BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
April 20, 2025
EASTER 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/2ZIAC8vrzS8?feature=share
EASTER MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES
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! We are keeping an eye on the weather for Sunday morning — if there is inclement weather, the service may be moved to Fellowship Hall at BCMC. Please be sure to check your emails.
At the church ……..
An extended organ prelude will begin at 9:40 a.m.
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.
There will be no Sunday School
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 20, 2025—Easter Sunday!
Prelude–Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing [VT 359] (arr. J. Wayne Kerr)
Were You There? [VT 329] (arr. Diane Bish)
Christ ist erstanden, BWV 627 [VT 358] (J.S. Bach)
Christ the Lord is Risen Today [VT 346] (arr. Jason Payne)
Will Wiebe-Friesen
Resurrection Proclamation– Elizabeth Schmidt
One: Christ is risen!
All: Christ is risen indeed!
One: Christ is risen!!
All: Christ is risen indeed!!
One: Christ is risen!!!
All: Christ is risen indeed!!!
Christ Candle Lighting
*Hymn–Low in the Grave He Lay–VT 333
Welcome
*Hymn–Lift Your Glad Voices– VT 340
(Children are invited to go to the chapel as hymn is sung.)
Introduction to Gloria–Joel Garber
Gloria in D Major RV 589 (Antonio Vivaldi)
Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
I. Gloria (Glory to God in the highest)
II. Et in terra pax (And on Earth, good will to all.)
III. Laudamus te (We praise you, we bless you
We worship you, we glorify you.)
[Virginia Mininger, soprano; Ron Garber, tenor]
Scripture Reading–Luke 24:1-12–Mary Ellen Hodge
IV. Gratias agimus tibi (We give thanks to you)
V. Propter magnum gloriam (For your great glory!)
VI. Domine Deus (Lord God, Heavenly King, God the Father Almighty)
[Virginia Mininger, soprano]
Scripture Reading–Luke 2:8-14–Mary Ellen Hodge
VII. Domine fili unigenite (Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.)
VIII. Domine Deus (Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father
Heavenly King, only begotten Son,
Who takes away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.)
[Allie Soeken, Mezzo soprano]
IX. Qui tollis peccata mundi (Who takes away the sins of the world.)
X. Qui sedes ad dexteram patris (You who sits at the right hand of the father, Have mercy on us.
[Allie Soeken, Mezzo Soprano]
Meditation– Messy Glory–Joanna Harader
XI. Quoniam to solus sanctus (For you alone are holy,
you alone are the Lord
you alone are the most high, Jesus Christ.)
XII. Cum sancto spiritu (With the holy spirit,
in the Glory of God, the Father, Amen)
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn–The Lord is Risen Indeed!–VT 357
(Children return during hymn.)
Children Share Resurrection Gardens
*Hymn–Christ the Lord is Risen Today–VT 346
*Benediction
Postlude–Toccata from Symphony 5 (Widor)–Will Wiebe-Friesen
*You are invited to stand VT—Voices Together Audio visual—Ben Lichti
Welcome and thank you to the orchestra members Sunday: Violin 1: Joan Griffing
Violin 2: Marta Prugar; Viola: Joey Menninga; Cello: Caleb Garber
Bass: Derek Jesse; Oboe: Aaron Robinson; Trumpet: Greg Bergman
And of course, thank you to the BCMC Chancel Choir, director Joel Garber, accompanist Will Wiebe-Friesen, and the soloists, Virginia Mininger, Ron Garber, and
Allie Soeken. Happy Easter to everyone!
Sunday’s service contains quite a variety of music! Some highlights—in addition to the Gloria—include some of the prelude and postlude music as well as congregational hymns. Christ ist erstanden is a chorale prelude—that’s music talk for a spiced-up setting of a hymn—from Bach’s Orgelbüchlein (Little Organ Book), in which he composed a chorale prelude for every Sunday of the Church Year. It is meant as a teaching tool, where the student can study different musical techniques in challenging, bite-sized pieces that are useful for worship. This hymn, which translates as “Christ is Arisen” and is found in VT 358, is interesting as it includes a joyful text paired with a minor tune, the oldest known German liturgical song, dating to around 1100.
Despite its somber tone, listen for the empathic alleluias in the third verse. The congregational hymn “The Lord is Risen Indeed” was composed by William Billings, regarded as the first American choral composer. His music has a distinct, primitive, folk-like sound and helped to shape the blossoming American Sacred Harp style of song. A tanner by trade, Billings was gifted in his art despite financial struggles, missing an eye, and being short in one leg. Ending the service is a portion of the famous toccata from Charles Marie Widor’s Fifth Organ Symphony. The toccata, a musical form named for the Italian “to touch,” is the final movement in the symphony and is his most well-known work. Imagine hearing it in the sonorous acoustics of the Parisian Church of St. Sulpice where Widor was organist for over 60 years.
The Week at BCMC: April 20—27, 2025
Sunday, April 20, 2025: 9:40 a.m. Organ Prelude 10:00 a.m. Easter Worship
No Sunday school today
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/2ZIAC8vrzS8?feature=share
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
2:30 p.m. Staff Meeting
7 p.m. Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir practice in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thursday, April 24, 2025
6 p.m. Chancel Bell Rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m. Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
Saturday, April 26 and Sunday April 27—BCMC Retreat at Camp Mennoscah
Retreat at Camp Mennoscah – April 26 & 27
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!
Upcoming Events at BCMC
· Zwieback Fundraiser Sale by the Youth Group—Pickup is Sun., April 20 (Easter morning) Minimum donation $10 per dozen
· BCMC’s Camp Mennoscah Retreat will be Apr.26-27. See email for more details.
· The memorial service for Merrill Raber will be May 3, 11 a.m. at BCMC.
· We will be having a Congregational Meeting following church on May 4. More details and agenda will follow as the date approaches. Committee and Commission chairs: Please turn in your annual reports as soon as you can!
BCMC Offering for Apr. 13: Gen. Fund $21,276.19; Wed. Supper $331; Caring Fund $350; Flower Fund $150; Kitchen Fund $26; Solar Fund $4,000.
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!
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 July 12. GDC reimburses registration fees to delegates.
Bethel College Announcements
· Mon., Apr. 21: Bethel College Distinguished Achievement Award presentation to Carolyn Coon ’82, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· 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).
· 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: 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
· SAVE THE DATE: Mon., May 12, Hymn Festival presented by Dr. Henry Waters’ Hymnology class, Bethel College Mennonite Church
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.
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 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. and include K81, Queen Jack Jericho, Brett and Caleb Klingenberg, and The Schrag Siblings. A Camp Mennoscah tee shirt quilt will be sold through a silent auction. A picture of the quilt can be seen at www.campmennoscah.org . Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for a bidding from a distance option. (The Hub, 100 S. Christian, Moundridge, https://www.thehubbrickoven.com)
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
Life Enrichment, in the Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, is a series designed especially for adults age 60 and over. Programs for April 23 are:
9:30 a.m.: “Near-Death Experience: Anecdotes and Analysis,” Dr. Herb Smith, professor emeritus of philosophy and religion, McPherson College
10:50 a.m.: “Fill Your Heart with Music,” Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra ensemble
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
Conversation on Immigration Concerns: Is your congregation seeking to learn more about current immigration issues, discern forms of action and advocacy, or offer solidarity and support for members of the immigrant community? WDC will host a zoom gathering for pastors and interested church members on Tuesday, April 29, at 6:30-8:30 pm to provide updates, information and resources, and an opportunity to connect with each other around these shared concerns. Guest presenter Esmeralda Tovar-Mora, Executive Director of Hutch in Harmony and founding member of the Kansas Immigration Coalition, will join us to focus particularly on resources in the Kansas region. To receive the zoom link, please contact WDC at wdc@mennowdc.org or 316-283-6300 by noon on April 28.
For additional resources, also see the WDC website: https://mennowdc.org/immigration-justice-resources/; resources from Mennonite Church USA: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/resource-portal/resource/immigration-resources-advocacy/; and resources from Mennonite Central Committee: https://mcc.org/what-we-do/initiatives/disaster-response/support-immigrant-neighbors
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. |
Everence will hold a Medicare workshop at its office, 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton, Thurs., Apr. 24, 6:30 p.m. Topics include, when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare covers, plus an explanation of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare. Those interested in attending should contact the Everence office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.
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
Register today for the Mennonite Central Committee Immigration Learning Tour in South Texas, Oct. 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.
The Great Winter Warm-Up
Hello congregations and friends,
Our goal was to collect 7,000 comforters this winter – and the results are in. We gathered your comforter donations across the U.S. and Canada, tallied the numbers and are so excited to share the result!
Between January and March 2025, you knotted 18,368 comforters!
This is incredible! We are so thankful for your hard work, creativity and generosity. These comforters will keep people warm all over the globe. Their colorful, cozy patterns will be a tangible expression of God’s love, letting families know that they have not been forgotten.
Thank you for your continued care and support of people around the world.
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “Volunteer Update” Press here
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: On this Easter Sunday, join Mennonite Mission Network’s 74 workers and 183 partner organizations throughout the United States and 45 other countries around the world in proclaiming the message of Jesus’ resurrection power and love to those we encounter.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for all WDC congregations, as they embody the presence of the risen Christ, and live out resurrection hope through ministries of compassion, peacemaking, and justice.
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.