Joan Brubacher Memorial Service Tomorrow -In Person Attendance
The memorial service for Joan Brubacher will be tomorrow, Saturday, February 14 at 11. We hope all can join us in-person for this service and the faspa meal to follow. There will not be a live-stream option for participation.
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
February 15, 2026
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, February 15:
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/0j7ntevkcE4?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
February 15, 2026
Transfiguration Sunday
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—Thy Presence, My Light (Eithun)—Chancel Bells, Verlene Garber, director
Welcome—Lyn Krause
*Hymn—Mountain of God—VT 11
Children and Youth Conversation—Esther Kreider Eash
Worship Music—Celebrate with Joy (arr. Dominski)—Chancel Bells
Scripture Reading—Matthew 17:1-9—John Sheriff
*Hymn—Jesus on the Mountain Peak—VT 301
Sermon—Listen—Joanna Harader
*Hymn—Move in Our Midst—VT 827
Receiving the Offering and Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Praise God—VT 70
*Benediction
Postlude—Trumpet Tune (Flor Peeters)—Karen Schlabaugh
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Karen Schlabaugh
Audio visual—Ken Lamp
The Week at BCMC: February 15—22, 2026
Sunday, February 15, 2026—Transfiguration
9-11 a.m. Quilts for the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale displayed under the
balcony
9:30 a.m. Worship
10:30 a.m. Coffee/water/tea in the Gathering Place
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/0j7ntevkcE4?feature=share
Sunday School with Eric Litwiller
10:45 a.m. Eric Litwiller, the Director of Development for Camp Mennoscah, will be available during the Sunday School hour in the chapel. Bring all of your camp questions for this time of informal conversation!
Were you baptized at Camp Mennoscah? If so, did you know that Camp Mennoscah’s website is set-up to accept recurring, monthly $20 donations? With the retreat center just weeks away from completion, your gift of $20/month for a single year would rebuild our savings account, allowing camp to handle the next unexpected expense. If you would like to be a part of ensuring the financial future of the place that meant so much in your faith journey, please visit www.CampMennoscah.org or text “20” to our office at 620.755.2583
Monday, February 16, 2026
Church office will be closed
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
6:30 p.m. Faith Formation Commission—Room 14
7 p.m. Women’s Fellowship—Fellowship Hall
Women’s Fellowship General Meeting (Men invited) will be Tues., Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Program by James Wilson, General Manager of Et Cetera Shop, sharing with powerpoint “Newton Et Cetera Shop Vision and Mission.” Current BCMC Volunteers at Et Cetera will also share. Come and enjoy.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026—Ash Wednesday
6:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday Worship in Sanctuary
Please join us this Wednesday, February 18, at 6:30 in the Sanctuary for our Ash Wednesday worship.
We will gather for fellowship meals at 6:00 p.m. every Wednesday from February 25-March 25. It is a good time to gather together in community!
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal—Sanctuary Chancel
Thursday, February 19, 2026
6 p.m. Chancel Bells Rehearsal—Rm B7
6:30 p.m. Hospitality Commission—Fellowship Hall
6:30 p.m. Abuse Prevention and Response Committee—Room 14
Sunday, February 22, 2026—First Sunday in Lent
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Choir; communion will be served; report from the Sr Hi Youth on Snow Camp
BCMC Offering for February 8: General $10,977; Sr Hi Youth $3,151; Kitchen Fund $15; Larry Penner Mem. $150.
Please pray for our Senior High youth and sponsors this weekend as they attend Snow Camp at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp. May it be a time for them to grow in their faith as they strengthen their relationships with God, each other, and God’s glorious creation.
“The Work of Imagination” Lenten devotional booklets are available in the Gathering Place. These booklets provide brief readings and thoughtful questions for each week of Lent and provide a thoughtful accompaniment to our worship themes for the season.
This Lent, we will explore The Work of Imagination, led by material from
Illustrated Ministry.
“This is the work of imagination: to envision a world remade by mercy, to trust that healing is possible even in the shadow of empire, and to practice love that outlasts despair.”
Please plan to join us for Sunday morning worship, and consider participating in these special Lenten opportunities:
· Wed., Feb. 18 @ 6:30 p.m.: Ash Wednesday worship in the Sanctuary
· Sundays, Feb. 22-March 29 during Sunday School hour: elective Sunday school class using The Work of Imagination devotionals, in the Chapel
· Wednesdays, Feb. 25-March 25 @ 6 p.m.: Church Community Suppers in the Fellowship Hall
· Thurs., April 2 @ 5:30 p.m.: All-Age Maundy Thursday Worship in the Chapel
· Thurs., April 2 @ 7 p.m.: Maundy Thursday Worship with communion in the Sanctuary
· Easter Sunday, April 5:
* Easter Sunrise Worship @ 7 a.m.
* Worship Service @ 10 a.m. to include welcoming new members!
* NO Sunday School
“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” will be Sun, Feb. 22, at noon. The Hospitality Commission has matched people who signed up as hosts with people who signed up as guests. Guests will receive their food assignment Sunday, Feb. 15. Hosts will receive the number of guests they will host on Sunday, Feb. 15.
The Newton Mid Kansas Symphony Orchestra Winter Classics Concert is today, Feb. 15, 4 p.m. at Bethel College Memorial Hall. This concert features the Dwight Beckham Young Soloist winners, Seth Balzer (tuba, Bethel College) and Ryan Antle (horn, Newton High School). Advance tickets for sale online, and at Faith and Life Bookstore. Tickets will also be available the day of the concert at the door. https://nmkso.org/tickets/“
A Lenten Retreat: “Yearning for Wholeness; Abiding in Hope”: Sat, Feb 21; 8:30 a.m.to noon at Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 South Main St. We live in a time of anxiousness, injustice and chaos. Do you yearn for safe space to be in touch with your inner longings, and to connect with the healing and hope of Christ that sustains us? Join us for a half day retreat which will provide intentional space to experience the presence of God through scripture, prayer, song and community in this Lenten season. Schedule will include times of individual reflection and group interaction facilitated by Wendy Miller. Contact the church office at 620-327-4885 or
hesstonmc@hesstonmc.org to sign up by Thurs., Feb 19. $10 donation suggested. We hope you will join us!
The Gifts Discernment Commission is at work to connect willing workers to the following open positions: moderator-elect, Church Board, Hospitality Commission, Faith Formation Commission, and Deacon Commission. If the Spirit moves you to a new experience, please contact a GDC member: Francis Toews, Jerry Buller, Dorothy Nickel Friesen, Barb Koontz, or Jeanette Stucky.
Installed in the Gathering Place by the Visual Arts Committee are the last three banners created to celebrate BCMC’s centennial in 1997. Six banners were designed by Bob Regier and then pieced and quilted by members of the congregation. The themes of Witness, Creation Care and Community are featured in this set as key components of the mission of BCMC.
Buddhist Walk for Peace
As part of the wider worship that we do at BCMC that highlights peace witness and activism, today marks the end of 108 day “Walk for Peace” for Buddhist monks from Texas to Washington D.C. I invite you to research about their walk and celebrate their witness for peace. – Pastor Nathan
Bethel College/Kauffman Museum Announcements
· Tues., Feb. 17: Bethel College Chamber Orchestra concert, featuring works by Edward Elgar, Percy Grainger, Khayyam Mirazazade and Shigeru Kan-no, Kris Hilding, director, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Life Enrichment, for adults age 60 and older, meets Wednesday mornings in Krehbiel Auditorium. February 18 programs: 9:30 a.m., “Kansas Women in the Fight for the 19th Amendment – Did They Win?” (note title change), Donna Becker, certified first-person performer; 10:50 a.m., “Travel with a Wiseguy Exploring Off the Beaten Path,” John Wise, travel YouTuber. See https://www.bethelks.edu/academics/life-enrichment/ for details and a link to the complete spring schedule.
· Fri., Feb. 20: “Daily Commitments,” an exhibit by Rachel Epp Buller, opens in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College (reception March 12). Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Sun.-Mon., Feb. 22-23: Bethel College will host Jamie Pitts, professor of Anabaptist studies at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, for the Staley Lectures: “Becoming a ‘Front Light’ for Justice? Mennonite Positions on Social Transformation,” Sun., Feb. 22, 7 p.m., Ad Building chapel; “Would Jesus Kill Hitler?,” Mon., Feb. 23, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. The lectures are inspired by the Gospel of Matthew and Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship and are free and open to the public.
· Weds.-Fri., Feb. 25-27: Bethel College and KIPCOR present the biennial Justice Symposium, with immigration advocate Karen González, author of Beyond Welcome and The God Who Sees. González will deliver the Peace Lecture Weds., Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. in Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village. The symposium also includes a legal panel discussion on Thurs., Feb. 26, 7 p.m. at Bethel College Mennonite Church and a Know your Rights training Fri., Feb. 27, 7 p.m., in the 1887 Cafe on the Bethel campus. For a complete schedule, see https://kipcor.org/event/2026-justice-symposium/ For a complete schedule, see https://kipcor.org/event/2026-justice-symposium/
· Thurs., Feb. 26: Bethel College Wind Ensemble concert, Chris Miertschin, director, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Fri., March 6 & Sat., March 7, 7 p.m., Sun., March 8, 2 p.m.: Bethel College music and theater departments present: Alice by Heart, a retelling of Alice in Wonderland set during the London blitz of World War II, Krehbiel Auditorium.
Friday night performance interpreted for the D/deaf community. Ticket purchase required, at https://www.bethelks.edu/fine-arts/theater/theater-department-presents/#tickets, at Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or at the door. Contains adult content and is not intended for young audiences.
Hesston College Community Day February 14
Hesston College invites you to Winter Community Day at Yost Center, February 14. Come enjoy free admission for basketball games, free popcorn, free haircuts provided by Hesston College alumna Christy Pickerill of CC’s Family Hair and free rally towels to the first 100 fans. Lincoln Perk and Sage & Juliet Coffee Co. are teaming up with a coffee truck to serve coffee drinks and baked goods, and the HC Grill Club and flag football team will serve burgers to purchase for lunch. The fun starts at 11 a.m. and continues all afternoon. For a full schedule check out hesston.edu/communityday.
Now accepting submissions for Hesston College’s playwriting festival: The Hesston College Theatre department is inviting south central Kansas playwrights to turn their stories into live performance through the return of the Pen to Paper to Performance playwriting festival. Open to first-time and experienced writers, the festival celebrates original voices and the creative process from script to stage. The theatre department will accept submissions for the 10-minute play festival through March 8 and notify eight selected playwrights March 15, with their works produced as part of the final showcase event on May 1 and 2. Playwrights whose scripts are selected will receive a percentage of box office earnings. Visit hesston.edu/news for details.
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Announcements
· Lunch & Learn at MCC Tues., Feb. 17, 12-1 p.m. Join the Global Voices Speaking Tour to hear firsthand stories of the intersection of climate and peace. Speakers Dr. Arefur Rahaman with MCC Bangladesh and David Waiswa with MCC East Africa and Sahel Region will share how they are working toward peace and climate resiliency, especially around food security. RSVP by Feb. 10 at mcc.org/global-lunch or contact patsydirksen@mcc.org, 316-283-2720. Suggested $10 donation per lunch.
· MCC Fellowship Meals: Help cover Relief Sale expenses by participating in a Fellowship Meal this year. Choose to host or be a guest. As a guest, you will be invited to attend the host’s church worship service followed by a meal in their home. Another option is to host a fellowship meal for your own congregation. Dates are March 8 or March 15 (dates for congregational meals are flexible). Guest donation is $25 per meal (proceeds go toward MCC Sale expenses). Sign up to host or guest by Feb. 25. Contact Steve & Elaine Schurr, Bill & Esther Eash, Brad & Diane Born (BCMC’s MCC Relief Sale representatives) or Barb at bj.reeves@live.com for form to complete. We hope to cover sale expenses before the sale so all proceeds can be donated to MCC.
– Mennonite Central Committee Central States annual meeting: You are invited to the MCC Central States annual meeting on Sat., March 7, 11 a.m. at MCC Central States, 121 E. 30th St, North Newton
– Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) invites you to Borderlands & Beyond Monthly Charlas, a new conversation series featuring MCC partners, community leaders, and borderlands practitioners who will share their work, struggles, insights, and hopes. Each charla provides a welcoming space to learn, ask questions, and explore how we can participate in faithful advocacy and accompaniment. You can join a charla via Zoom the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. Register here: Borderlands & Beyond: Monthly Charlas with MCC – Stories, Struggles & Faithful Action – Fill out form
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Online Registration for the Spring Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat on March 13-15 is open. Register online at https://campmennoscah.campbrainregistration.com/ Activities and lodging will be at Main Camp. (The Retreat Center is moving along quickly, but is not quite finished.)
Online Registration for the 2026 Summer Youth Camps is open. The theme for the summer is “In the Wilderness.” Through the new, strange and unknown of “wilderness,” we will discover the sacred within each person and all creation and meet God there. Summer Youth Camps are for youth in grades 3-12 (Fall 2026). Register at https://campmennoscah.campbrainregistration.com/
Scholarships are available.
1. Due to a generous donor, first-time campers and returning campers bringing a first-time camper will automatically receive a $100 scholarship until funds are depleted. Please factor this into your payment before paying full camp fees. If Camp Mennoscah has a record of a camper attending previously, staff will contact parents/guardians. Only one scholarship per camper.
2. Two full scholarships are available for campers needing assistance through a Scholarship Endowment. Campers who are racially and ethnically diverse and/or from non-Mennonite communities will be given priority; all are welcome to apply. Use the Scholarship Request Form at https://campmennoscah.socs.net/vnews/display.v/ART/5e41970817def and include supporting information in the “Amount you are asking in Scholarship” field. Contact office@campmennoscah.org with questions. Deadline is May 1, 2026.
3. Camp Mennoscah has limited scholarship funds available. Complete the Scholarship Request Form at https://campmennoscah.socs.net/vnews/display.v/ART/5e41970817def Contact us at office@campmennoscah.org with questions.
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements
| Join the Women’s Retreat at RMMC – March 6-8, 2026 2026 Theme: Breathing Through Transition When life moves quickly, our bodies and spirits often carry more strain than we notice. This retreat offers a gentle pause – a chance to breathe deeply, rest, and reconnect with what nourishes your soul. Through worship, song, creativity, play, silence, nature, and shared stories, our retreat leaders Anita Amstutz and Geneva Shoemaker, will explore Sabbath spaces of renewal together. Come away to the mountains and exhale with kindred spirits as we cross the sacred threshold into rest. Visit the women’s retreat page and register at www.rmmc.org.Men’s Retreat at RMMC – February 27-March 1, 20262026 Theme: The Power of Service & Story: Past, Present and FutureWe each have a story worth telling…….and hearing. Retreat attendees will have opportunities to hear and to tell stories of service and it’s impact on self and others (II Corinthians 8:1-15). Paul Unruh will share with us and is a retired Social Worker who practiced in Colorado, Kansas and Alaska who is service minded, dedicated, and frequent volunteer with organizations such as Mennonite Disaster Service and Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp. Visit the Men’s Retreat page and register at www.rmmc.org. For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here For Mennonite Mission Network “Seeds of Peace” press here Become a Service Adventure leader! Are you sensing God’s call to mentor young adults as they grow in faith, service and community? Want to live in beautiful places like Anchorage, Alaska or Colorado Springs, Colorado? Answer the call and become a Service Adventure unit leader! Unit leaders mentor the young adults in the unit and provide some oversight and guidance for the household. Ages 24+ should contact Michael Oyer at MichaelO@MennoniteMission.net! Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.For Anabaptist Disabilities Announcement press hereFor Anabaptist Disabilities Network “Connections Newsletter” press hereFor Paris Mennonite Center Update press hereMennonite Church USA Announcements MC USA’s 2026 Lent at Home Worship Guide invites households to journey through Lent with simple rituals, Scripture from John’s Gospel and opportunities for reflection. This guide, titled “Dwelling in Dissonance,” helps all ages hold grief and hope together, as we walk with Jesus toward resurrection. Available in English and Spanish. Download it here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/lent-at-home-2026 Menno Snapshots In her Menno Snapshots blog, Shé Langley, MC USA’s director of event planning and digital marketing, shares five practical AI and automation tools churches can use to reduce burnout, improve communication and support ministry, while grounding technology use in ethical, pastoral and climate justice values. Read it here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/ai-for-churches/Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Last fall, Christy Harrison, Peter Sensenig and their three children temporarily moved to Montbéliard, France, from Chad, after their Chadian visas were not renewed, due to the political relationship between the U.S. and Chad. Pray for this family as they acclimate to their new home and ministry and as they navigate how to proceed if they are unable to return to Chad in the future. Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for wisdom and encouragement for ministers in WDC, as they share the good news of Jesus in local congregations and communities through preaching, teaching, compassion and courageous witness.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, immigration status, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital status, or age. |