BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
It’s time to fall back
Daylight Savings Time ends, Sunday, November 2. Be sure to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday, November 1
Are you looking for something to do tomorrow afternoon (November 1) around 3 pm? Would you like to feel young again? Do you think pumpkin lattes pair well with hot dogs? Well, you’re in luck! The senior high youth are going to P & M Pumpkin Ranch and are inviting you to join us! We are leaving from the south door of the church at 3pm and should arrive at P & M by 3:30. You may drive with us or meet us there. We’ll eat close to 5:30. We have a fire pit and picnic tables reserved. Come on, what better way to spend a Saturday afternoon?! Please let me know if you are attending so I can have food and drink ready for you. RSVP to me at 316.587.6910 or at george@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org [Note that Faith Formation has funds to pay for your admission ($17) if you like. Just tell them at the gate that you are with the Bethel College Mennonite Church group.]
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
November 2, 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 for Sunday, November 2:
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/1iV7ZeB0pWU?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 2, 2025
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music–A Mighty Fortress is Our God (arr. J. Payne)– Will Wiebe-Friesen
Welcome & Land Acknowledgment—Joanna Harader
*Hymn—Holy Spirit, Come with Power—VT 57
Children and Youth Conversation—Kathy Stucky
Worship Music—Elegie from Triptyque (Young)—Angelica Donaldson, Flute
Scripture Reading—Matthew 4:1-11—Mary Ann Boschmann
*Hymn—In Lonely Mountain Ways—VT 589
Sermon—Waiting on Angels—Rev. Dr. Luke Powery
*Hymn—In the Rifted Rock I’m Resting—VT 619
Prayers of God’s People—Joanna Harader
*Hymn—Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah—VT 606
*Benediction
Postlude-Psalm 20 (B. Marcello)–Will Wiebe-Friesen
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.
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Verlene Garber
Audio visual—Ben Lichti
Welcome Rev. Dr. Luke A. Powery
The Rev. Dr. Luke A. Powery is the Dean of Duke University Chapel and Professor of Homiletics and African and African American Studies. A national
leader in the theological study of the art of preaching (homiletics), Dean Powery regularly delivers sermons at Duke Chapel as well as churches throughout the United States and abroad.
His teaching and research interests are at the intersection of preaching, pneumatology, music, and culture, particularly expressions of the African diaspora. His book Becoming Human: The Holy Spirit and the Rhetoric of Race received the 2023 Book of the Year from the Religious Communication Association and the Academy of Parish Clergy. He has written several other books and is a general editor of the nine-volume lectionary commentary series for preaching and worship Connections: A Lectionary Commentary for Preaching and Worship. He served as a member of the executive lectionary team for The African-American Lectionary and is the recipient of numerous scholastic fellowships and awards.
Dean Powery was ordained by the Progressive National Baptist Convention and has served in an ecumenical capacity in churches throughout Switzerland, Canada, and the United States. He received his Bachelor of Arts in music with a concentration in vocal performance from Stanford University, his Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Theology from Emmanuel College at the University of Toronto. Dean is married to Gail Powery, and they have two children.
The Week at BCMC: November 2—9, 2025
Sunday, November 2, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Dr. Luke Powery
Live-Stream Link for the worship service: https://youtube.com/live/1iV7ZeB0pWU?feature=share
4 p.m. Bethel Sings, a concert featuring all Bethel College vocal groups, Dr. Russell Adrian, director
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal—Sanctuary
Thursday, November 6, 2025
6 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal—Room B7
6:30 p.m. Gifts Discernment Committee at Jeanette Stucky’s, 2511 Ivy Dr., NN
7 p.m. Church Board—Room 14
7 p.m. Bethel College Women’s Association—Fellowship Hall
Friday, November 7, 2025
1:30 p.m. Finance Committee work session—Room 14
Saturday, November 8, 2025
8:30—11:30 a.m. Justice Ministry Gathering—Fellowship Hall
Sunday, November 9, 2025
9:30 a.m. Sermon by Joanna Harader; music by the Chancel Choir
Mark your calendars for our next Messy Church on Wed., Nov. 12: supper at 6 followed by all-ages Bible learning and activities.
You are invited to a Rethinking Justice Workshop on Saturday, November 8, from 8:30-11:30
a.m. This event is organized by a new interfaith justice ministry organization in the area and hosted here at Bethel College Mennonite Church in the fellowship hall. It promises to be a great opportunity to root ourselves in the biblical call for justice as we connect with like-minded people of faith in our area. Please register here.
GOING BEYOND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Join us to talk with Laurie Dove Nov. 11, 7 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall, about her novel, Mask of the Deer Woman, which centers on the issue of missing Indigenous women among other Indigenous justice issues. (See the discussion questions Laurie has provided us and come whether you have finished reading the book or not; this is a great opportunity to learn! Bring your friends). Laurie is an Indigenous woman who grew up in a Mennonite family on a farm east of Newton. She is lending her voice to the advocacy work the newly formed Kansas Repair Communities, a coalition of local Mennonite churches, has begun on behalf of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP). Kansas Repair Communities includes about a dozen local Mennonite churches so far who have begun to educate themselves on this issue and make contact with Indigenous leaders in Kansas and Oklahoma. We will be offering in the next months a training session provided by the national Repair Coalition on “Moving Toward Right Relations with Indigenous People.” Watch for details and join us. Discussion question copies are on the ledge between the mailboxes in the Gathering Place.
For the Study Guide press here
The Visual Arts Committee coordinates rotating displays in the Gathering Place highlighting the creativity of BCMC artists. The recent display featured several centennial banners designed by Bob Regier and pieced and quilted by other members in 1997. Now you can view a selection of photographs by Mark Kreider from a larger exhibit on the theme of Wilderness Fire.
Have you checked out the library recently? Thanks, in part, to some generous donations by BCMC members, the Library Committee recently processed over 30 new books. These include books commemorating the 500th Anniversary of Anabaptism as well as some fun fiction and biographical selections. You can also peruse a partial collection of our books celebrating other world religions. There’s something for everyone in our wonderful collection!
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
· Eric Litwiller is Camp Mennoscah’s Director of Development. He grew up in Goshen but moved to Kansas in late 2010, and to his current home west of Newton in the summer of 2015 when he married Jill (Friesen) Litwiller who has served on the Board of Directors for camp and often volunteers as camp nurse. Prior to joining camp staff, Eric had fundraising roles in a number of organizations in the area, including as Director of Charitable Services and Church Relations with Everence. In addition to his full-time role with Camp Mennoscah, Eric is also the incoming Board Chair for the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale, though you may have seen him at the sale in his previous volunteer capacity overseeing the My Coins Count booth. He is excited to bring his experience in estate planning, non-cash assets, and annual giving to help find the funds needed to complete the Retreat Center.
· The last day to reserve your Verenike Casserole Meal is Nov. 3. Camp Mennoscah’s Verenike Casserole Fundraiser is Nov. 8 at Faith Mennonite Church. Reserve your meals at https://forms.gle/DMurJFkp5P7Fb3C86 or call 620-297-3290. The meal consists of verenike casserole, seasoned green beans, zweiback, and fruit crisp. Meals will be available at Faith Mennonite Church between 5:30-6:30 p.m. Nov. 8. Either drive-thru and pick up your meals or dine in. Watch Camp Mennoscah’s Facebook page and check your email for any changes. Suggested donation of $20 per meal or $40 per pan. Additional donations are welcome!
Hey, all you potential 2026 Summer Staffers! Camp Mennoscah will be recruiting for summer staff leadership positions at Hesston College, Tabor College, and Bethel College on November 10-12, respectively. A pizza meal for those interested will take place on November 12 (time and place TBD). Positions include office, nature, music, lifeguard, crafts and grounds/maintenance. The online application will be open no later than November 10. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 with questions.
Big thanks to everyone who helped with the Retreat Center Project work day on October 25! Progress was made and tasks were crossed off the list.
Mennonite Central Committee Meat Canning is Nov. 5, 6, & 7. Sign up to be one of the volunteers at the mobile meat cannery in North Newton at https://tinyurl.com/MeatCanning2025
BCMC Offering for October 26: General $10,252; MCC Meat Canning $675; Plant Fund $50; Caring Fund $275; Library Reserve Fund $6; Kitchen Fund $12; Women’s Fellowship $299; Mission Quilters $250; Solar Fund $1,000.
From the Finance committee: As the 3rd 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. The following is a BCMC financial report of the general fund income and expenses on Sept. 30 (75% of the year).
Total income $ 341,795 61% of budget
Total expense $ 398,763 72% of budget
Net income/expense -$ 56,968
Bethel College Announcements
· Sun., Nov. 2: Bethel College’s Worship and the Arts Symposium, “Preaching Good News in a Troubled World,” starts today with presenters Dr. Luke Powery and Merrill Krabill. If you have not registered, particularly if you plan to attend the preaching masterclass, Tues., Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-noon in the Ad Building chapel, please do so today at https://www.bethelks.edu/academics/worship-and-the-arts-symposium/ The symposium is free, but numbers are needed for set-up and hospitality.
· Sun., Nov. 2: “Between Earth and Sky,” multimedia ceramic works by Merrill Krabill, opens in the Regier Art Gallery with the reception today, 3-4 p.m. Merrill will give an artist talk Nov. 3, at 9 a.m. in the gallery. The exhibit remains through Nov. 21; gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Sun., Nov. 2: Bethel Sings, a concert featuring all Bethel College vocal groups (Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Chapel Choir, Open Road and Woven), Dr. Russell Adrian, director, 4 p.m., at BCMC
· Mon., Nov. 3: Dr. Luke Powery of Duke Divinity School speaks in Bethel College convocation, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium as part of the Worship and the Arts Symposium.
· Sun., Nov. 9: Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum with author Daniel Markovitz, Olpe, KS., reading from his novel The Spoils of Victory, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. This program is in connection with the museum’s special exhibit “Voices of Conscience: Peace Witness and the Great War”; the novel focuses on a largely forgotten aspect of World War II history, the confinement and employment of hundreds of thousands of German POWs throughout the United States from 1943-46. The book will be for sale at the event, with a book signing afterward.
· Tues., Nov. 11: The Bethel College Organ Recital Series hosts David Pérez, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel. Dr. Pérez will present a program of organ works composed primarily by Latin American composers. This is sure to be an enjoyable concert with repertoire you’ve likely never heard before. For more information about Dr. Pérez or to hear some samples of the program, check out his website: www.cubanorganist.com.
Life Enrichment is a series designed for adults age 60 and over. Sessions are in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Wednesday, November 5 at 9:30—11:50 a.m.
9:30 a.m. “The Tragedy of the Commons,” Jim Yoder, professor emeritus of chemistry, Hesston College
10:50 a.m. “The OMEGA Project and the ReUse-It Center,” David Case, founder and director, Live Free Ministries, and Manager, The OMEGA Project, McPherson
Food Fund-raising Events Coming to the area:
· The Mennonite Men of Tabor Mennonite Church will be hosting their annual Chicken BBQ Thurs., Nov. 6, for a Dine-In or To-Go event from 5-7 p.m. This years’ donations will go to Mission Partners Joseph and Rachel Givens and Bethesda Home. Location: 891 Chisholm Trail, Newton. RSVP is not necessary.
· Hope Mennonite Church has their annual Craft Bazaar and Peppernut Sale Sat., Nov. 8, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the church building, 868 N. Maize Road, Wichita. All proceeds from the event will help support Hope Mennonite Church service projects: Mennonite Central Committee, Camp Mennoscah, Family Promise and Justice Together. There will be live music, a bake sale featuring peppernuts, kids activities, local vendors, Quilter’s Corner, and breakfast and lunch – Cinnamon Rolls, German Sausage, Bierocks, Pie, and more. All are welcome — entry is free!
· Hesston College Cultures Fair
The community is invited to join Hesston College Wed., Nov. 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. as they celebrate their diverse student body and the student’s homeland cuisine at this year’s Cultures Fair! Hesston College is honored to host students representing 28 countries this fall, and many of these students will share their hearts through a taste sampling from their home countries. A curry main dish will be served by dining services beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by international sides, desserts and drinks starting at 6 p.m. in Bontrager Student Center dining hall. Cost is $9.23 per person. Reserve your place by Nov. 3 at hesston.edu/culturesfair2025.
· Habitat for Humanity of Harvey County invites you to their annual Pork Chop Dinner fundraiser Nov. 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N. Anderson Ave, Newton. Dine-in and carry-out options are available. This is Harvey County Habitat’s largest fundraiser of the year, and we need your generous donations to help ensure we can continue to build a new home for a qualifying family each year. Please reserve your pork chop meal (includes pork chop, potatoes, green beans, dessert, and a drink) by visiting our website at https://harveycountyhabitat.org/pork-chop-dinner-reservation/
“Art From the Hearth” exhibit opens at Hesston College
An exhibit titled, “Art From the Hearth” will be featured in the Regier-Friesen Gallery located in Hesston College’s Laban Peachey Center (325 S. College Dr., Hesston) Nov. 3 through 28. The exhibit includes various artists’ created bowls, cups, plates, teapots, etc. and includes recipes in which to fill them. A reception with the artists will take place Wed., Nov. 12, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Normal exhibit hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and admission is free.
It is time to start planning the 2026 Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS). Click on the link to read the letter from Board Chair, Jim Robb.
Click here
| From Mennonite Central Committee US National Peace & Justice Ministries Dear Bethel College Mennonite,“Blessed are the peacemakers…” – Matthew 5:9Puerto Rico has experienced various ups and downs, including hurricanes, earthquakes and a system of governance that seems to keep communities in constant crisis. What does it mean to work for peace in this context? Join us in beautiful Puerto Rico to learn how the life and teachings of Jesus inform our peacebuilding. For one week we will participate in a process of learning and collective transformation, exploring how to live in solidarity with each other and build a community of peace with biblical foundations. Participants must have at least an intermediate level of listening and speaking Spanish. During this peace camp we will: Explore biblical foundations for peace Learn practical peacebuilding tools Discuss issues of migration, trauma, and other systems that impact well-being Visit local organizations doing peacebuilding work When: February 15-21, 2026 Where: Rio Grande, Puerto Rico Who: Young adults, ages 18-30; understanding and speaking Spanish is necessary How: Register here by January 12 Cost: $250.00 (Includes flight to Puerto Rico) guarantees your place at the camp View and download the flyerPeace camps are a way to encourage and support the next generation of the Church to live an active faith as peacemakers. Young adults, ages 18 to 30, and church leaders who work with young adults are invited to apply. MCC covers all travel, lodging, and dining costs beyond the $250 registration fee. We encourage churches, schools, families, and friends to support participants in the registration fee when possible. This is an opportunity not to be missed, so tap someone on the shoulder or join yourself! Please reach out with any questions or concerns. Otherwise, head over to our website to register. Don’t miss out on the amazing opportunity to put theory into practice at an MCC Peace Camp! |
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network Blog “Opening Doors” press here
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| The event is up and the challenge is on! Celebrity Servers always fills up fast, so make your reservations today! The main question is – which server will raise the most money to support the most loved poverty reduction program in Harvey County – Circle of Hope? Fine dining and fantastic volunteer servers make for an evening of camaraderie, community service … and friendly competition!If you want to sit in a particular server’s section, just mention that when you make your reservation. If you just want to roll the dice and become a Circle of Hope hero with any of our faithful volunteer servers, we will love you just the same! Tell your friends, invite your neighbors, maybe ask that cousin in Wichita that you never see to join you. Just know that we sincerely appreciate your support, now and throughout the year. |
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
The latest issue of Equipping, MC USA’s quarterly resource newsletter created for pastors and leaders, is now live. This issue brings fresh tools, inspiration and opportunities to deepen your leadership, enrich your ministry and build resilient congregational life. Read and subscribe here: https://bit.ly/4qsyGLr
Mennonite Church USA is seeking an Administrative Assistant for Church Vitality/Special Events Coordinator to provide administrative, logistical, and operational support with focus on church vitality and execution of special events—including the biennial convention. Experience in event planning, nonprofit administration or similar roles is preferred. Must have strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task, and problem-solving capabilities. FTE: 1.0; Location: Elkhart, IN. View the job description here. MC USA is committed to diversity among staff and welcome people of diverse backgrounds and abilities to apply. To request an application form, contact HR@MennoniteUSA.org or call (574)523-3027. The application deadline is November 21, 2025.
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Delicia Bravo Aguilar and Peter Wigginton, who are serving with Mennonite Mission Network, request prayer for churches in Ecuador, as members are living in times of great uncertainty and violence. Pray for their protection, as they respond with faith and integrity, naming and resisting the forces of fear and apathy. Pray also for Delicia, Peter and their two daughters as they walk alongside these churches.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for credentialed ministers in WDC who serve in specialized ministries as chaplains, campus pastors, educators, mission workers, administrators, campus pastors, and conference staff. Pray that God would grant them wisdom, compassion and resilience in the challenges and joys of their work.
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.