Bethesda Mennonite Church | Special Events

COMMUNION

We believe the Lord's Supper is a sign by which the church remembers the new covenant which Jesus established by his death. The bread is a sign of Christ's body and the cup is a sign of the new covenant in his blood. In this meal, the church renews its covenant to be the body of Christ in the world and to live the life of Christ on behalf of others. In the communion meal, all are invited to the Lord's table to renew their covenant with God and with each other.

2020 Communion Dates:

Thursday, April 9, 2020: Maundy Thursday Service

Baptism Sunday (to be determined)

Sunday, October 4, 2020: World Wide Communion Sunday

Thursday, December 31, 2020: New Year's Eve Service

LENT

What is Lent and why does it last 40 days?

Lent is a season of 40 days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. The 40 days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry.

Lent is a time that offers us an opportunity to come to terms with the human condition and brings our need for a Savior to the forefront. Lent is a time to open the doors of our hearts a little wider and understand our Lord a little deeper.

Ash Wednesday Services 2020: February 26, 2020

NEBRASKA MCC SALE

Each year in Canada and the United States, thousands of volunteers come together to raise money for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) for the relief of suffering in the world. Annually over $5 million is raised at these events with an average of 85% sent to the field to help those in need. The Nebraska MCC Sale is an annual event you wont want to miss!

This year, join us Friday and Saturday, April 3-4, 2020, at the Aurora Fairgrounds in Aurora, Nebraska, for the 40th Annual Nebraska MCC Sale. Go to the sale site for more information!

PARENT CHILD DEDICATION

Parent Child Dedication is a special time for parents to affirm their intention to raise their child in an environment where the child’s faith will flourish. In this act of consecration, we praise God and also bring the newborn/child into a relationship with the body of Christ. In this service, parents commit themselves to this calling.

Children are safe in the care of God. When they are able to be accountable for their own actions, they are able to make the church's faith their own and declare their wish for baptism.

CENTRAL PLAINS MENNONITE CONFERENCE

You are invited to the Twin Cities, June 18-21, 2020, to worship learn and fellowship together at Central Plains Mennonite Conference.

More details to follow...

http://www.centralplainsmc.org/annual-meeting-2020.html

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES

Memorial Day Services are held each year at the following cemeteries:

9:00 a.m. Friesen (West) Cemetery

10:00 a.m. Bethesda Mennonite Cemetery

11:00 a.m. Mennonite Cemetery

In the event of rain, a joint service will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Bethesda Mennonite Church.

MONTHLY POTLUCK

On the last Sunday of every month, we get together to share a potluck meal in the Fellowship Hall. Feel free to join us anytime - no need to bring a dish if you are not able. Remember, we're Mennonites! There is never a shortage of food!

BAPTISM

Baptism is one of the foremost commands given by Christ to his disciples. Jesus himself requested water baptism at the beginning of his ministry and sent his followers to "go and bake disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..." (Matthew 28:19)

Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward transformation that occurs through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life. It is also a pledge before the church of your covenant with God. If you are interested in being baptized, please talk to one of our pastors.

SCHOOL KIT NIGHT

Every year in November, approximately 1,000 school kits are packed and sent to Mennonite Central Committee for children around the world. Last year, 1,028 school kits were packed!

FAITH & LIFE BOOKSTORE

Faith & Life Bookstore from Newton, Kansas, brings out a large selection of books and gifts for purchase at our Youth Christmas Market fundraiser in December. Preorders are a great way to make sure you get the items you want!

MCC CANNER PROJECT

Every year MCC’s Mobile Meat Canner travels across the United States and Canada meeting volunteers who prepare cans of turkey, beef, chicken and pork to be sent around the world. This year (2019) the canner will be at Bethesda November 21, 22, & 23, 2019. For more information, contact Brent Swartzendruber or Jay Dee Janzen. The Facebook page "Nebraska MCC Canning" has been set up to assist with information and coordination.

Over 30,000 people a year volunteer to fill, weigh, wash and label every can. The finished cans are shipped to our partners, providing important nutrients when meat is hard to purchase. In the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK, or North Korea), where meat is scarce, MCC shares canned meat with our partners to supplement meals for children as well as patients with tuberculosis or hepatitis. For more information go to https://mcc.org/get-involved/canning.