Bethel College Mennonite Church Worship Service and Announcements for
March 24, 2024
Palm Sunday
Christ Among Us, the Way of a Servant
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/Ge-wPrH_qag?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
March 24, 2024
Palm Sunday
Christ Among Us, the Way of a Servant
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—Come and See—Meghan Rogers
Call to Worship—Nathan Koontz
All: Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!
One: Christ among us, humble and riding on a donkey.
Many: Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!
One: Christ among us, God’s light shining on us!
Many: Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!
One: Christ among us, showing the way of a servant.
*Hymn—All Glory, Laud, and Honor—VT 315
Chancel Bells—All Glory, Laud, and Honor—Verlene Garber, Director
Scripture Reading—Psalm 118:1, 19-2—Abby Koontz
*Hymn—Hosanna, Loud Hosanna—VT 313
Scripture Reading—John 12:12-17—Lucy Burch
*Hymn—Jesus is Coming—VT 312
Palm Sunday Scenes
Hymn—Sanna, sannanina—VT 79
*Hymn—Lo, I Am with You—VT 284
Kin-dom Report—Heather Zerger—Pastoral Search Committee Chair
Prayers of God’s People—Nathan Koontz
Prayer of Confession
One: When we get caught up in embracing the world’s power,
Many: forgive us.
One: When we lose sight of the humble donkey and put our trust in horses of war,
Many: remind us of this Palm Sunday.
One: When we begin to get sucked into the darkness of the impending evil,
Many: bring us once again the peace of looking toward the blessing of now. All: Lord, have mercy.
*Hymn—Kyrie Eleison—VT 147
*Benediction
Postlude—Ah, Holy Jesus (Moklebust)—Chancel Bells
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Verlene Garber
Audio visual—John Thiesen
Participants in the Palm Sunday Scenes: Narrators: Judy Harder, Lincoln
Kohlman Justin Zerger. Conversations with Jesus: Glen and Karen Ediger, Lauren Friesen, Vern Goering, Brad Kohlman, Lawrence Kohlman, Naomi Koontz, Naomi and Lyn Krause, Justina Neufeld, Elizabeth Schmidt Crowd: Sr. High Youth, Middle Schoolers, younger children, plus the entire congregation!
The memorial service for Elizabeth Raid is Saturday, March 23, 2024, 11 a.m. at BCMC. The live stream link is: https://youtube.com/live/SiiBGluYyJc?feature=share
The Newton Chorale presents “From Darkness To Light”: Director Riley King will conduct the concert consisting of the Haydn Missa brevis Sti. Joannis de Deo featuring Soprano soloist Megan Taylor-Gilstrap and organist Will Wiebe-Friesen; along with several pieces composed within the past 20 years, accompanied by Meghann Rogers. Sunday, March 24, 3:30 pm at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Admission is free. A goodwill offering will be taken.
This Week at BCMC: March 24—31, 2024
Sunday, March 24, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship YouTube Link for this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/Ge-wPrH_qag?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)
3:30 p.m. Newton Chorale Concert in the sanctuary—All Are Invited!
Monday, March 25, 2024
The church office will be closed today.
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
11 a.m. Staff meeting
Wednesday, March 27, 2024—Last Wednesday meal and program
6 p.m. Wednesday night meal in fellowship hall—Menu: Meatloaf, twice baked potato casserole, mixed vegetables, chocolate chip cookies; Please sign up at a sign up sheet on bulletin board, on table in south entrance, or on ledge between the mailboxes in gathering place. Please bring your own tableware to facilitate clean-up!
6:45 p.m Wednesday program in fellowship hall
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, March 28, 2024—Maundy Thursday
6:30 p.m. In sanctuary: Maundy Thursday service; communion will be served
Friday, March 29, 2024—Good Friday—Office will be closed
Sunday, March 31, 2024—Easter Sunday
7 a.m. Sunrise service led by the Senior High Youth Group (location to be announced later)
9:45 a.m. Prelude for Easter—Will Wiebe-Friesen will be playing an organ prelude for the worship service on Easter Sunday. Come to enjoy the special Easter music.
10 a.m. (Note the time change) Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Choir; March birthday blessing; No Sunday school
Future Events at BCMC:
· April 13, 11 a.m., memorial service for Don Kaufman followed by lunch in FH.
· April 27-28 BCMC Church Retreat at Camp Mennoscah MARK YOUR CALENDARS! It’s nearly time for the annual BCMC retreat (no Halstead First Mennonite this year) at Camp Mennoscah! The retreat is April 27 & 28, and will again feature all kinds of fun activities. Come for Saturday, Sunday, or both! There will be meals and all sorts of fun activities, including Sunday morning worship (there will be no live-stream), at 10 a.m. More details – and a registration form – will be out by Easter Sunday. We look forward to seeing you again on the sandy soil of the Ninnescah!
Happy Birthday to Monica Gross who turns 100 years old on March 23!
BCMC Offering for March 10: General Fund $11,510.85; Wed. Supper $293; MCC Sale $275; Kitchen Fund $6; Solar Fund $1,000; Nancy Hilty Mem. $295.
BCMC Offering for March 17: General Fund $13,367.82; Wed. Supper $248; Library Reserve Fund $10; Kitchen Fund $16; Solar Fund $1,800.
February numbers are a bit sobering. BCMC income was over $18,000 less than expenses for the month and for the year we are more than $31,000 in the red, making it the worst start of the year since 2006. It’s normal to start the year a little slow, but we don’t want to get ourselves into a painfully deep hole. If you are planning to make your contributions to the church with RMD funds, you can do that any time during the year. Finance Committee
Roger is back in Topeka and will return to Newton for the BCMC Easter celebrations (sunrise service and worship), then remain in Newton until the Church Board meeting April 4. Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)
Chancel Choir Director Position at BCMC: BCMC is looking for a Chancel Choir Director to begin in August 2024. This is a part-time position, August 15-May 15. As part of the team of musicians on the church staff, the director is responsible for music selection, rehearsals, and performances of the Chancel Choir. The choir sings approximately two times per month during September—May and participates in a Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols service and Easter Sunday service. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:30. Inquiries should be addressed to Barbara Thiesen, BCMC Music Coordinator at thiesenjba@gmail.com
Application forms are available from Monica Lichti, BCMC Office/Facilities Manager at 316-283-3667 or office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Volunteer at New Hope Shelter: BCMC is one of 24 local congregations providing regular volunteer support to New Hope Shelter in Newton. New Hope serves homeless men, women, and children from Harvey, Butler, Marion, and McPherson counties. About five times a year, BCMC and Faith Mennonite partner to cover one week of evening shifts. We provide a meal for 25-30 people and two volunteers who stay through the evening to support an evening staff person. We can always use more help to meet this commitment, and participation can be regular or occasional. Our next shift will be May 1-7. If you’re interested or would like more details, email Cynthia Linscheid at cdlin319@gmail.com. Thank you to all who have volunteered for New Hope, either recently or in the past!
Thank you for your support in surpassing our 1,000 pound goal of plastic bag collection! We are not able to continue this important project due to health issues but would encourage anyone who would like to take on this responsibility. We will continue collection through April 12. Vernon and Jane Goering
From the Board: Solar Contract Signed!
In this season of Easter celebration, we again celebrate the church’s support of the solar energy initiative and report that the contract with King Solar is signed and the down payment has been made. The proposal to install solar panels on our church roof passed at the January congregational meeting with 85 Yes votes and 4 No votes. Overwhelming support for the project in terms of funds pledged (approximately $180,000) was reported. We’re grateful for the extensive background research, hard work, and advocacy of the Creation Care Committee’s subcommittee of Dwight Krehbiel, Lorna Harder, and Hugo Boschmann; the assistance with collaboration and communication from Margaret Toews and Jon Zerger of the Board; and the advice and collaboration of the Finance Committee (LaVern Stucky, Jerry Buller, Margaret Goering, Jeanette Leary, and John Zerger). We look forward to the pledges being fulfilled and the installation of panels scheduled for June! Plans for additional initiatives may be possible with the funds saved; stay tuned.
Bethel College Announcements
All interested singers are invited to participate in Bethel College’s annual Masterworks concert on April 28, featuring Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem. Scores are available now and rehearsals begin Tues., April 2. Sign up online at https://forms.gle/Auu4FaYBcaLwKDuF6 so that your contact information is available for digital rehearsal materials, etc., or come to the first rehearsal April 2, 6 p.m., Choir Room in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College.
Fri., April 5 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Eli Regier, saxophone, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
Sat., April 6 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Angelika Donaldson, voice, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel
Sun., April 7 – KIPCOR Film Series presents Estamos Unidos, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. The film by Alvaro M. Morales follows a migrant caravan’s journey from Honduras to Mexico City in 2019. A talkback follows the screening; a freewill offering will be taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.
Please join Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus at one or both of our concerts this year: The first is April 7 at Bethel College 4 p.m. The second is April 21 at Tabor College 4 p.m. This year we are including the Newton Children’s Community Choir, the Flannelbacks and the Menno Brass.
Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is almost here! Plan to join the fun on April 12 & 13, 2024 at the Kansas State Fair Grounds in Hutchinson, as together, we help to “Sow… seeds of hope, seeds of Love.”
· PIES & ZWIEBACK! Sign up to bake pie or zwieback for the sale. Look for tins, bags, and sign up sheets at the back of the sanctuary TODAY!
· The My Coins Count jug is VERY HEAVY from bills and coins–check out the sign by the jug to learn how heavy it is now. Thanks for continuing to add coins and bills on Sunday mornings between now and April 7 so more people can have better access to clean water.
· Auction Items! BCMC members and friends have donated many items to be sold at one of 4 different KMRS auctions. You can see pictures and descriptions of some of these offerings on the KMRS website under “Auction Item Listings” … and look at the lovely offerings in the quilt gallery.
· Volunteers needed! The volunteer page at https://kansas.mccsale.org/ lists opportunities for April 6 (make Bohne Beroggi in Moundridge or Verenike in Hillsboro) or for April 12-13 to serve or sell food, fry verenike, help with auctions, and more. If you have trouble signing up online, ask for help from one of the BCMC liaisons.
· More Information: Look for the KMRS posterboard & table in the Gathering Place for information and the My Coins Count jug, the KMRS website https://kansas.mccsale.org/ or ask a BCMC liaison: Steve & Elaine Schurr, William & Esther Kreider Eash, and Brad & Diane Born.
MCC Sale Children’s Auction – Consider donating new, in-the-package, items to this year’s auction! Talk with the youth in your church to see what items they would like to bid on, but you can never go wrong with Hot Wheels, Barbie, board games, Lego sets, art kits, and sports equipment. Items may be given to your MCC Liaison for delivery to Sale.
Peace Witness for Gaza Ceasefire, March 27, Wichita
In the spirit of Mennonite Action efforts nationwide for the upcoming March Week of Action (March 25-29), the Western District Conference Israel Palestine Task Force and several member churches invite you, your congregation, family, friends, and allies to join in another public peace witness at Senator Jerry Moran’s office in downtown Wichita on Wednesday, March 27, approximately 10 am – 12 pm (details below).
This peace witness will be centered around the theme “Send Aid, Not Bombs!” and asking Senator Moran to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza where 31,000+ people have been killed and 500,000+ more are suffering from imminent famine, starvation, and/or injuries. It will include praying and singing hymns together; presenting symbols of aid (bread, water, medicine, quilts, etc.) and the U.S. Mennonites petition for a permanent ceasefire; and finally making a direct ask for increased humanitarian aid, call for a ceasefire, a release of all the hostages and political prisoners, and an end to funding for weapons of war to Israel.
We will meet at Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church, 655 S Lorraine St, at 10:00 am to review an event agenda before driving to a designated rendezvous location near Senator Moran’s office. There may be a $2-3 parking fee. This is a somber event, and we encourage participants to wear black. Organizers will provide a print agenda for the peace witness and we plan to finish by 12 pm.
Other resources to learn about the Week of Action:
“As followers of Jesus, we are called to organize for more than just a ‘ceasefire.’ God’s Shalom means not just an end to the bombing, but putting our resources towards Palestinians and Israelis living whole and free lives. And as Mennonites, we have a history of offering aid to the victims and survivors of war and genocide. This week of action mobilizes our congregations to combine our commitments to mutual aid and prophetic proclamation.” – Mennonite Action
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
We are putting the dam back in on Saturday, March 23, at 2pm. The forecast says there will be thunderstorms on the day the dam was scheduled to go in, so we’re switching days. Putting the boards back in is not for young ages due to the ungainly size and weight of the boards, but watching is great! Dress for the weather and contact Camp Mennoscah with questions at 620-297-3290. We’ll see you on Saturday!
Other events and happenings:
- Nurses needed for the weeks of First Camp, June 20-22; Junior High 2, July 7-12; and Junior 2, July 14-19. Nurses must be an RN and can receive a stipend or a parent discount. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org if you are interested. You are needed to make summer youth camps healthy and successful!
- Kitchen staff are also needed for almost every week of camp! Parents can receive a discount up to full camp fees. No great skill is needed. The head cook will direct you in what needs to be done to make yummy meals for campers and staff. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
- More volunteer fun than just the Retreat Center project! Many volunteers are still needed for the Retreat Center project, but volunteers are also needed for other camp tasks–mowing, clearing trails, weeding the flower beds. Contact us at 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. Thank you to the many volunteers who have already helped with all the camp projects!
- Register for the 2024 Summer Youth Camps! The theme for the summer is Linked By Love and looks at how God’s love teaches us about faith and commitment. The Better Registration Discount ends on April 1st. Register online!
- There are openingsfor the Spring Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat, April 19-21! Lodging will be in the bunkhouses and activities will be in the Dining Hall. Bunkhouses are heated and space heaters will be available for the Dining Hall, if the weather is cool. This retreat is later than usual, so we’re hoping for balmy spring weather for good walks and beautiful nature. Register here!
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements
Memorial Day Work and Play May 24-27, 2024: Spend your holiday weekend at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp for the annual Work and Play Retreat! The weekend focuses on getting ready for the coming summer camp season by helping with foodservice, cleaning and fixing things while also offering a free day on Sunday to enjoy the holiday weekend. The retreat is scheduled for May 24-27, 2024 beginning at 7:00pm on Friday and concluding after breakfast on Monday.
Summer Resident Camps @RMMC: Resident Camps offer a slice of summer where campers experience the outdoors in a fun and safe community. Campers experience a new adventure while growing in their faith and exploring the Rocky Mountains. Our theme for Summer 2024 is “What’s the Forecast?”. Looking to Joshua 1:9 and Matthew 28:20, join in for fun weather-themed games and activities and learn how to see God in all situations, no matter the forecast! To learn more and to register, visit rmmc.org.
Greetings!
I am writing to alert you to the spring 2024 issue of Intersections on the topic “Embracing a Commitment to Christ’s Way of Peace.” Compiled by Anna Vogt and Jes Stoltzfus Buller, this issue features contemporary personal reflections and historical church statements about what Jesus’ way of peace looks like. MCC has been a vital part of Anabaptist reflection about the theological foundations of Christian commitment to peace for over one hundred years. In addition to an overview of key moments in MCC’s history in which it collaborated with the church on statements about Anabaptist peace theology, this issue features authors from Mexico, Kenya, Colombia, the United States, South Korea, and India reflecting on different dimensions of how the church lives out its commitment to Christ’s way of peace.
As always, we welcome your thoughts and questions about anything you read in Insight!
Warm regards, Alain Epp Weaver
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Women & Girls Save the Date! Edimental Gardening for Every Growing Space, featuring Renata Goossen will be sponsored by Western District Women in Mission at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton KS on Friday, April 19. The schedule is: 5 p,m – 6 p.m. Browse and purchase plants from Renata’s Plant Bus. Bring a salad to share for supper to start at 6 p.m.. The evening program, 6:30 – 7:30, will feature music by Prairie Highway and Renata speaking on her topic of edimental gardening, plants that are both edible and ornamental. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more details about the evening schedule and our other WDWM activities.
Come see a Musical Drama
A Goodly Heritage, a musical drama sharing a history of the Swiss Volynian Mennonites on Saturday, March 23 at 7:00 or Sunday, March 24, at 2:00 at Eden Mennonite Church, 401 18th Ave., Moundridge, Kansas..
One of many groups of Mennonites moving to the U.S. in the 1870’s, the Schweitzers settled near (what is now) Moundridge, Kansas, and Freeman, South Dakota. Mennonites were part of the larger Anabaptist movement that began in Europe in the early 1500’s. The drama seeks to explain the religious beliefs underlying the Anabaptist movement, and the journey over centuries that brought these groups to America.
The cast is made up of Schweitzer’s and friends, adults and children, from McPherson County and surrounding areas. Jenny Schrag, who wrote the drama and composed some of the music, is directing, along with Dawn Abrahams. Bonita Howard is the choir director.
Lyrics and music are by Jenny Schrag, with hymns from Voices Together and The Mennonite Hymnal (used with permission).
The drama is one of the events of the 150th celebration of forebears coming to the U.S. in 1874. Admission is free.
For Mennonite Mission Network “News from Around the World” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “A people driven purpose press here
For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities “Opening Doors” blog press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
MC USA’s Climate Justice Ministry will begin receiving applications for the Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund grant, starting April 1, 2024. The Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund provides funds to assist MC USA congregations interested in various forms of renewable energy. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/apply-energy-grants View the slide here: mennoniteusa.org/apply-renewable-energy-grants
Join MC USA Climate Justice Coordinator Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler on Apr. 2 at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT for the first of four webinars in MC USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: Climate Justice II” initiative. The first webinar will focus on Indigenous Justice and Climate Justice and will feature the testimony of Indigenous leaders, Manuel May Castillo and Mark Charles, and the prophetic voices of Sarah Augustine and Sheri Hostetler, co-founders of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery and authors of the book “So We and Our Children May Live.” Register here: mennoniteusa.org/registraiton-climate-april2 View the slide here: mennoniteusa.org/climate-justice-indigenous-justice-webinar
Menno Snapshots
Tori Jones Long, a local organizer for Mennonite Action and a member of Salford Mennonite Church, Harleysville, Pa., reflects on why she participated in an act of civil disobedience that led to her arrest during the Jan. 16 Mennonite Action demonstration for a ceasefire. Read more about her experience in her Menno Snapshots blog here: mennoniteusa.org/civil-disobedience
On Jan. 16, 2024, Lynn Hur, a member of Pasadena (California) Mennonite Church participated in an outdoor peace vigil with about 200 Mennonites in front of the House of Representatives’ Cannon House Office Building in Washington D.C. She reflects on “finding people who grieve the same way you do.” Read more about her experience here: mennoniteusa.org/grieve-same-way
For Mennonite Church USA Webinar “Climate Justice, Indigenous Justice” press here
Join MC USA Climate Justice Coordinator Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler on Apr. 2 at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT for the first of four webinars in MC USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: Climate Justice: Seeking Shalom” initiative. The first webinar will focus on Indigenous Justice and Climate Justice and will feature the testimony of Indigenous leaders, Manuel May Castillo and Mark Charles, and the prophetic voices of Sarah Augustine and Sheri Hostetler, co-founders of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery and authors of the book “So We and Our Children May Live.”
| Mennonite Church USA is looking for nominees for our 2024 #BringThePeace awards. The award recognizes the work of denominational peacemakers and is sponsored by MC USA’s Church Peace Tax Fund. We invite you to submit your recommendations for nominees by completing this form before April 19: mennoniteusa.org/btp-2024-award-nominations We are seeking to honor two courageous peacebuilders who have a diversity of experience and are actively engaged in resisting war and promoting peace in their respective congregation and community: A legacy peacemaker, who has been faithful in promoting peace across their lifetime and/or life’s work. A young peacemaker (age 16-25), who can help to inspire other young leaders. The #BringThePeace awards provide each recipient with a $300 grant. The Church Peace Tax Fund, which sponsors these awards, is a way for people to engage in MC USA’s peacebuilding work. It also provides funding for educational programs that address militarism and promote ways of living out Jesus’ peace. If you have any questions, please contact Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, denominational minister for Peace and Justice, at Lorrainesa@mennoniteusa.org. |
| Fill out the form here |
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Praise God for the 75 years of healing ministry by dedicated personnel at Mennonite Christian Hospital in Hualien, Taiwan, the largest Mennonite hospital in the world. Join MMN in praying for Dr. Jacob Chang and the hospital staff as the services they offer grow to meet the needs of the populations they serve; the elderly, mothers and children and those with special needs.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for God’s presence, joy and wisdom to be with WDC staff as they gather tomorrow for a staff retreat.
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.