BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
May 25, 2025
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—Master Tallis’ Testament (Herbert Howells)—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Welcome—Lauren Friesen
*Hymn—God Sent His Son—HWB 345
Children and Youth Conversation—BCMC Youth
High School Graduate Recognition—Faith Formation Commission
God of wisdom and transitions, today we hold in prayer these beloved young people: Lucy, Payne, Adah, Ani, Mara, Chris, Lily, and Abram.
Thank you for their presence as part of our church community.
We pray your blessings for them as they have graduated from high school and transition into the next stage of their lives.
Grant them your protection and guide them as they go.
We know Jesus came that we might all have life and have it abundantly. So even in the midst of struggles and grief, may these dear ones know the abundant life they have in you.
We pray they will have good friends, meaningful activities, and deep joy.
Holy Parent, guide and guardian, we send them with our love and know that they are forever within your love.
May you, O God, bless them and keep them.
May your very face shine on them and be gracious to them.
May your presence embrace them and give them peace.
Amen.
*Hymn—Here from all nations (verses 1, 3, 4,5)—HWB 296
Scripture Reading—Revelation 22:1-5, 16-17—Adam, Gabby, and Jake Robb
Sermon—Life-Giving Water—Joanna Harader
*Hymn—Oh, have you not heard—HWB 606
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—O Power of Love—HWB 593
(During the hymn those with May birthdays come forward
to receive a birthday blessing.)
*Birthday Blessing and Benediction
Postlude—Tongues of Fire: Pentecost Dance (A. Fedak)—Will Wiebe-Friesen
* You are invited to stand
HWB—Hymnal A Worship Book
Audio visual—Ken Lamp
There is much that could be said about today’s music! The centering music, Master Tallis’s Testament, was composed by English composer Herbert Howells (1892-1983) in 1940. It begins with a quiet presentation of a theme inspired by 16th century composer Thomas Tallis and is developed in three variations that build in volume and complexity, contrasting 16th century modality with lush 20th century harmonies. The postlude, by living composer Aldred Fedak, is perhaps less substantial than the Howells, but I think it’s a pretty neat musical description of the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost in Acts 2: “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.” Even though it is not yet Pentecost, I wanted to share this piece as I always seem to be out of town when Pentecost actually rolls around. Finally, the hymn O Power of Love deserves mention. A favorite hymn tune and text of many, it is somewhat befuddling why it was omitted from Voices Together. At any rate, its text by Tersteegen (Ich bete an die Macht der Liebe) and tune by Bortniansky seem a perfect match that Mennonites living in Russia adopted soon after its initial publication in the Choralbuch in 1825. It remains a much beloved Kernlied, the so-called core songs of the Russian Mennonites.
— Will Wiebe-Friesen