BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
May 2, 2025–Transfiguration Sunday
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/AKCnWgB6M6I?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
Transfiguration Sunday
March 2, 2025
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart (Eithun)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director
Land Acknowledgement
Welcome & Prayer—Dorothy Nickel Friesen
*Hymn—All Creatures, Worship God Most High—VT 81
Children’s Conversation—Esther Kreider Eash
Worship Music—Dodi Li—(Austin)—Chancel Bells
Scripture Reading—Luke 9:28-36—Steve Stucky
Sermon—From Monument to Movement—Nathan Koontz
*Hymn—The Church of Christ Cannot Be Bound—VT 392
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—The Lord Lift You Up—VT 832
*Benediction
Postlude–Going Home Medley (arr. Labenske)– 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:
*Last Sunday evening BCMC game night raised $125 for Repair Coalition while observing Pastor Joanna’s work on the prototype educational game being constructed by Repair Coalition members about extraction and consequences.
*Plan to attend Bethel religion faculty member Trent Voth’s presentation, “The Long Road to Tuktoyaktuk” during the Sunday School hour Sunday, March 2, to inform yourself about the history of Indigenous Residential Schools in Canada based on Trent’s work and research.
*Inform yourself about what is happening at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas. Haskell has recently received federal cuts which have cost faculty members’ jobs and other harms. BCMC Indigenous Task Group is working to learn how we can best support them through this perilous time. These cuts represent another treaty broken for the Indian Nations.
MennoMedia invites you to participate in a one-hour conversation with Joanna Harader, author of Prone to Wander: A Lenten Journey with Women in the Wilderness, a new Lenten devotional from Herald Press, on Saturday, March 1 at 9:00 am Central Time on Zoom. This will be a time of prayer, reflection, and conversation centered on Joanna Harader’s new book. Copies of this book are available at the WDC Resource Library, email crlib@mennowdc.org. As we enter the wilderness season of the church year, this Lenten devotional explores the stories of thirty biblical women—from Eve to Mary Magdalene—who had their own such experiences. For some, the women inhabited a literal wilderness. For others, their wilderness was metaphorical. All were drawn closer to God, who does not leave us to wander alone. Whether you plan to use this book within a local congregation, as an individual, or not at all, this will be a time to gain courage and inspiration from biblical women as we head into the wilderness of Lent. Please RSVP to MolleeM@MennoMedia.org. A zoom link will be sent out before the event.
The Week at BCMC: March 2—March 9, 2025
Sunday, March 2, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship — 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/AKCnWgB6M6I?feature=share
Tuesday March 4, 2025
4 p.m. Staff Congregational Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
6:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday Worship in the Sanctuary—YouTube Link:
https://youtube.com/live/ZscKf3nwitU?feature=share
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, March 6, 2025
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m. Church Board meeting in Room 14
Friday, March 7, 2025
11 a.m. Memorial Service for Edie Krehbiel in BCMC Sanctuary
Sunday, March 9, 2025—First Sunday of Lent
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Choir
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
2:30 p.m. Swiss Mennonite Cultural & Historical Association (SMCHA) meeting in Fellowship Hall
Prone to Wander Sunday School book discussion
Members of the Agape class are planning to lead a book discussion during Lent of Joanna’s new book, Prone to Wander. We will be meeting in the chapel for the six weeks of Lent: March 9 – April 13 during the Sunday School hour. Reading the book is helpful, but not necessary. All are welcome and encouraged to come.
Future Events at BCMC:
- The Ash Wednesday Service is this Wednesday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/ZscKf3nwitU?feature=share
- The Bethel College Mennonite Church office will be closed the week of March 17-21 (Spring Break). Pastors will be available on an on-call basis: Pastor Elizabeth, March 17-18; Pastor Joanna, March 19-20; Pastor Nathan, March 21-22.
- There will be no Wednesday night gathering on March 19.
- Wednesday night suppers will be March 12, 26, April 2, 9. Programs will be announced later. Please bring your own tableware.
- BCMC’s Camp Mennoscah Retreat will be April 26-27.
- Organist Christopher Shaw will present an organ recital/hymn festival to remember Shirley Sprunger King. Shirley taught at Bethel College for twenty years and was organist at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Christopher 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 event will take place on Sat., April 5, 7:30 p.m. (note the time change from 7 to 7:30 p.m.) at Bethel College Mennonite Church, 2600 College Ave., North Newton.
BCMC Offering for Feb. 23: Gen. Fund $10,192; Sr Hi Youth $50; Jr Hi Fund $30; Kitchen Fund $15.
Upcoming Memorial Services:
· We offer sympathy to the family of Edie Krehbiel. Edie died Jan. 23 at Paramount Community, Newton. Edie’s memorial service will be March 7, 11 a.m. at BCMC.
· We offer sympathy to the family of Merrill Raber. Merrill died Feb. 16 at Kidron Bethel Village. Merrill’s memorial service will be May 3, 11 a.m. at BCMC.
· We offer sympathy to the family of Calvin Flickinger. Calvin died Feb. 18 at Kidron Bethel Village. Calvin’s memorial service will be March 15, 11 a.m. at BCMC.
· We offer sympathy to the family of Louise Thieszen. Louise died Feb. 22. Louise’s memorial service will be March 29, 11 a.m. at BCMC
Hesston Mennonite Church invites you to a Service of Lament and Prayer On Behalf of Immigrants and the Vulnerable in Our Nation and World on Sunday, March 2 at 4:30pm at the Hesston Mennonite Church Community Center (309 S Main St, Hesston, KS). Is your heart heavy as you observe the threats toward immigrants and other vulnerable people in our country and our world? Many of us have concerns. This service will provide space for Scripture, lament, prayer, song, reflection, and conversation as we seek God, and join our hearts together on behalf of the vulnerable and oppressed. How is God calling us to act together as faithful followers of Jesus in this critical time? Please Join Us!
Some of our many Anabaptist History books are currently being highlighted in our church library to coincide with the 500 Year Anabaptist Celebration. We have quite a collection in back of our library desk (including two new editions of the Anabaptist Community Bible), but these are by no means all of them. Several more are available, many in the 289.7 section. Please come in and peruse at your leisure.
In response to recently proposed legislation, Kansas Interfaith Action is pulling together a working group to focus on immigrant justice. If you are interested in being part of this group, contact Pastor Joanna or be in touch with KIFA directly through their website—https://kansasinterfaithaction.org/
As the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) nears (April 11 & 12), there are many opportunities to support the sale and contribute to MCC’s relief, development, and peace-building work.
· MY COINS COUNT! This year, coins will support FOOD programs around the world. Bring coins (and bills!) to church Sunday mornings until the sale. Place coins into collection jars in Sunday School rooms or in the large jug in the gathering place. How full will the jug be? Last year, the jug was filled over halfway— and totaled almost $800!
· Sign up online to help staff food booths, crafts booths, help with the general auction, with kids activities, and more! Online volunteer signup sheets are available at https://kansas.mccsale.org/volunteer/
· See the posterboard in the Gathering Place for KMRS information and extra forms, or 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).
Dorthy Stucky Halley, LMSW, will be the speaker at the 2025 Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association (SMCHA) annual meeting Sun., March 9, 2:30 p.m., at the Bethel College Mennonite Church. Dorthy is co-founder and co-director of the Family Peace Initiative. She was the executive director of a domestic violence shelter from 1986 to 1996; has worked with those who cause harm and has served as an expert witness in domestic violence cases; taught social work at Pittsburg State University for a decade before becoming the state’s Victim Rights Coordinator and directing the Victim Services Division of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. Her development of a motivation typology for those who batter has opened the door to a more nuanced understanding for domestic violence professionals.
Bethel College Announcements
· Thurs., March 6: Reception for David Long and “Untethered,” 6-8 p.m., Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Regular gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Thurs., March 6: Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Sun., March 9: Bethel College Choir Tour Send-off Concert, directed by Dr. Henry S. Waters, 4 p.m., Memorial Hall. The theme “Sing You Home” includes performances by the Chamber Singers, Woven and Open Road.
· Sun., March 9, and Mon., March 10: The Hartzler Bible Lecture Series at Bethel College presents Doug Miller, professor emeritus of biblical and religious studies at Tabor College, “The Book of Isaiah”; 7 p.m. Sunday, Ad Building chapel, 11 a.m. Monday, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Tues., March 11: Bethel College Jazz, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· SAVE THE DATE: Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR) Peace Lecture, “A Conversation with Sister Barbara McCracken” (from Mt. St. Scholastica, Leavenworth), March 27.
Life Enrichment, in the Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, is a series designed especially for adults age 60 and over. Programs for March 5:
9:30 a.m. “C. Henry Smith Peace Oration Contest,” Erin Nisly, KIPCOR director of education and training and peace speech contestants
10:50 a.m. “Circle of Hope and Much More,” Kendra Davila, director, Peace Connections, Newton
Hesston College Announcements
· Hesston College Theatre presents “Urinetown”, March 5-9, a three-time Tony award winning musical set in a Gotham-like city facing a severe water shortage due to a 20-year drought. The government has imposed a ban on private toilets, forcing citizens to pay a corrupt corporation for access to public restrooms. Urinetown uses satire, comical characters and even makes fun of the musical genre itself to tell the story of a hero who, fed up with the whole system, plans a revolution to restore freedom to the people. Filled with music, dancing, and hilarious dialogue. Tickets can be purchased now at the Hesston College Bookstore or by calling 620-327-8104.
· Hesston College is rolling out the welcome mat for its Spring Community Day, and the entire community is invited to join the campus community on Sat., March 8, for a day packed with exciting Lark athletics, delicious food, family fun and a chance to connect with friends and neighbors. Throughout the afternoon, fuel up with tasty eats from the Grill Club, offering lunch as part of a fundraiser, and Salted Creamery will also be onsite selling their locally-sourced handmade ice cream! Admission to athletic events is FREE!
For more information,
visit hesston.edu/communityday.
Art exhibit to feature Artist Brad Voth
Hesston College is pleased to announce its next exhibit featuring the work of local artist Brad Voth. The show is open and will run through March 14 at the Regier-Friesen Gallery in Laban Peachey Center (325 S College Dr, Hesston). Voth, of Moundridge, Kan., brings a fresh, energetic style to the gallery with his mixed media works in which he displays his passion of crafting narratives through dynamic visuals. His art is inspired by classic comic strips and the expressive energy of comic and caricature artists, as well as some fine artists.The gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Want to make your voice heard but don’t know how? Check out “5 Calls,” an easy and effective way to be in touch with your congressional reps. The website provides help with knowing how to make your calls, provides a timely list of topics to address (gets updated frequently) and a handy script guide to help you know what to say. Check them out at https://5calls.org/
— Witness Commission
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) announcements
· The 17th annual Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Comforter Blitz is March 3, 4 and 5 at the Journey Facilities Building behind Charis Community Church, 3605 E. Long View Rd, Haven, near Yoder. Mon. 9-5, Tues. 9-9 (note that these hours are extended) and Wed. 9-4. No sewing skills required. Lunch is available by donation each day, or bring your own sack lunch. Snacks are welcome to share. Event is hosted by Kansas Friends of MCC. Info at mcc.org/comforter-blitz or email brociamueller@mcc.org, 316-283-2720.
· The Great Winter Warm-up: Spread warmth around the world this winter by helping MCC reach a goal of 7000 comforters by the end of March. You can sponsor, donate comforters, or attend a comforter event to tie in community with others. If you host an event in your home, church or community please let tinaschrag@mcc.org know about it (we’ve got some small gifts for those who host events!) Check mcc.org/great-winter-warm-up for instructions, coloring pages for kids and more!
· Please pray for MCC staff and the communities in Kentucky and West Virginia that are experiencing catastrophic flooding. Torrential rain Feb. 15-16 filled creeks and rivers, causing significant flooding. MCC staff report that most residents lost power and water. Appalachia Build staff are working with partner churches at sites in Kimball, WV, and Elkhorn City, KY, that are serving as temporary shelters. Support MCC’s efforts in the region: mcc.org/donate-Appalachia Learn more about MCC Appalachia Build: mcc.org/appalachia-build
Volunteers needed at New Hope Shelter: More than 25 volunteers from BCMC currently serve at New Hope Shelter during designated weeks, in coordination with supporting congregations throughout Harvey, Marion, and McPherson counties. Some help provide evening meals and others stay through the evening (5-10 p.m.) to support a paid staff person. As volunteers come and go, we can always use more help to cover this commitment. If you can volunteer or would like more information, please email Cynthia Linscheid at cdlin319@gmail.com.
Invitation to Friends and Family Ramadan Iftar 2025. The Islamic Society of Wichita cordially invites up to 10 members of Bethel College Mennonite Church to observe Ramadan together with the Wichita Muslim Community at its Annual Friends and Family Iftar on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Islamic Society of Wichita Mosque. If you are interested in attending, kindly let Pastor Elizabeth know by no later than Sunday, March 9, so she can coordinate RSVP’s and carpooling arrangements.
Commemorating 500 Years of Anabaptism & Swiss Alps Tour. May 21-31, 2025. Space remains! Preview tour at www.tourwithweldon.com Contact Weldon Martens at weldon.martens@gmail.com / 402-202-9276 for itinerary, registration and full details.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Just Peace Pilgrimages” this summer press here
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
The BEST discount for summer youth camps ends March 1. All camp fees (other than those paid by church scholarships) for registered campers must be paid in full. Make note of scholarships in the scholarship field of the camper form. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org with questions. The BETTER discount ends April 1.
Other events and happenings:
The Camp Mennoscah hoodies have arrived and we are working to get them to you. You will be contacted for payment and for shipping or pick up details. We can’t wait to see everyone in their new hoodies!
The Spring Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat is March 14-16. Online registration is open! All activities will take place at Main Camp in the dining hall and bunkhouses.
Interviews for the 2025 Summer Staff have started! Staff positions are nature, office, music, lifeguards, crafts and grounds/maintenance. Further information and application available on the Camp Mennoscah webpage or contact 620-297-3290.
Registration is open for the 2025 Summer Youth Camps! The theme for the 2025 summer is Another Way, looking at how Jesus invites us to re-imagine who we are and to live in another way. There has been a change in age groups for the camps. There are two Junior Camps for those going into grades 6, 7 and 8 in the fall of 2025. There is one Junior High Camp for grades 8 and 9. Other age groups remain the same.
Information for the 2025 Women and Girls Retreat will be at westerndistrictwomeninmission.org (but not quite yet).Online registration for the 2025 retreat will be available online after June 1.
Two full scholarships are available from the Camp Mennoscah Scholarship Endowment. The endowment was generously gifted to Camp Mennoscah to assist campers who would not otherwise be able to attend camp. Applications need to be received by May 1. Campers of diverse backgrounds will receive higher priority. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for the application form.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN SUMMER YOUTH CAMPS – Theme for 2025: Rocky Road. We don’t always know which road to take and it can often be a rocky one. Join in as we explore what the Bible tells us about these rocky roads – rocks that bring life and refuge, rocks that cry out, even rocks we think are too great to move. We will live this out in community through recreation games, hiking, arts & crafts and fellowship around the tables at mealtime. Registration is open for all Resident and Wilderness Camps. Register at rmmc.org before March 15 for the best rate.
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
MC USA joined 26 other faith traditions in a legal action that seeks to restore the rights of people of faith to gather, worship and serve without government interference. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/lawsuit-religious-freedoms
There’s still time to enjoy early bird pricing for MC USA’s Follow Jesus ’25 convention in Greensboro, North Carolina, July 8-12, 2025. Register before March 31 and save $145 per person. The first 300 registrants will receive a free copy of the Anabaptism Community Bible, courtesy of MennoMedia, a $69.99 value. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/registration/ View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/follow-jesus-free-bible-slide View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/follow-jesus-free-bible-pdf
MC USA has launched an online storefront featuring hats, sweaters, mugs, and more. Check out the selection of swag that displays Follow Jesus, the MC USA dove, and a retro line of gear from past conventions. bonfire.com/store/mc-usa-gear/
Menno Snapshots
“The extreme actions of our government call us to step up as we recognize we must take a prophetic stand, speaking out in our belief, as followers of Jesus, that loving our neighbor is paramount,” Iris de León-Hartshorn, MC USA associate executive director of Operations, said about MC USA’s recent legal action. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/anabaptist-witness-mennonites
“Jesus, you are our living water. Water of life for the parched and weary. We pour out our prayers, and we trust that you are with us now,” wrote Katerina Gea, pastor of Pasadena [California] Mennonite Church in a prayer of lament for those impacted by the California wildfires. Read the prayer here: mennoniteusa.org/prayer-ca-wildfires
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Toni and Matthew Krabill, who are serving in Ghana with Mennonite Mission Network, will begin their two-month North American ministry this month. Pray for their good health and safe travels and that God’s Spirit will guide their speaking and conversations, as they update congregations about what God is doing through their ministries. Pray for renewal, as they reconnect with family and friends.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for WDC members who traveled this weekend to Goshen, IN, to attend the Hope for the Future event for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) leaders and white allies celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Damascus Road anti-racism process and renewing a dedication to equality and love in action.
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.