BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY,
SEPTEMBER 22, 2024–INTERNATIONAL PEACE SUNDAY
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/tjSYI12o2i4?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 22, 2024
International Day of Peace
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music— Give Me Jesus (arr. Lau)— Will Wiebe-Friesen
Welcome & Prayer— Lucy Burch & Marlene Ewert
*Hymn— In Christ There Is No East or West—VT 390
Children’s Conversation— Joanna Harader
*Hymn— Come Now, O Prince of Peace— VT 391
Psalm & Antiphon—Psalm –Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
Scripture Reading—Isaiah 26:1-4 & 1 Peter 5:6-9—Ben Janzen
Sermon— Cultivating a Culture of Peace— Joanna Harader
Worship Music—Verleih uns frieden (Mendelssohn)—Chancel Choir
*Hymn— For the Healing of the Nations— VT 705
Prayers of God’s People— Adah Hodge & Barb Koontz
Choral Benediction— Peace I Leave You (Amy Beech)— Chancel Choir
*Benediction
Postlude—Fugue from Sonata No. 6 “Our Father Which Art in Heaven”—(Mendelssohn)—
Will Wiebe-Friesen
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ken Lamp
The Week at BCMC: September 22-29, 2024
Sunday, September 22, 2024—International Day of Peace
9:30 a.m. Worship
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation for Junior and Youth
Volunteer in the Nursery today is Esther Koontz
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/tjSYI12o2i4?feature=share
6 p.m. Dessert Reception for Bethel College students on the sidewalk in front of Haury Hall, sponsored by the BCMC Relations Team with assistance from the BCMC Hospitality Commission. This year it will be held ON the Bethel College campus—on a sidewalk going to Haury Hall—just a few feet from the BCMC grounds. Please bring a dessert to share and be willing to engage with students. Chairs will be set up in circles.
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
4 p.m. Worship Commission meeting
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, September 26, 2024
2 p.m. Inurnment service for Monica Gross at Restlawn Gardens of Memory
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m. Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
7:30 p.m. Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, September 29, 2024
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Bells
10:30 a.m.. Faith Formation for Children
10:45 a.m. Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary
12 noon Senior High Youth Group Fundraiser Lunch in Fellowship Hall
All are invited!
Enjoy a summer-fall evening at Camp Mennoscah and hear updates. The Annual Meeting on September 22 has been shortened to the annual business meeting at 5 p.m., instead of a full day event. Donations will be accepted for the Foundation 75 Capital Campaign.
We offer sympathy to the family of Donna Friesen. Donna died Sept. 18 at Kidron Bethel Village.
Interested in becoming a member of Bethel College Mennonite Church?
If you are interested in becoming a member, or transferring membership, or learning more about membership at BCMC, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Pastor of Congregational Care. She will be happy to visit with you!
The Abuse Prevention and Response Committee, at the request of the Faith Formation Commission, has approved a provisional change to the Abuse Prevention and Response Policy that will allow our nursery to be staffed by one approved adult and one approved youth volunteer. (II.A.3) This change takes effect immediately. Over the coming months, the APRC will be reviewing the policy in full and will bring an updated version of the policy to the congregation for approval some time in 2025. Copies of the policy are available on the church website and in the office. If you have questions about the policy or changes to suggest, please reach out to one of the pastors or a member of APRC.
BCMC Offering for Sept. 15: Gen. Fund $8,697; Kitchen Fund $19; Solar Fund $25; Marilyn Stucky Memorial $6,100
Congregational Meeting and Membership Vote:
Congregational Meeting Set for September 29:
The next congregational meeting will be at 10:45 a.m. during the Sunday School hour on September 29. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary and made available live on YouTube only while the meeting is in progress; it will not be recorded. Remote viewers can text their votes to a number announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items will include a vote for a change of Membership Guidelines and an update from pastors and moderators. The youth will host a fundraising luncheon following the meeting.
Future congregational meetings will be held at 10:45 a.m. on January 26 and May 4, 2025.
Proposal for Action at the BCMC Congregational Meeting Sept. 29, 2024
The Church Board and Deacons recommend removing the “Welcoming Statement” (approved January 28, 2024) from Article IV: Membership. Both the Deacons and the Inclusive Task Group desire that the Welcoming Statement be separate from the membership guidelines. The current Welcoming Statement will continue to be used in BCMC publications but can be changed and updated under the leadership of the Inclusive Task Group. The revised membership guidelines for the congregational vote on September 29 read as follows:
Article IV: Membership (Revised)
Membership in the Bethel College Mennonite Church is open to all who affirm their faith in God, who seek to center their lives in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who are open to the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and who have received baptism as the symbol of their commitment and covenant.
Bethel College Mennonite Church welcomes into fellowship and membership all persons who commit to Jesus Christ, without regard to their race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital state, age, or other factors which can lead to discrimination and marginalization.
Members offer themselves to support Mennonite principles and to share in the life and work of this congregation.
Leadership Retreat
After a discussion between the pastoral team and the BCMC board, we have decided to postpone the annual leadership retreat, usually held in the fall, to a yet-to-be-determined date in late 2024 or early 2025. This postponement will:
1. Allow our pastoral and moderator teams to continue their work of clarifying and defining their roles.
2. Allow pastors and moderators to create a leadership retreat that best equips leaders of commissions and committees for our current model of pastoral
leadership.
In the meantime, we encourage committees and commissions to contact Brad Kohlman if they have questions or concerns. Look for an update on the timing of the leadership retreat later this fall or early winter.
Mark your calendars for the annual Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Assoc. (SMCHA) Banquet at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton, Oct. 10., 6 p.m. with an ethnic German buffet style meal catered by the Breadbasket and ‘bohne beroggi’ made by Schweitzer cooks. We’ll focus on thanking those who coordinated the 150th anniversary of Schweitzers coming to the United States.
Dale Schrag will be our speaker for the evening discussing the future. The cost of the banquet is $25 to be paid at the door. RSVP to Nancy Stucky by October 7 with a text or phone call to 620-532-5693. We invite you to come and enjoy good food, learn who we are and were, learn what SMCHA is doing and planning, have a great time fellowshipping with friends old and new, and continue our celebratory mood from the 150th.
September and October Webinars from EVERENCE® Finances and You with topics that integrate your faith and finances! This is a free webinar series where Everence® can help you make important financial decisions that reflect your faith values. The webinars will be presented by Everence professionals and there will be time for your questions. All webinars held on Wednesdays at 2 and 8 p.m. (Eastern Time) For more information, visit everence.com/national. Or Email: national@everence.com with any questions.
· Sept. 25 Seminar: Social Security: Understanding your benefits. Come and learn the ins and outs of social security that will provide you clarity as you consider your social security future. Presented by: Steve Lane, AWMA®, CFP®, Financial Consultant
· Oct. 2 Seminar: Investing 202. Mutual funds, pensions, stocks, bonds, IRA’s, Roth IRA’s, 401k’s, Real estate. The list seems to go on and on for investment options. This presentation will help you sort through your investment options and other considerations as you explore what investments make sense for you. Presented by: Michael Burton, CFP®, CEPA®, Financial Consultant
Bethel College Women’s Association needs your donations of baked goods and craft items! Home-made pies, poppyseed rolls, zwieback, cinnamon rolls, other baked goods and treats for Market-in-the-Round at Fall Festival are welcome. In addition, home-made jams/jellies and craft items are needed. All of these items can be delivered to the Music Library in Luyken Fine Arts Center from 1 – 5 p.m., Fri., Oct. 4. All proceeds will benefit Bethel College. If questions email:
bcwa@belthelks.edu Volunteers are needed as well to staff the booths. To sign up, use this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E4CA8A72FA3F58-50920044-fall/102465998#/
| Dear Bethel College Mennonite,Join MCC, the Church of the Brethren, and the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) for a webinar on climate and peace! Learn from partners around the world how climate change is driving conflict within their communities and how they are acting to address this crisis.United in our call to stand for peace worldwide, many of us see climate change as one of the biggest obstacles to this goal. Hear how you can take action to advocate for international climate assistance and to support peace globally!Webinar: Climate and peace: Stories from around the worldDate: Sept. 25, 2024Time: 11:00 am EDT |
| Speakers will include Sibonokuhle Ncube, Mennonite Mission Network’s regional co-director for Africa and Europe; Lenny Thomas Aniah, gender-based violence coordinator for the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria; and Victor Odinda, climate solutions partner advisor for MCC Cambodia. Daren Caughron, legislative manager, sustainable energy and environment for FCNL, will share expertise on how you can encourage Congress to support climate finance for peace.We look forward to seeing you on September 25! |
Bethel College Announcements:
· PLEASE NOTE: The screening of the KIPCOR Film Series film “The Lincoln School Story,” scheduled for today, Sun., Sept. 22, has been canceled.
· Tues., Sept. 24: “Sing My Soul” high school choral festival at Bethel College, Dr. Henry Waters, director, with a short public concert at 1:40 p.m., Memorial Hall or livestream at https://www.youtube.com/live/9cZe9ofIdNE?feature=shared
· Thurs., Sept. 26: The Bethel College Wind Ensemble presents “dinner and a show,” 6:30 p.m., Memorial Hall. Tickets are $20 per person or $200 for a full table (8 people). Call 316-284-5202, or go to Thresher Shop on the Bethel campus, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., to buy tickets. You must have a ticket to attend this concert.
· Sun., Sept. 29: Mark Jantzen, Bethel College professor of history, speaks on “Brief Imperial Russian Sojourn: Lasting Mennonite Memories,” following a brief annual meeting at 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum. This coincides with the opening of the new special exhibit “Unlocking the Past: Immigrant Artifacts & the Stories They Tell,” sparked by the 150th anniversary of the migration of Mennonites from Russia and Prussia to the Central Plains of North America and by the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025.
· Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Oct. 3-6, with most activities taking place Sat., Oct. 5, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football, the musical “9 to 5”, and the 50th-anniversary celebration for the social work program. See https://www.bethelks.edu/fallfest/ for the complete schedule.
· Fri., Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Oct. 5, 3:30 p.m., Sun., Oct. 6, 2 p.m. – Bethel College music and theater departments present 9 to 5 during Fall Festival, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Ticket purchase required, in Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., online (https://bethelks.hometownticketing.com/embed/all?depts=3) or at the door. Contains adult content and may not be suitable for young children.
· Sat., Oct. 5: Sarah Augustine will give a keynote address for the 50th anniversary of Bethel College social work, 2 p.m., Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village. She will also speak Sun., Oct. 6, 9:30 a.m., at Bethel College Mennonite Church, and Mon., Oct. 7, for convocation in Krehbiel Auditorium. The public is invited to any and all events. Augustine is the founder and co-chair of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, author of The Land is Not Empty (2021) and co-author of So We and Our Children May Live (2023).
· Life Enrichment program at Bethel College for Wednesday, Sept. 25. Life Enrichment is for people age 60 and above and is an excellent way to continue learning and meet people from the surrounding area in a relaxed setting.
Sept. 25, 9:30 a.m.: Bluegrass and Flint Hills music by the Tallgrass Express, Annie Wilson, singer, guitar player and lyrical storyteller, Elmdale
Sept. 25, 10:50 a.m.: “Why I Paint,” Virgil Penner, North Newton
Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Country Breakfast on Saturday, October 5, from 7 to 10 a.m., in Kidron Hall, 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton. Enjoy pancakes, sausage and eggs by donation. Proceeds benefit the Kidron Bethel Village Health Care Benevolent Fund, assisting residents who are unable to cover the full cost of their care.
Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Holiday Marketing featuring local vendors on Saturday, December 7. Vendors who would like to be part of this event are now being accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. To reserve a table, contact SheriE@bluestemks.org, or call 316-836-4821. Holiday Market gives Kidron Bethel Village residents and others from the community a one-stop place to shop for holiday gifts. The market is a fundraiser for the Health Care Benevolent Fund, a ministry of Kidron Bethel Village that assists residents who, due to unforeseen circumstances, are no longer able to cover the full cost of their care.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
First Mennonite Church of Newton, KS (429 E. First Street) invites you to a monthly Board Game Night the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 PM. Some games are provided, but participants are encouraged to bring other games they are excited to play or share! Games will range in difficulty from Uno to Wingspan and beyond! Enter through the East doors and take the stairs to the basement. Hope to see you there!
 Looking for an Advent study? Check out all the great study options through the WDC Resource library. We have individual and group studies in print, the Book Bundles program, DVDs, and access to digital streaming options through StudyGateway. Check out the library catalog at mennowdc.org/library or contact Jennie for access to StudyGateway at crlib@mennowdc.org |
| Camp Mennoscah AnnouncementsEnjoy a summer-fall evening at Camp Mennoscah and hear updates! The Annual Meeting on September 22 has been shortened to the annual business meeting at 5pm, instead of a full day event. Donations will be accepted for the Foundation 75 Capital Campaign. Other events and happenings:Summer is over and volunteer work days have been adjusted! Volunteers for the HVAC work at the Retreat Center are welcome Monday – Friday. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping out with this project. Willing hands are what is needed! Let us know when you are available, so we can prepare for you. For anyone interested in working on a weekend, two weeks notice is needed. Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 to sign up.Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open! The dates are November 1-3 and November 15-17. Lodging and crafting will be held at Main Camp in the bunkhouses and dining hall. Register here. We’ll see you for another fun weekend!Tasks to keep Camp Mennoscah running smoothly continue into the fall and winter seasons. Volunteers are needed for grounds and deep cleaning, plus a variety of other things. Contact us at 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. |
| Perform with the Tabor College Concert Choir, Chamber Voices, and the Messiah OrchestraPerformance, Sunday, December 8, 4:00 pm Required rehearsals: Saturday, December 7, 10:00 am Sunday, December 8, 1:30 pm Optional rehearsals starting November 5: Tuesdays and Fridays, 12:00 noon, Information and registration at tabor.edu/messiah Alumni, family and community members are invited to participate |
Join us in North Newton Kansas for a visit with MennoMedia Leadership! October 7, 9:00am
The Meeting Room, MCC Central States
121 E 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117
For more details for this “Anabaptist at 500” event press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
For Mennonite Church USA “Equipping” press here
Call for blogs! Members of MC USA who were not raised in a Mennonite tradition or people who grew up in MC USA but feel that they have actively chosen to remain Mennonite as they grew into their faith are invited to submit a 500-900 word “Menno by Choice” blog about why they have actively chosen to be a Mennonite. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/form-choice-request View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/choice-slide View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/choice-blog-slide
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Euclides Bauza, a Mennonite church leader in Venezuela, who served as an election observer in the country’s disputed presidential election in July. Pray for Bauza’s safety, the families mourning the deaths of loved ones, protection for those who have been arrested and that Venezuelan authorities will care for the needs of citizens.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for ministers gathering for a retreat next weekend in Texas, sponsored by the WDC Ministerial Leadership Commission.
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.