilters $200; Solar Fund $1,080.
Roger Neufeld Smith will be back in Newton on June 19. Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)
John Waltner’s mobile “Pride” has been installed in the south entrance.
Inspiration for this metal sculpture comes from a phrase in the hymn, We Are One in the Spirit, “…and we’ll guard each one’s dignity, and save each one’s pride” — BCMC Visual Arts Committee
Future Events at BCMC:
· June 22: Memorial service for Charlotte Siemens, 11 a.m. with a lunch to follow. Live-stream link:
https://www.youtube.com/live/nrsIasteGP8?si=cLVEbHtEyaJ76RPa
· June 29: Memorial service for Evelyn Lehman, 11 a.m. with a lunch to follow.
Live-stream link:
https://www.youtube.com/live/X-yJvwA80e0?si=_yaKcJkZNGssl6Hb
We offer sympathy to the family of Elvera Katharine Voth. Elvera died June 9 at Kidron Bethel Village. She was 100 years old. She was the aunt of Margaret Hiebert. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Orientation for New Board, Commission, and Committee Members—June 30: If you are a new member of the Board or a commission or committee at BCMC, you are invited to an orientation to our work together on Sunday, June 30, at 10:45 in the Fellowship Hall. We’ll talk together about new directions for our work following a brief introduction to the structure and function of committees and the Board. There will also be a chance to get acquainted with others; bring your coffee and come a few minutes early for refreshments.
CARE CONNECTIONS, sponsored by Deacon Commission, offers a variety of opportunities for extending care. Do you enjoy conversation? In-person visiting? Visiting by phone? Writing caring messages in cards, email or text? Preparing food or care packages? Delivering food or care packages? Individualized creative care possibilities? To learn more, express interest, or share ideas, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Pastor for Congregational Care.
From the Abuse Prevention and Response CommitteeAPRC 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 June 16 and July 21 in Fellowship Hall. In preparation for the June 16th discussion please watch the following short video from the 2023 “Here and Now” interview with Judith Herman.
- June 16- Overview of the YouTube video How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice with Judith Herman
- July 21- Chapter discussion of Judith Herman’s book Truth and Repair
Discussion will be led by members of the APRC committee.
The YouTube Video How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice can be found on YouTube here. 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.
Any questions? Please contact Bethany Schrag at bethanyjoyschrag@gmail.com.
We look forward to continuing learning more of how we can best support trauma survivors in our church with you!
APRC Committee
Link to the short video from “Here and Now”
https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2023/05/16/judith-herman-abuse-survivors
An announcement from the Indigenous Task Force
GOING BEYOND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Having read Unsettling Truths, you are invited to participate in a Zoom meeting with the author, Mark Charles, on June 13, 2024, at Kidron Bethel Village, Classroom A, 3001 Ivy Drive, North Newton, KS, at 7 pm. A BIG question for Mark to answer -“How do we use and become the four elements – earth, fire, water, and air – to facilitate change?” Since Mark ran for President in 2020, we hope he will focus his suggestions for change in the political system.
Kaw Nation Intertribal Powwow at Allegawaho Park and Performance Pavilion, Council Grove, Kansas on June 21 and 22, 7:30 p.m.
June 22 REMATRIATION CELEBRATION AT COUNCIL GROVE: Kaw Nation would like to invite you to join the Rematriation Celebration commemorating the return of Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe to the people of the Kaw Nation. The event will take place on Saturday, June 22 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm in Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park just outside of Council Grove, Kansas. If you are interested in volunteering for the event, please complete this: Volunteer Interest Survey. Please feel free to share this information with others who may be interested. If you have questions concerning the project, or return of Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe to Kaw Nation, please refer to the project’s website, http://www.sacredredrock.com Respectfully, The Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe Leadership Team
— Raylene Hinz-Penner, Indigenous Task Force
Pastor Nathan’s Extended Summer Vacation
In the fall of 2023, SCRC and Nathan began discussing Nathan’s sabbatical plans. Nathan was eligible for a sabbatical in the summer of 2024, but with uncertainty around the possibility of pastoral transition during the summer of 2024, Nathan offered to postpone his sabbatical until the summer of 2025, given that he could take a long vacation in the summer of 2024. This plan was approved by SCRC in November and the Church Board in December of 2023. So Nathan will be on vacation this summer from July 8-August 10. He will start back up again on the day that Joanna Harader begins her term.
A number of different preachers are scheduled while Nathan is gone. July 14 worship and Sunday school will be led by the Western District Listening Group. Sara Dick will preach on July 21. Roger Neufeld Smith will preach on July 28 and August 11. August 4 will have guest preacher, Trent Voth, from Bethel College. Pastoral care will be provided under the leadership of Elizabeth Schmidt and Roger Neufeld Smith. If you have questions or concerns regarding Nathan’s extended vacation, please contact Nathan or SCRC.
Western District Conference Annual Assembly: Here are a few of the workshops (in-person, virtual and hybrid) waiting for you at Annual Assembly, many of which reflect on authentic community – MennoMedia Highlights, “Mind the Gap: Adaptive Change in Your Congregation,” “Congregational Glimpses into Racial Justice,” “WDC Listening Process: What We’re Hearing,” “Internal to External Communication,” a tour of Homestead National Historical Park, and more. Join us at the WDC Annual Assembly, August 2-4, 2024 at First Mennonite Church, Beatrice, NE. Register HERE
If you are interested in being a delegate to the Assembly, contact Jeanette Stucky, Roger Neufeld-Smith or Monica Lichti in the BCMC office.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements .
Save the Date! Western District Women in Mission’s annual Women’s & Girls’ Retreat will be Sat./Sun. Sept. 7-8 at Camp Mennoscah. The keynote speaker will be Kristine Regehr on the topic of Peaceful Practices. More information and registration info will follow in July. Activities will be available for girls age 5th grade – high school and women of all ages! Come for a time of relaxation, peace, and friendship! Email questions to: westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com.
Summer Story Days are BACK! Stop by the Western District Conference Resource library, 2517 N. Main in North Newton, KS on Saturdays June 29 and July 27 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. for Read Alouds; self-guided, come-and-go activities; and opportunities to learn and grow together! Activities geared for ages 3-8 and their families, but open to all ages. Take advantage of these Saturday hours to tour the library and check out resources.
You’re invited! Support a new Mission Network family. On Wednesday, June 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Mennonite Mission Center office in downtown Newton, come hear about the work of a new Mennonite Mission Network family. Later this year, Laurel and Ben Woodward-Breckbill, from Newton, will move to Paris, France to be directors of the Paris Mennonite Center. On the 26th you can hear about the work of the Center, enjoy snacks, and even offer your financial support. Make a giving pledge and you will be entered to win a pair of Kansas City Chiefs tickets! (Las Vegas at Kansas City, November 29, 2024). Can’t make it in person? Make a pledge here. See you there!
Mini Blitz at Mennonite Central Committee! Come tie, trim, or bind comforters at the MCC Material Resource Center in North Newton Fri., July 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat., July 13 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring a snack to share and a sack lunch/supper. Drinks will be provided. Beginners are welcome!
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 are always welcome: phone 316-836-5045 or email brociamueller@mcc.org A full list of MCC kit contents can be found at mcc.org/kits.
Dear Intersections readers:
Greetings! I am happy to announce the publication online of the summer 2024 issue of Intersections on the topic of humanitarian standards. The issue can be found here. Compiled by Annie Loewen and Warren Climenhaga, this issue examines the importance of humanitarian standards to which Mennonite Central Committee and peer organizations seek to be accountable. Authors examine how these humanitarian standards shape MCC work in contexts such as Cuba, Ukraine, multiple contexts in the Middle East, and southern Africa. As always, your thoughts and questions about Intersections are always welcome!
Alain Epp Weaver
Mennonite Central Committee Peace and Justice Journal
| After more than 70 years of separation, reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula might seem impossible, particularly as U.S. foreign policy continues to prioritize military solutions to conflict around the world. But hope persists as seeds of peace are stubbornly planted and nurtured.The Spring/Summer 2024 Peace & Justice Journal explores opportunities for peace and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula, and contains worship resources and actions you can take. |
150th Swiss Volhynian Celebration August 23-25, 2024
People are starting to ask what is happening at the August event. Information is on the swissmennonite.org website. People can register now already and sign up for the ethnic meal and indicate their choices for the nine seminars.
For the webinar “From Genesis to Publication: An Anabaptist Community Bible Webinar”, June 20, 3 p.m. press here
| Understanding Dementia and Caring for those who have it Wednesday, July 17, 2024 Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village | 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton, Kansas Doors open at 6 p.m. | Program – 6:30 p.m.Information booths open 6 to 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 to 8 p.m. |
| Understanding dementia is key to being able to care for those who have it. The 2024 Bluestem Communities Dementia Forum will:Review the most common types of dementia.Help participants understand why challenging neuropsychiatric symptoms (behaviors) occur.Explore strategies for the best way to interact with someone with dementia.Receive tips for de-escalating someone with agitation. The presentation is free to attend and will be beneficial to anyone who cares for people living with dementia, including everyone from in-home family caregivers to professionals. Continuing Education units (CE’s) are available for those who desire them. Register for CE’s here. Learn more here. Call 316-836-4866 with questions. |
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA’s Church Vitality office and Everence have completed their annual update of the Pastor Salary Guidelines for 2024-2025. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/salary-guidelines
Menno Snapshots
Janet Szabo, a member of Mountain View Mennonite Church, shares how after a period of declining attendance, Mountain View Mennonite Church is experiencing a spring new life, through active church participation from adults and children alike. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/spring-garden-creation
Amid the climate crisis, Douglas Day Kaufman, executive director of Anabaptist Climate Collaborative, finds wild, grounded hope in the gospel of all creatures — in the tiny Caddisfly larva and in the body of Christ. Read his reflection here: mennoniteusa.org/gospel-all-creatures
Sara Gurulé, constituent engagement representative for Mennonite Mission Network, MC USA’s mission agency, shares her grief about climate change and how the systems of greed and power have affected the places she calls home. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/complex-grief-climateMennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: On this Father’s Day, join Mennonite Mission Network personnel in praying for fathers around the world, especially those who lack the support needed to provide life’s necessities for their children. May we share what God has given us, acknowledging that we are all part of God’s one family.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregations recovering from damage from storms, that they would experience God’s presence and strength and also be a witness of caring and compassion in their community.
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.