BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
April 6, 2025
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
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.
Organ Recital and Hymn Sing to Honor Shirley King: Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 7:30 PM at Bethel College Mennonite Church, 2600 College Ave, North Newton.
Organist Christopher Shaw will present an organ recital/hymn festival to remember Shirley Sprunger King. King taught at Bethel College for twenty years and was organist at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Shaw will be joined by Lorraine Miller (flute) and Don Kehrberg (oboe), both former members of the Deknatel Consort with King. In addition to organ pieces and hymns, there will be remembrances of Shirley.
The recital will include Johann Sebastian Bach’s Fantasia in G Major and chorale prelude based on In Dir Ist Freude. Three pieces from King’s CD, Hymnal Masterworks: Organ and Instrument, will be performed, including Robert Hobby’s prelude on ENGELBERG, Libby Larsen’s piece for flute and organ Fantasy on SLANE, and Phillips Jone’s prelude on TOKYO. King commissioned a piece for the Region III AGO Convention in Harrisburg, PA, June 2011 by Robert Lau, Fanfares and Toccatas on ‘Engelberg’ that will be performed.
Christopher Shaw is an active accompanist, organist, guest conductor and recitalist. He is a graduate of Bethel College (KS) and Wichita State University, holding a bachelor’s degree in organ performance and a master’s degree in music education with an emphasis in choral conducting. Shaw teaches choral music at Goddard High School, where he directs five choirs, teaches music theory and music theatre, and music directs the spring musical. He is the organist at Plymouth Congregational Church, Wichita, joining the staff in the fall of 2011.
The live-stream link for the recital is: https://youtube.com/live/5vYX01V00ek?feature=share
BCMC WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR APRIL 6, 2025
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/ospt49ZRjbc?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 6, 2025
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—Secreto from “impressions Intimas” by (Mompou)–Meghann Rogers
Land Acknowledgement–Dale Schrag
Welcome & Prayer
Leader: We come in search of healing for ourselves and for those we love.
Congregation: We come in hope and in faith, reaching out to Jesus.
Leader: Let this be a place where our names are known and our stories honored.
Congregation: Let this be a time when our suffering is met with compassion.
Leader: Let this be a space for us to experience wholeness and peace.
All: Let this be a moment when our fingertips graze the hem of the holy.
*Hymn—There’s a Wild Hope in the Wind—VT 828
Children and Youth Conversation—Esther Koontz
Recognition of Nursery, Children, and Youth Volunteers-Jill Robb
*Hymn—God of Grace and God of Glory—VT 716
One-Minute Meditation
Scripture Reading—Mark 5:21-34—John Waltner
Sermon—Immediately–Nathan Koontz
*Hymn—Healer of Our Every Ill—VT 644
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Will You Come and Follow Me—VT 540
*Benediction
Postlude–Have Thine Own Way Lord (arr. Wilhelmi)–Meghann Rogers
*You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Meghann Rogers
Audio visual—Francis Toews
Land Acknowledgement from words by Mark Charles and VT #878
As we do on the first Sunday of each month, we acknowledge that we worship
on the land of the Kanza, Osage, and Wichita.
We thank them for their care and respect for this land and acknowledge the
injustice of their forced removal. We ask the Spirit to heal our histories
and find new paths of right relationships with them and all of creation.
GOING BEYOND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The BCMC Task Group for Indigenous Justice is in touch with Sarah Augustine and Indigenous leadership about how members of the newly forming Kansas Repair Coalition can support Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence. A sister institute of higher learning in the state, Haskell was founded in 1884 as a land grant institution for educating Indigenous students from all over the country. Haskell was devastated recently by faculty and staff cuts when federal funding was withdrawn in violation of yet another treaty with Indigenous peoples.
The Week at BCMC: April 6—13, 2025
Sunday, April 6, 2025: 9:30 a.m. Worship — 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/ospt49ZRjbc?feature=share
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
9 a.m. Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Room 14
1 p.m. Staff Meeting
Wednesday, April 9, 2025—Last Wednesday Night Supper
5:30 p.m. Supper in Fellowship Hall (Menu is: Tetrazzini, peas, Stéphanie & Caroline Tatin Apple Tarte)
6:30 p.m. Program in Fellowship Hall—exploring some biblical stories through art and poetry using the new Anabaptism at 500 resource: Drawing Near.
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir practice in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thursday, April 10, 2025
6 p.m. Chancel Bells rehearsal in Room B7
Sunday, April 13, 2025—Palm Sunday
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Choir and
Chancel Bells 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
Are you new to or newly exploring Bethel College Mennonite Church? Pastor Joanna will host a gathering for newcomers in her office today, April 6, after worship. This will be an informal time for people to get to know each other and ask questions about the church. All are welcome!
Upcoming Events at BCMC
· Members of the Agape class are leading a book discussion of Joanna’s new book, Prone to Wander, during Lent. We meet in the chapel during the Sunday School hour. Reading the book is not necessary. All are welcome.
· Join us for the remaining Wednesday night supper Apr. 9, at 5:30 p.m. After the meal there will be a brief program at 6:30 p.m. exploring some biblical stories through art and poetry using the Anabaptism at 500 resource: Drawing Near.
· Pastor Elizabeth Schmidt will be taking vacation Apr. 9 through 16. In her absence, please contact Pastor Nathan Koontz or Pastor Joanna Harader.
· Lilies for Easter. You are invited to share an Easter lily for the sanctuary on Easter Sunday, Apr. 20. BCMC will purchase the lilies. The cost will be $15 per lily. Make checks to BCMC designated “Flower Fund.” Contributors may pick up lilies to take home after the Easter worship service. You will be able to designate in honor of someone or in memory of someone with your Easter lily. There will be a table in the Gathering Place today, April 6, for you to sign up for a lily.
· Women’s Fellowship Tea for Women & Girls will be Tues., Apr. 15, 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Program by Chris Allen portraying her life with quilts. Tea chaired by Brenda Turner with WF Executive Board.
· On Maundy Thursday, Apr. 17, in addition to the previously announced Maundy Thursday worship, we will also have a family friendly worship service at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel. This family service is appropriate for all ages as we will share the story of Holy Week with interactive stations. You can reach out to Jill Robb or
Pastor Joanna with questions.
· BCMC’s Camp Mennoscah Retreat will be April 26-27.
· We will be having a Congregational Meeting following church on May 4. More details and agenda will follow as the date approaches.
Special Offering for BCMC Caring Fund on Maundy Thursday, Apr. 17 : The Caring Fund is an above budget benevolent fund administered by the Deacon Commission for the purpose of assisting our congregation’s members and community persons in need. The fund is generated by above budget offerings made payable to BCMC and designated “caring fund.” Two fish bowls will be in the back of the church for this special offering on Maundy Thursday.
SAVE THE DATE! Newton Community Vacation Bible School 2025!
Where: First Mennonite Church, Newton
When: May 27-30, 2025 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Who: Ages 4 through Just finished 5th grade
Registration opens April 13
Destination: Greensboro, NC: Mennonite Church USA conference 2025, July 8-12
If interested in being a delegate, contact any Gifts Discernment Committee (GDC) member: Jeanette Stucky, Jerry Buller, Dick Koontz, Francis Toews or the church office. Delegate sessions will be held on July 12. GDC reimburses registration fees to delegates.
BCMC Offering for Mar. 30: Gen. Fund $7,942; Wed. Supper $203; Plant Fund $50; Flower Fund $45; Kitchen Fund $20.22; Edie Krehbiel Mem.$550; Louise Thieszen Mem.$70; Cal Flickinger Mem.$50.
From the Finance Committee
As the 1st quarter of the financial year of our church ends, we offer gratitude for the generosity shared in donating monetary offerings toward our annual budget. Each gift is important to the process of fulfilling our mission. A brief report is listed below.
The following is a BCMC financial report of the general fund income and expenses on March 31, 2025 (25% of the year).
Total income $ 85,112 15% of budget
Total expense $136,017 24% of budget
Net income/expense -$ 50,905
Lenten Sunday Scripture Readings from Pastor Joanna:
April 6: Mark 5:21-34
April 13: Luke 19:28-40; Luke 23:44-56
Dear Church Family: I was overwhelmed with the many “Acts of Kindness” shown me during my recent illness. I would like to thank the pastors for their visits and prayers. Also my heartfelt thanks to so many who visited me, brought food between my four hospitalizations, provided transportation and prayed for me. I feel very blessed to be part of such a caring community. Justina Neufeld
The annual meeting of the Community Playschool Corp. will be Tues., Apr.14, 7:15 p.m. at the BCMC Fellowship Hall. Interested members of the congregations supporting Community Playschool are invited to attend. Enter through south doors.
What hymn holds a special place in your heart? The worship commission wants to sing the hymns you love during our summer worship services. We will collect hymn requests through the month of April and then sing as many of your requests as we can over the summer months. We will also include notes in the bulletin about who chose which hymns and why. You may submit requests by filling out a “Summer Hymn Request” paper and placing it in the designated box or by emailing Pastor Joanna. Be sure to include a 1-3 sentence statement with your request letting us know why that hymn is special to you. What a gift it is to sing together!
The Staff Congregation Relations Committee will be conducting a regular pastoral review for Pastor Nathan Koontz this Spring. Pastor Nathan will be concluding his current term in October. We believe that the purpose of a pastoral review is to review the relationship between the congregation and the pastor and assess whether we have the right environment to foster growth. Because Pastor Nathan’s upcoming sabbatical will affect our timeline, we will be using an open-ended questionnaire for this review. Questionnaires will be sent to Sunday School class contacts, Commissions and Committees who work closely with Pastor Nathan, and will be available to all in the Gathering Place. Please return questionnaires to either the box near the mailboxes or electronically to Megan Kohlman by April 13.
You may also access a digital copy of the survey here, to be emailed to Megan when completed: http://bit.ly/4bILIgy
Direct any questions to Megan Kohlman, meganbkohlman@gmail.com.
The Central Kansas Master Chorale, directed by Dr. Joel Garber, is Sunday, Apr. 6, 3 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 S Main Street. For more information, visit the chorale website at www.centralkansasmasterchorale.org
Sunday, March 23, the BCMC Abuse Prevention and Response Committee provided an informational session during the Sunday School hour about the abuse of employees by the Mennonite Central Committee. For more information please click this link to a document from which you can find numerous resources about these issues, including documents posted both by MCC and by their critics: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jFPcfR5AZSe0vmLdSG-RH2srTl3LZ3Lcsr98ZnOLV5E/edit?usp=drive_link
Kansas Interfaith Action is hosting a coffeehouse on Apr. 6, 7 p.m. at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church, 1200 Boyd Avenue, Newton. A wonderful opportunity to gather with like-minded people of faith in the Newton area to sing, pray, and talk together. Contact Pastor Joanna for more information.
The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is this coming weekend! Come Fri. evening or Sat. to volunteer in a booth, eat great food, bid at an auction, walk or run the 5K, meet a new friend, or simply enjoy a spring day at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. Everything you spend will go to supporting the world-wide relief, development and peace efforts of Mennonite Central Committee.
· Sunday, April 6, is the last day to sign up to bake pies or zwieback. Come to the back of the sanctuary immediately after worship to sign up and get tins and bags.
· Contributions to the Plants Sale (bulbs, flowers, vegetable starts, herbs–anything that grows) are welcome. Deliver plants and baked goods to BCMC on Fri. or by 7:30 Sat. morning for transport to the sale. Take baked goods to the BCMC kitchen and plants to the south entry. Make sure everything is labeled.
· Volunteers are still needed! For many opportunities to help in a booth, see the online sign up sheets at https://kansas.mccsale.org/volunteer/
· Auction items. BCMC members and friends have donated many items to be sold at one of the six different KMRS auctions. Go to the Auctions page at https://kansas.mccsale.org/auctions/ to see some of the wonderful donations.
· This is the last Sunday to add your coins to the My Coins Count jug in the Gathering Place. Thanks to all who have already added coins and bills to support food assistance around the globe.
· For more information, go to the KMRS website at https://kansas.mccsale.org/ or contact a BCMC liaison (Brad and Diane Born, William and Esther Kreider Eash, and Steve and Elaine Schurr).
· 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. If you wish to volunteer for the auction by clerking or helping in other ways contact Brad Kohlman– bkohlman32@gmail.com
Bethel College Announcements—All student recitals are in the Administration Building Chapel
· Mon., Apr. 7: Bethel College Outstanding Alumnus Award presentation to George Rogers III ’69, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Tues., Apr. 8: All interested singers are invited to participate in the 2025 Masterworks Concert at Bethel College. Rehearsals will be Tuesdays (April 8, 15, 22, 29), 6-8 p.m., Choir Room in Luyken Fine Arts Center, with several longer rehearsals the weekend of the concert, which is May 4 andfeatures Three Nocturnes by Dan Forrest, Exsultate, Jubilate by Mozart, and Considering Matthew Shepard: A Choral Suite by Craig Hella Johnson. Sign up ahead of time at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMh6YvC_A3y1u5lzgphiXMJss8yKT59MTEm_QB4kgWfwWwmg/viewform (so that your contact information is available for digital materials, etc.) or at your first rehearsal.
· Thurs., Apr. 10: Senior recital—BC student Dylan Yoder, voice, 7 p.m.
· Fri., Apr. 11: Junior recital—BC student Caleb Garber, cello, 7 p.m.
· Sat., Apr.12: Senior recital—BC student Sophia Chindamo, voice & piano, 4 p.m.
· Sat., Apr. 12: Senior recital—BC student Emil Benavides, voice and clarinet, 7 p.m.
· Sun., Apr.13: John Thiesen, “Re-membering the 1870s Migration,” 3 p.m.Kauffman Museum auditorium. This Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program is in connection to the current special exhibit, “Unlocking the Past: Immigrant Artifacts & the Stories They Tell.” Thiesen is co-director of libraries and archivist at the Mennonite Library and Archives at Bethel College.
Life Enrichment, in the Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, is a series designed especially for adults age 60 and over. Programs on April 9: 9:30 a.m.: “Thriving Through the Years: The Value of Active Daily Living,” Tracie Strain, Newton Recreation Commission wellness director and ACE personal trainer and Candice Egizi-Sifuentez, NRC program director
10:50 a.m.: “Fire Safety From Above,” Andy Harder, division chief, Community Risk Reduction, Newton Fire/EMS
You are invited to join us for the concerts of the Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC), a 120-member chorus including members from BCMC. The concert at Tabor will include students in the Chamber Voices student ensemble. Students in the Open Road and Woven choirs join KMMC at Bethel College. Concerts are free with an offering benefiting Mennonite Central Committee.
Concert Dates—April 6, 4 p.m.: Richert Auditorium, Tabor College, Hillsboro
April 13, 4 p.m.: Memorial Hall, Bethel College, North Newton
From the Western District Conference
Public Witness: Saturday, April 26, 11:30 am the WDC Israel-Palestine Task Force with Mennonite Action are hosting a “God’s Love Knows No Borders” gathering at the Harvey County Courthouse, 800 N Main St, Newton, KS. Please join us at 10:30 am at Military Park, 200 E Broadway, if at all possible, to prepare for the event. For more information, please email robertleeatchison@gmail.com.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
For Paris Mennonite Center Update press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Men “ENGAGE” press here
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Music and Quilt Auction at The Hub on May 2! Join Camp Mennoscah from 6-8:30pm for an evening of music, food and fellowship to benefit Camp Mennoscah. The Hub will donate 10% of all sales on May 2 to Camp Mennoscah. Musical groups include K81, Queen Jack Jericho, Brett and Caleb Klingenberg, and The Schrag Siblings. A Camp Mennoscah tee shirt quilt will also be sold through a silent auction. A picture of the quilt will soon be at www.campmennoscah.org Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for a bidding from a distance option. (The Hub, 100 S Christian, Moundridge, KS, https://www.thehubbrickoven.com)
Camp Mennoscah is looking for kitchen helpers and other volunteers to make great camp experiences. Parents can receive a camper discount up to full camp fees as a kitchen volunteer. Contact Olivia at Olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 316-293-7313.
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Now is the time to register for MC USA’s Follow Jesus ’25 biennial convention in Greensboro, North Carolina, July 8-12, 2025! Register here: mennoniteusa.org/registration/ View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/register-for-FJ-25_slide View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/register-for-FJ-25_PDF
MC USA invites women from across the denomination to reclaim rest as resistance at the MC USA Women’s Summit on July 8, 2025, a transformative one-day event immediately preceding the Follow Jesus ‘25 national convention in Greensboro, North Carolina. Read the news release here: mennoniteusa.org/news/womens-summit/ Register and learn more here: convention.mennoniteusa.org/registration/women-summit/ View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/WIL-Womens-Summit_slide View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/WIL-Womens-Summit_PDF
MC USA’s Climate Justice Ministry has begun accepting applications for the Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund grant, due June 15, 2025. The Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund provides funds to assist MC USA congregations interested in forms of renewable energy. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/25-energy-grants
Menno Snapshots
Matt Prichard, associate conference minister for emerging communities of faith in Central District Conference, shares his view that “to revitalize the church and effectively address global issues, Mennonite communities must focus on three key areas: deep community engagement, revitalized peacemaking and radical hospitality.” Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/good-time-to-be-mennonite
Dianne Garcia, pastor of the Iglesia Cristiana Roca de Refugio in San Antonio, Texas, reflects on what it means to celebrate Lent, even while being oppressed and experiencing injustice, in addition to offering Lenten challenges to those who experience privilege. Read her reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/lent-for-the-oppressed
Duncan Smith, director of The Corinthian Plan, MC USA’s healthcare plan for pastors and church workers, addresses the measles outbreak and MC USA’s position on vaccines and medical exemptions. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/mennonites-measles
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Michael Oyer, in his new capacity as MMN’s program director for Service Adventure, has just completed a three-day visit to the unit in Colorado Springs, CO. Pray for wisdom for Michael and the unit leaders, Christian and Leigha Stoltzfus. Pray for a year of growing in faith for participants — Elisabeth Daudey, Alea Sagert, Sadie Sherman and Hannah Smith — and for their host congregation, Beth-El Mennonite Church.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for youth ministry in WDC congregations, as pastors, families, mentors and teachers support young people and nurture their growth.
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.