2025 10 12 worship service

 BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
  October 12, 2025
  World Communion & Immigration Sabbath
 
Christ Candle Lighting
 
Centering Music—Fairest Lord Jesus (Kinyon)—Chancel Bell Choir; Verlene Garber, director
 
Welcome—Dianne Epp
                                   
*Hymn—Here in This Place—VT 10
           
Children and Youth Conversation—Esther Kreider Eash
 
Worship Music—I Sing the Mighty Power of God (Dobrinski)—Chancel Bells
 
Scripture Reading—Matthew 14:13-21; 15:29-38—Bill Swartley
 
*Hymn—In Christ There Is No East or West—VT 390
                       
Sermon—The Hungry Crowds and the Compassion of Christ—Joanna Harader      
 
Communion— Nathan Koontz and Joanna Harader
 
*Hymn—Seed, Scattered and Sown—VT 477
 
Prayer of Confession
Leader: Divine Parent who creates diversity,
People: Forgive us when we lack curiosity about the world beyond us and the people around us.
 
Leader: Migrant Christ who crosses borders,
People: Forgive us when we honor the boundaries you would have us transgress.
 
Leader: Holy Spirit, ever expanding and uniting,
People: Forgive us when we limit our love and compassion.
 
Leader: As we follow your path of peace, O God,
May we listen to diverse stories,
Be open to unexpected relationships,
And meet the world’s fear of the stranger with sacred compassion.
 
All: Holy One, forgive our sins and lead us in love. Amen.
 
Assurance of Pardon
Invitation to the Table
Sharing the Meal
 
Prayers of God’s People                     
 
*Hymn—Go, My Children—VT 830
 
*Benediction    
                                                  
Postlude—Mary Jo Preheim              


* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Mary Jo Preheim
Audio visual—Ken Lamp