BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
April 13, 2025
PALM 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/s-XO5FCEu6g?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 13, 2025
Palm Sunday
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—with Palm Parade—Hosanna, Loud Hosanna—VT 313—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Welcome—Jill Robb
Leader: Shout hosanna!
Congregation: Jesus comes in the name of God.
Leader: Sing songs of praise!
Congregation: Glory in the highest heaven.
Leader: We enter into this Holy Week together
Congregation: With joy and gratitude; in fear and trembling.
Leader: Let us hear the story–
Congregation: The whole story.
Leader: Let us worship in faith,
All: Confident of God’s loving presence.
*Hymn—Jesus Is Coming—VT 312
Children and Youth Conversation—Megan Kohlman & Michelle Burkholder
*Hymn—All Glory, Laud, and Honor—VT 315
Worship Music— Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (arr. Mark Hayes)–Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist/Chancel Bells, Verlene Garber, director
One-Minute Meditation
Scripture Reading—Mark 11:1-10—David Kreider
Reflection—Save Us, We Pray!–Joanna Harader
*Hymn—With Astonishment, Fear, and Wonder—VT 579—Joel Garber, Leader
Scripture Reading—Luke 23:44-56—David Kreider
Reflection—What Kind of Salvation is This?–Joanna Harader
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Ride On, Ride On in Majesty—VT 316
*Benediction
Postlude– Trumpet Tune (by David German)
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ken Lamp
The Week at BCMC: April 13—20, 2025
Sunday, April 13, 2025: 9:30 a.m. Worship — 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/s-XO5FCEu6g?feature=share
4 p.m. Hymn Sing in the Sanctuary (to raise funds for Youth Group to go to
MennoCon25.
Monday, April 14, 2025
6:30 p.m. Community Playschool Board Meeting in Fellowship Hall
7:15 p.m. Community Playschool Annual Corporation Meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
1 p.m. Staff Meeting
7 p.m. Women’s Fellowship General Meeting and Tea in Fellowship Hall
7:30 p.m. Finance Committee Meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir practice in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thursday, April 17, 2025—Maundy Thursday
5:30 p.m. Family Friendly Worship in the Chapel
6:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday Worship Service with Communion, in the Sanctuary
No Chancel Bell Rehearsal this Thursday
Friday, April 18, 2025—Good Friday
This is a designated holiday for the BCMC staff—church office will be closed
Sunday, April 20, 2025—Easter Sunday
6:30 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service at Hank & Elaine Prouty’s, 332 N. Hoover Rd., Newton. Worship service by the BCMC Senior High Youth Group—Breakfast potluck will follow; please bring a breakfast item to share—All are invited!
10 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; Easter Sunday at BCMC will include some exciting music! The Chancel Choir will be joined by organ and orchestra to present Vivaldi’s Gloria. In addition to this, the congregation will join in singing several favorite Easter hymns. An extended organ prelude will begin at 9:40 a.m.; there will be no Sunday School
We offer sympathy to the family of Rosalie Neufeld. Rosalie died on April 4 at Kidron Bethel Village.
Please remember her sons, Kevin Neufeld and Keith Neufeld in prayer. Memorial plans are pending.
“Every Quilt Has a Story”, presented by Chris Allen, and Tea coordinated by Brenda Turner and Lois Brubacher will be Tue., April 15, at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. All women and Girls are invited to this Women’s Fellowship General Meeting.
You are invited to join us for the next concert of the Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC), a 120-member chorus including members from BCMC. Students in the Open Road and Woven choirs join KMMC at Bethel College. Concerts are free with an offering benefiting Mennonite Central Committee. Concert is Sunday, April 13, 4 p.m. at Memorial Hall, Bethel College, North Newton
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.
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.
· Pastor Elizabeth Schmidt is on vacation Apr. 9 through 16. In her absence, please contact Pastor Nathan Koontz or Pastor Joanna Harader.
· 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.
· Zwieback Fundraiser Sale by the Youth Group—Pre-orders will be taken. Pickup will be Sunday, April 20 (Easter morning) Minimum donation $10 per dozen
· Easter morning, April 20, 6:30 a.m. Senior High Youth Group Sunrise Service at Hank & Elaine Prouty’s, 332 N. Hoover Road, Newton—Breakfast potluck follows
· BCMC’s Camp Mennoscah Retreat will be Apr.26-27. See email for more details.
· We will be having a Congregational Meeting following church on May 4. More details and agenda will follow as the date approaches.
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
BCMC Offering for Apr. 6: Gen. Fund $17,306; Wed. Supper $220.80; Caring Fund $50; Flower Fund $50; Kitchen Fund $16.60; Solar Fund $500.
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 annual meeting of the Community Playschool Corp. will be Mon., 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.
Western District Women in Mission potluck salad meal shared with women and girls of the surrounding area followed by meditation on God’s creation through a floral design workshop by Rebecca Schrag on Mon., Apr. 28, 6 p.m., at Tabor Mennonite Church. Bring a salad to share, table service provided, and a small vessel (shallow bowl, tea cup size). Also bring garden or kitchen shears if you have one. RSVP: westerndistrictwomeninmission.org. For transportation: Call Marlene V. Faul 316-288-9650 or email at marlene.violet@gmail.com
Public Witness: Sat., Apr. 26, 11:30 a.m. the Western District Conference 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. Please join us at 10:30 a.m. at Military Park, 200 E Broadway, if at all possible, to prepare for the event. For more information, email: robertleeatchison@gmail.com
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Announcements
MCC grateful for shipments of Material Resources in 2024 – MCC, despite the bridge collapse in Baltimore, weather-related and other unexplained delays, strikes and piles of required paperwork, shipped 48 containers to MCC partners in 9 countries and Puerto Rico. Five were shipped from Canada, 42 from the U.S. and one from Europe. Items shipped included canned meat, comforters, soap and school, relief, hygiene, sewing, infant care and dignity kits. These shipments are a result of the thousands of MCC supporters, donors, and volunteers. Thanks be to God!
MCC Great Winter Warmup surpasses goal! Thank you for helping MCC surpass the Great Winter Warmup goal of 7,000 comforters during the months of January, February and March. During this 3-month campaign MCC received 12,875 comforters! Thank you to each person who tied knots this winter to share warmth, comfort, and love around the world!
Register today for the MCC Immigration Learning Tour in South Texas, October 4-9. This immigration-focused learning tour presents a unique opportunity to engage directly with organizations making a positive impact on our neighbors. Find out more at mcc.org/learning-tour-texas.
Volunteer with MCC Appalachia Build: We have had some spots open in our volunteer schedule for the summer. Consider bringing your group for a life-changing week of serving and learning with MCC Appalachia Build (formerly SWAP), a home repair ministry in eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. Volunteers help families make their homes safe, warm and dry, while building relationships and learning about Appalachia. Learn more and register your group at mcc.org/appalachia-build.
For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here
| From MCC US National Peace & Justice Ministries Dear Bethel College Mennonite,Registerto participate in “The promise we dream” Peace Camp, June 16-21!“I will pour out my Spirit on all people” (Joel 2:28, NIV) What does it mean to live into God’s promise? As God’s Spirit is poured out onto us, we are called to go forth searching for and proclaiming justice and love for all. With division and inequalities in our world, we can come together to imagine and create a world that is home to each one of us. Join us for a week of exploration and adventure as we discover and learn how to build bridges across our diverse identities and unique perspectives, living into God’s promise cohesively. Surrounded by the pristine beauty of Camp Deerpark, we will address how to lean into restorative justice, power, and identity both in an interpersonal and societal context. MCC Peace Camps are one-week, hands-on learning experiences for young adults to build community together, experience personal transformation and apply Anabaptist foundations of peace and justice to real world issues. |
| When: June 16-21, 2025 Where: Camp Deerpark, Westbrookville, New York Who: Young adults aged 18-30 How: Register by May 30. Registration Fee: $250.00 guarantees your spot at the camp. For all New York City residents the fee is $50.00. Peace Camps are one way to encourage and support the next generation of the Church to live out an active faith as peacemakers. Young adults, ages 18-30, are invited to apply. MCC covers all costs of travel, lodging and meals beyond the registration fee. We encourage churches, schools, families and friends to support participants in the registration fee where possible. This is an opportunity not to be missed, so tap someone on the shoulder or come join yourself! Warmest regards, Nathan Toews Peace Education Coordinator MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries |
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.
National Poetry Month Guest Artist. The New York Actress Michele LaRue Kliewer will perform Warren Kliewer’s poetry, Places, Please: Act One, Fri., Apr. 25, 11 a.m. at Kidron Bethel. On Sat., Apr. 26, 3 p.m., she will perform Bedquilt by Dorothy Canfield Smith at the Newton Public Library. Free admission to both performances although donations to defray costs will be graciously accepted. Warren Kliewer spent his early years in Mt. Lake, MN and then taught at Wichita State University before moving to New York where he founded the East Lynne Theatre Company. A selection of Warren’s publications will be for sale.
— Lauren Friesen
Bethel College Announcements
· 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.
· Thurs., April 17: Senior recital by BC student Benjamin Rudeen, voice, 7 p.m., Ad Building chapel
· Fri. April 25, Sat., April 26, Sun., April 27: Spring play at Bethel College, The Bookstore by Adam Szymkowicz, Fri. & Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m. matinee, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center). Friday evening performance interpreted for the d/Deaf community. Ticket purchase required (buy on campus weekdays at Thresher Shop; online at https://www.bethelks.edu/fine-arts/theater/theater-department-presents/; or at the door).
· Last chance to see the 2024 Student Art Exhibit in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center, featuring the work of 45 Bethel College students, which closes April 18. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Weds., Apr. 30: Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Thurs., May 1: Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· SAVE THE DATE: Mon., May 12, Hymn Festival presented by Dr. Henry Waters’ Hymnology class, Bethel College Mennonite Church
· SAVE THE DATE: Sun., May 4: Masterworks concert at Bethel College: Three Nocturnes by Dan Forrest, Exsultate, Jubilate by Mozart, and Considering Matthew Shepard: A Choral Suite by Craig Hella Johnson
Youth ages 12 to 17 are invited to become a Junior Volunteer at Schowalter Villa (Hesston) or Kidron Bethel Village (North Newton) for the summer. The Bluestem Communities Junior Volunteer program runs from June 2 to July 25. Participants will interact with residents in a variety of ways, including activities, games, exercise, conversation and more. It’s a wonderful opportunity for intergenerational connections and to enrich the lives of all involved! Applications are required and must be submitted by May 9. For an application or questions, contact Bluestem Communities Volunteer Coordinator Sheri Esau at SheriE@bluestemks.org.
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Music and Quilt Auction at The Hub on May 2! Support Camp Mennoscah on May 2 with purchases at The Hub. 10% of all sales on May 2 will be donated to Camp Mennoscah. Musical groups will play from approx. 6pm-8:30pm and 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 can be seen at www.campmennoscah.org and is attached. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for a bidding from a distance option. (The Hub, 100 S Christian, Moundridge, KS, https://www.thehubbrickoven.com)
Music and office summer staffers are needed! If you know of someone who you think might be great for these positions, please tap them on the shoulder. Olivia would love to talk to them, even if they are only available for part of the summer. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 316-293-7313 (call or text). Summer staffers must be 18 or older and are usually college or near-college age folks.
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. Summer youth camps cannot happen without you!
Camp Mennoscah is busy preparing for summer youth camps and guests. It may take additional time to respond to your email or phone call. We will answer as soon as possible. If a quicker response is needed, please call 316-293-7313.
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Seeds of Peace” press here
Announcements from Mennonite Church USA
MC USA has launched the newest Learn, Pray, Join, initiative, titled Undoing Patriarchy. This educational initiative provides an opportunity for churches to deepen understanding around a common topic and to come together in prayer and support. Learn more about Undoing Patriarchy here: mennoniteusa.org/lpj/undoing-patriarchy
MC USA has launched an online storefront featuring hats, sweatshirts, mugs and more. Check out the selection of merch that displays Follow Jesus, The MC USA dove and a retro line of gear from past conventions. Every sale helps support MC USA ministries! bonfire.com/store/mc-usa-gear/
Season One of MC USA’s The Competent Pastor podcast addresses the question: What is the most important skill of a competent pastor? Find it here: mennoniteusa.org/the-competent-pastor/ View the playlist here: mennoniteusa.org/the-competent-pastor-playlist
Menno Snapshots
Abby Endashaw, a member of the MC USA Women in Leadership steering committee, shares how our uncertainty because of the many fears we face today can be quelled by offering ourselves compassion, as an access point to God. Read her reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/uncertainty-calls-compassion
A look at how the (Old) Mennonite Church addressed the crisis of decreasing youth involvement with innovative solutions and an emphasis on the value that young ideas offered. Read the article, written by Olivia Krall, archives coordinator for MC USA, here: mennoniteusa.org/rise-of-youth
College Mennonite Church, Goshen, Indiana, received a surprise grant to spread kindness and learned about the needs of their community in return. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/college-mennonite-kindness
For information about the Women’s Summit at MennoCon press here
BCMC RETREAT
It is once again time for the BCMC Retreat at Camp Mennoscah! This year’s retreat is the weekend of April 26 and 27. Whether this might be your first time at camp, or you are a seasoned pro, the weekend has something to offer for all ages! Come on Saturday for some play time, a meal (this year, we’re doing a Saturday evening potluck), a hayrack ride, and some fellowship – and stay overnight if you’d like! And/or come on Sunday for Worship (which begins at 10 AM and will feature baptism activities – with no worship held at BCMC), breakfast and/or lunch, and some afternoon play/fellowship time. More information about the retreat can be found at the following links:
Information and Schedule
Registration Form
So that we can have an idea of how many to plan for on Sunday for breakfast and lunch, we would appreciate your registrations by no later than Monday, April 21. Retreat cost – mostly fees that we pay to Camp Mennoscah – can be found on the registration form. Please reach out to Adam Robb (adamandjillrobb@gmail.com OR 620-747-0185) with any questions OR if you’d like to help out with the retreat in some way. We once again look forward to this time of fellowship on the grounds of Camp Mennoscah!
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for those participating in a 12-day Christ at the Borders Just Peace Pilgrimage to Calais, France, where they are visiting organizations that work with migrants who are trying to cross the English Channel. Pray for the participants as they get first-hand experience with Mission Network partner ministries at Maria Skobtsova House, in Calais, and Peaceful Borders, in the United Kingdom.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC staff as they gather tomorrow for a retreat for fellowship, planning, prayer and discernment together.
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.