BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
June 29, 2025
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/d15Fo5nuJBE?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
June 29, 2025
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music–Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation– (Johann Gottfried Walther)–Karen Schlabaugh
Welcome–Darlene Dick
*Hymn–Great Is Thy Faithfulness–VT 419
Children and Youth Conversation–Joanna Harader
*Hymn–Will You Let Me Be Your Servant–VT 778
Scripture Reading–Amos 5:21-24, Mark 2:1-12–Carol Peters
Sermon–Walking Home Together–Jeff Koller
*Hymn–Bless the Arms That Comfort–VT 527
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn–Heart with Loving Heart United–VT 813
Those with June birthdays are invited to come to the front during this hymn to receive a birthday blessing.
*Benediction
Postlude–Tuba Tune in D Major–(C.S. Lang)–Karen Schlabaugh
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual—Francis Toews
Jeff Koller serves Mennonite Disaster Service as Regional Board Chair for MDS Region 3. Jeff is responsible for disaster response and recovery efforts in the fourteen-state region bounded on the east by the Mississippi River and on the west by the Rocky Mountains. He also serves on the MDS National Board of Directors.
Jeff and his wife Becky live on a farm near Elyria KS and have two adult children and four grandchildren. Jeff is active in leadership roles in his home church, and in the wider church conference.
The Week at BCMC: June 29-July 6, 2025
Sunday, June 29, 2025—Worship 9:30 a.m. with Jeff Koller, retired Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Region 3 Operations Coordinator
LiveStream Link: https://youtube.com/live/d15Fo5nuJBE?feature=share
Monday, June 30
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Newton Community Theater rehearsal in Fellowship Hall
Friday, July 4—Independence Day—Church will be locked; office will be closed
Saturday, July 5
2 p.m. Memorial Service for Myron Voran in the Sanctuary
Sunday, July 6, 2025—Worship 9:30 a.m. with sermon by Joanna Harader
Hymns Sunday morning were requested by the following:
· Great Is Thy Faithfulness “Because . . . “ —Di Suderman
· Heart with Loving Heart United “I served on the Integration Committee from 1995-1999 representing the General Conference Mennonite Church. There were four GC, four MC members plus three staff members of three bodies (GCMC, MC, and Conference of Mennonites in Canada) which met three times a year to strategize integrating the three bodies. Staff members were Vern Preheim (GCMC), Jim Lapp (MC), Helmut Harder (CMC)–all three extraordinary singers. Every meeting ended with the committee standing and singing ‘Heart with Loving Heart United’ with gusto. While this committee was hard work and rewarding at other times, I remember feeling the Holy Spirit’s presence as we concluded each intense meeting and returned to our homes in Canada and the United States.” —Dorothy Nickel Friesen
· Will You Let Me Be Your Servant “When John Murray became pastor at Hesston Mennonite years ago, at his installation service we sang ‘Will you let me be your servant’ responsively. I found it moving. Could we sing it responsively between the north and south sides of the audience?” — Carol Peters
Pastor Joanna Harader will be out of the office July 7-12 attending the Mennonite Church USA Convention (MennoCon) in Greensboro, NC.
We have several people who are willing to provide transportation to medical appointments for those who need it. If you need a ride to a medical appointment, please contact the church office or our congregational care pastor, Elizabeth Schmidt, to be connected to one of these wonderful volunteers!
“Anabaptist World” adult Sunday School elective. Join with others in the Chapel to read and discuss articles in the current edition of Anabaptist World. No subscription or preparation necessary. Everyone welcome!
Send some camp mail!
Summer camping season is in full swing! As a congregation we are fortunate we will have youth attending camps. As our youth form their faith in these special places, we encourage you to send letters of encouragement while they are there.
June 29-July 4 Faith Burch, Brett Gaeddert, and Jude Oswald @ Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS 67111
July 27-August 1 Maisie Brubacher, Lucy Burch, Collin Gaeddert,
Abram Wall, Mabel Wall @ Camp Mennoscah
Thank you for encouraging our youth to explore their faith!
The church board is pleased to announce that we have formed a search committee! Megan Leary will serve as chair. Additional committee members are Karen Ediger, Mary Ellen Hodge, Mara Oswald, and Francis Toews. They will soon begin their thoughtful work alongside Western District Conference, our staff, and the board. Brad Kohlman will serve as a liaison between the committee and the board/congregation. Please keep the committee members in your prayers as their work begins.
Upcoming Memorial Services in the BCMC Sanctuary:
· July 5, 2 p.m. Myron Voran Memorial
· August 16, 11 a.m. Marion Deckert Memorial
· August 30, 11 a.m. Keith Rhoades Memorial
BCMC will be putting together Mennonite Central Committee school kits in August. If you would like to donate money for this special project, place your donations in the designated fish bowls at the back of the sanctuary. Please make checks payable to “BCMC” with “school kits” in the memo line. Donations will be accepted through July and into August.
BCMC Offering for June 22: General $3,354; Plant Fund $500; Kitchen Fund $11; Merrill Raber Mem. $100.
Care Connections, sponsored by Deacon Commission, offers a variety of opportunities for extending care. Do you enjoy conversation? In-person visiting? Visiting by phone? Writing caring messages in cards, email or text? Preparing food or care packages? Delivering food or care packages? Individualized creative care possibilities? To learn more, express interest, or share ideas, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Pastor for Congregational Care.
BCMC Library Announcements:
BCMC SUMMER READERS: Be Part of the Picture—Between now and the end of August, take a digital photo of you and your book or of you reading with others. Send the photo as an attachment to office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org Become part of the BCMC photo collage of summer readers on display in the Gathering Place.
NEED SOMETHING TO READ THIS SUMMER? Visit the BCMC library to check out a book from the display of books most checked out by BCMC readers. ALSO, ask to see our wish list. Perhaps you own and have already read a book on the list. We appreciate donations. And, one last request. If you have the book, King by Jonathan Eig, please leave a note on our desk or return it. Somehow, how computer did not properly check it out.
Mennonite Central Committee Peace Camp at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, Sept. 21-27: How can we live out God’s call for justice and reconciliation through nonviolence in a world that is built on the myth of redemptive violence? If you are a young adult (age 18-30) concerned about the state of our world and energized to reimagine society built on God’s vision of love and justice for all, come join us for a week of experiential learning rooted in theological reflection, peacebuilding practices, and real-world application. Register by Aug. 31 at mcc.org/events/rocky-mountain-peace-camp.
Western District Conference Assembly will be held August 8-9 at Hesston Mennonite Church. Would you consider being a delegate for Bethel College Mennonite? Contact a Gifts Discernment Committee member or the church office to indicate your willingness to participate. (GDC members: Jeannette Stucky, Jerry Buller, Dick Koontz, and Francis Toews)
For the Western District Conference Assembly:
Registration is now open at https://mennowdc.org/2025-wdc-annual-assembly-registration/ Please register soon. Join us at Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston, KS August 8-9, 2025. For more information visit our Assembly webpage: https://mennowdc.org/2025-annual-assembly/
The Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas and Prairie View Behavioral Health will co-host a community mental health town hall at 5:30 p.m. Mon., June 30, at 1901 E. 1st St., Newton. The event will bring together local and state mental health leaders, community partners and members of the public for an evening of conversation and connection. Attendees will learn about emerging trends in behavioral health care and how community mental health centers are evolving to meet the needs of Kansans. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. No registration is required.
Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza Fri., July 4, at 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton. The evening includes fun for the whole family with games, giveaways, food and fireworks. Arrival may begin at 8 p.m. Hot dogs, chips, drinks and ice cream bars will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefitting the Health Care Benevolent Fund. Fireworks will begin at sundown, approximately 9:45 p.m.
Colorado peaches are coming to Mennonite Central Committee: Palisade peaches from western Colorado are available for order and purchase until July 30. Two sizes are available: 9 lb. for $30 and 18 lb. for $42. Orders can be placed by emailing patsydirksen@mcc.org or by calling MCC, 316.283.2720. Payment in the form of cash or check is due by July 30. Make checks payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “peaches” in the memo line and mail to: MCC, PO Box 235, North Newton, KS 67117 or dropped off at the MCC at 121 East 30th, North Newton. Peaches will be ready for pick-up on Mon., Aug. 18 at the MCC warehouse. Beth-El Mennonite Church sells peaches as a fundraiser for bierocks ingredients that are sold at the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale in October.
Sat., July 5: Kauffman Museum first-Saturday bird walk, 7 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets in North Newton. Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail.
Sat., July 19: The first-ever group to win the national talent competition “The Voice” is three Mennonite siblings from Pettisville, OH. Bekah, Joshua and Caleb Liechty, “Girl Named Tom”, will give a free concert at Bethel College, with opening act “The Flannelbacks”. Plan now to attend!
Western District Women in Mission’s annual Women’s & Girls Retreat will be Sat., Sept. 6 – Sun., Sept. 7 at Camp Mennoscah. Registration is open. For more information go to westerndistrictwomeninmission.org This year’s featured speakers are Pastor Katherine Goerzen and Pastor Laura Goerzen. Comforter tying will start Sat. at 10 a.m. Afternoon seminars will include dried flower bookmarks, yoga, guided nature walk, book reviews with Bethany Martin from Faith & Life Bookstore and free time. Come for fun and fellowship!
It’s a Party! Announcing Summer Story Days 2025. Join Western District Conference Resource Library staff for stories and come & go activities for ages 3-8 and their caregivers. New this year: Virtual participation with mailed craft kits available–sign up for virtual participation at forms.gle/8DnWnLs64VkZJoeB6. No sign up for in-person activities in North Newton. Join us July 12 at 11 a.m. for a special virtual author visit from Aimee Reid and August 9 as a part of WDC Annual Assembly. For more information contact Jennie at crlib@mennowdc.org.
The Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, (KIPCOR) affiliated with Bethel College, is offering a 2-day training on “Managing Differences Within Faith Communities” on Friday and Saturday, July 25-26, 2025, at KIPCOR’s training facility in North Newton. This course is designed for congregational leaders, pastors, and anyone who would like to explore ways to navigate differences as a faith community in a healthier way. This training is led by Robert Yutzy, KIPCOR Senior Associate for Congregational Ministries, and Keren Kandel, KIPCOR Executive Director. This course will help to better understand the dynamics when there is disagreement and gives opportunities to engage in practical tools that can transform conflict and difference into spiritual and community renewal. Please see the flier on the church bulletin board for more information and the cost of registration.
Mennonite Central Committee is looking for anyone traveling between North Newton and Dallas or all the way to South Texas between now and mid-August. We have kits in Kansas that need to get to Texas, and it would be great to utilize vehicles that are already going that direction to save resources. If you can help MCC, please contact Brocia Mueller at brociamueller@mcc.org or call Brocia at 316.836.5054.
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News from around the world” press here
Dear Intersections readers:
Greetings! The summer 2025 issue of Intersections, organized around the theme of “Churches Reaching Out in Mission,” is now on the Mennonite Central Committee website. See here. Authors reflect on how churches in Canada, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kenya, and the United States understand their relief, development, and peacebuilding efforts as part of the church reaching out beyond itself to join the mission of God’s reconciling Spirit in the world.
As always, do not hesitate to reach out to me with any thoughts or questions you might have about Intersections!
Warm regards,
Alain Epp Weaver
From Mennonite Church USA
Visit the MC USA Follow Jesus ’25 Congregation Kit for ways to help share convention details with your church! The kit includes easily shareable logos, social media posts and other materials to make keeping your congregation up to date a breeze. Learn more here: convention.mennoniteusa.org/follow-jesus-25-press-kit/
Watch the second of two MC USA Women in Leadership webinars, discussing the upcoming Women’s Summit, July 8, a transformative one-day event immediately preceding the Follow Jesus ‘25 national convention in Greensboro, North Carolina. View it here: mennoniteusa.org/webinar/women25
Seminars during Follow Jesus 25 exist to transform us as youth, adults and communities of MC USA into Christ-shaped vessels to serve both church and world. The seminars are typically 60 minutes in length and cover a variety of categories. The list of available seminars during Follow Jesus 25 can be found here: mennoniteusa.org/fj25-seminars
Menno Snapshots
For spiritual director Ruth Johnston, who is ordained for ministry in MC USA, contemplation is easier than action. In this blog post, she shares how her friend and spiritual director helped her put her contemplative writing into action. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/weakness-into-strength
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the Church of Christ in Thailand District 20 Hmong, which is an organization that facilitates ministry among Hmong communities around the world. Pray for the leaders and lay people as they witness to Jesus’ love, wherever they find themselves.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for WDC congregations, members and friends whose generous financial support makes it possible to carry out WDC’s mission of empowering congregations to Witness and invite others to faith in Jesus Christ, Dwell in just and loving relationships, and Connect to God’s mission in the world.
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.