BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
April 5, 2026–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 for Sunday, April 5:
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/Ue_mO_VQMjM?feature=share
Good Friday, April 3
6 p.m., Stations of the Cross, at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church (2001 Windsor Dr.). The people of St. Matthew’s have invited us to join them in this brief time of contemplating Jesus’ crucifixion.
7 p.m.–Ecumenical Worship, at St. Matthew’s. Pastors from Bethel College Mennonite, Shalom Mennonite, Faith Mennonite, Trinity Heights United Methodist, Salem United Methodist, and St. Matthew’s Episcopal churches will lead this contemplative service. We are excited for this new opportunity to join with like-minded Christians on this sacred day and hope that many of you will join us.
Easter Sunday, April 5!
7 a.m. Sunrise Service at Hank and Elaine Prouty’s farm (332 N. Hoover Rd., Newton)–rain or shine!; The Sr. High youth will lead us in worship and then we will share a potluck breakfast together.
PRELUDE THIS SUNDAY STARTS AT 9:40 A.M.
10 a.m. Easter Worship in the sanctuary. Note the later start time and join us as we worship and celebrate together. We are excited to be officially welcoming eighteen new members into our church community on Easter this year!
Welcome New Members to BCMC!
Please extend a warm welcome to the 18 new members joining this Easter Sunday as members or as wider fellowship members at BCMC. These new members bring a host of gifts and experiences to give and receive as we journey in faith. Their faith statements are available electronically and a printed version at the back of the sanctuary. New members will be available in the gathering space after worship. A few more members who could not be present on Easter will be joining in May. Let us give thanks for the new life that we will experience together.
To read the new members’ faith statements press here
11:30 a.m. Easter Lunch Potluck in the fellowship hall. The Bethel College Relations Team is hosting a potluck lunch for college students who aren’t able to be with family for the holiday. Everyone is invited! If you are able, consider bringing a little extra food to share with our college friends. (Contact Kevin Neufeld for more information.)
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 5, 2026
Easter: Fulfilling Imagination
Prelude I Know That My Redeemer Lives (VT 347) (arr. D. Wood)
Christ is Alive, Let Christians Sing (VT 359) (arr. J.W. Kerr)
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth (Handel) (arr. N. Johnson)
Christ the Lord is Risen Today (VT 346) (arr. J. Payne)
Will Wiebe-Friesen, organ
Christ Candle Lighting
Land Acknowledgement
Centering Music–E’en So Lord Jesus Quickly Come (Paul Manz)–Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
Welcome & Call to Worship–Joanna Harader
One: Come into God’s presence, you who imagine and you who seek, you who disrupt and you who repair.
All: By the Spirit, we gather in hope.
One: Come into God’s day of resurrection, you who have known grief, you who long for new life, you who carry “Alleluias” in your hearts.
All: In Christ, we gather at the empty tomb.
One: Come into God’s presence, singing for joy and for justice; bringing prayer and worship, your most faithful acts of resistance.
All: To God be the glory! We gather to praise!
Opening Prayer
*Hymn–Low in the Grave He Lay–VT 333
Children and Youth Conversation–Adam Robb
Worship Music–“Hallelujah” from Christ on the Mount of Olives (Beethoven)
Scripture Reading–Philippians 2:12-18–Virginia Mininger
*Hymn–Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain–VT 348
Scripture Reading–John 20:1-18
Sermon–I Have Seen the Lord–Nathan Koontz
*Hymn- Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing–VT 359
Reception of New Members: Bill Braun, Joyce Braun, Ryan Ellett, Jim Friesen, Joan Friesen, Omer Galle, Laura Garvin, Keith Good, Linda Koehn Good,
Dennis Loepp, Dori Loepp, Bill Rich, Kathleen Rich, Diana Torline,
Carolyn Rich Voth, Tim Voth, Johan Wiebe-Friesen, Will Wiebe-Friesen
VT 961
Receiving the Offering and Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn–Now the Green Blade Rises–VT 353
*Benediction
Postlude–Fanfare (Jacques-Nicolas Lemmens)
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen Audio visual—Ken Lamp
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:
–Don’t miss a wonderful opportunity for a free training—MOVING TOWARD RIGHT RELATIONS: Join us for a transforming personal accountability training as we seek together to move toward right relations with our Indigenous brothers and sisters. Sponsored by the Kansas Repair Communities, Mennonite Central Committee-Central States, and Western District Conference and led by staff from the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, Fri., Apr. 24, from 5:30-9 p.m. and Sat., Apr. 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All sessions in the Fellowship Hall of BCMC. Meals provided Friday evening and Saturday noon. There is no registration fee, but registration is required (deadline April 17). For more info, contact Ada Schmidt-Tieszen, 316-842-9751 or email adast@bethelks.edu. You can use the QR code to register.
—Oak Flat: Though the Ninth Circuit Court has not stopped the land transfer and drilling has begun, four court cases are still pending and the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery has a working group to “Mobilize Spiritual Communities for Oak Flat” that meets on zoom every other week. If you or anyone in your faith community is interested in joining, contact melanie.beikman@azipl.
Notes from Organist Will Wiebe-Friesen
· You may notice an extra sparkle at a couple points in Sunday’s service. An addition, called a zimbelstern, was made to our wonderful Dobson organ in early March. The zimbelstern–which translates cymbal star—originates from the North German organ tradition of Bach’s era and was traditionally designed as a rotating golden star at the top of the organ case that tinkled small bells as it spun. Ours is constructed of five handbells that are struck mechanically by a mechanism for which the organist can control speed and volume. We are very grateful to Jon Thieszen for spending several days here last month installing it! If you’re interested in learning more about the zimbelstern or our pipe organ, Will Wiebe-Friesen would be happy to share more with you.
· Sunday’s organ prelude features several favorite Easter hymns as well as an organ setting of a beloved soprano aria from Messiah. The choir’s anthem is the climatic Hallelujah! from Beethoven’s Christ on the Mount of Olives, an oratorio portraying Jesus’ emotional turmoil in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to his arrest, with all the drama that one could expect from Beethoven. Unlike other similar passion works, this oratorio highlights Jesus’ humanity and does not address the crucifixion or resurrection, rather ending with Jesus’ acceptance of what is to come in the following days. The hymn of praise we hear today is the final movement, foreshadowing the triumph of Easter. Today’s postlude is an organ work by Belgian-French organist Jacques-Nicolas Lemmens (1823-1881). Aside from this Fanfare, Lemmens’ music is virtually unheard today; however, one of his students, Charles-Marie Widor, is perhaps the most well-known organist of all time just after J.S. Bach.
The Week at BCMC: April 5—12, 2026
Sunday, April 5—Easter Sunday —Prelude 9:40 a.m.; Worship 10 a.m.
No Sunday School Today
11:30 a.m. Easter Potluck in the Fellowship Hall
YouTube Link for the worship service:
https://youtube.com/live/Ue_mO_VQMjM?feature=share
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. It is generated by offerings made payable to BCMC and designated “caring fund.” There are fishbowls on the back tables for your donations.Thank you for your continued support and contributions.
Monday, April 6, 2026—Office will be closed
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
4 p.m. Staff Congregation Relations Committee—Room 14
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
6 p.m. Open Table—Fellowship Hall 7:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal—Sanctuary Chancel
Thursday, April 9, 2026
6 p.m. Chancel Bells Rehearsal—Room B7 7 p.m. Church Board—Room 14
Sunday, April 12. 2026—Holy Humor Sunday
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by a men’s quartet
10:30 a.m. Fellowship Time
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation
11:45 a.m Pizza Lunch for College Students
Poems and Prayers Group
The poems and prayers group that has been meeting during lent will continue to meet weekly through May Tuesday mornings at 11 in the BCMC chapel. This is an informal time to bring a poem or prayer that speaks to you and share it with the group. Readings will be followed by silence and discussion. Your selection could be something that you have written or something that someone else has written. You do not need to consider yourself a poet to attend. Simply bring a listening ear, an open heart, and joy for the truth revealed when words and phrases rub together and catch fire.
The current library theme is “The Story of Us: U S History Explored”. We have chosen books that offer a different perspective of our 250-year history and if the highlighted ones don’t interest you, we have more on the shelves. Come see what the BCMC Library has to offer!
The annual meeting of the Community Playschool Corporation will be Mon., Apr. 13, 7:15 p.m. at the BCMC Fellowship Hall. Interested members of the congregations supporting Community Playschool are invited to attend.
Community Playschool, Inc is happy to announce a celebration for it’s 60th anniversary! EVERYONE, including members of sponsoring churches, former teachers, volunteers, families, students and anyone else, is invited and welcome to join us on Thurs., Apr. 16 from 5:30-7 p.m. for a look back at the history of the preschool. We will have slides and photos, a timeline of the major events and changes, a place for memories and stories and, of course, cake! The classrooms will be open for tours while the main activities will take place in the Fellowship Hall of BCMC. Please plan to come and help us celebrate this monumental occasion!
Do you know a good joke? We will celebrate Holy Humor Sunday on April 12 and Joanna is looking for short/simple jokes to use during the children’s conversation. You can put jokes in her mailbox at church or email them: joanna@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Women’s Fellowship High Tea will be Tues., Apr. 21, 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Program will be by Mary Jo (Goering) Preheim sharing her life and music. All women and girls are invited. Tea coordinated by Brenda Turner.
The Witness Commission invites you to support Camp Sunflower, an LGBTQ youth camp in Wichita, by attending their Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser: “Serving Queer Joy, One Plate at a Time”! The meal and a silent auction will be held April 25 from 4:30-7:30 at Calvary United Methodist Church, 2525 Rock Rd. Meal tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for children aged 4-10, and free for children under 3. You can purchase tickets on their website or at the door.
Shalom Mennonite Church in Newton, Kansas, invites interested individuals to apply for the position of Office Manager. The job description for the half-time position is available on request from Janet Dixon, Shalom Church Board Chair. Candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Janet at fraujdixon@yahoo.com. If you have questions, please contact Janet via email or phone, 785-845-2166.
The Central Kansas Master Chorale will present Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass (Mass for Troubled Times) with orchestra. Join us for this special concert directed by Dr. Joel Garber, Sun., Apr. 19, 3 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 S Main St, Hesston. Admission is free, donations accepted. For more information, visit the chorale website: www.centralkansasmasterchorale.org
Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is THIS WEEK — April 10 & 11 at the Kansas State Fair Grounds in Hutchinson. Come, bring your friends, and support the relief, development, and peace-building work of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) around the world.
· Calling all Zwieback bakers! We need 16 dozen more zwieback! See Esther or Elaine at the back of the sanctuary after worship today if you can bake several dozen in addition to what you’ve already signed up to make. MANY thanks to those who’ve agreed to make 35 pies, 49 dozen zwieback, 18 mini-pies, and other baked items.
· Reminder: We will transport items to the sale on Friday and early on Saturday morning. Bring plants inside the south entrance and baked items to the kitchen any time on Friday, and by 7:30 a.m. on Saturday.
· My Coins Count to help fund MCC education programs continues in the Gathering Place today — the last day to place your coins, bills, and checks in the jug. All the money we’ve collected so far will be taken to the sale on Friday.
· THANK YOU to the BCMC Sunday School classes who help underwrite KMRS costs. Thanks to generous donors, all expenses have now been covered. This means that ALL SALE PROCEEDS go directly to MCC programs.
· Donations! BCMC members have donated many items for the Quilt, Silent, General, and Children’s Auctions. Go to the KMRS website https://kansas.mccsale.org/auctions/ to view some of the auction items. Do you see something you would like to bid on?!
· Volunteers Needed: All hands on deck! The KS Mennonite Relief Sale is powered by over 1,000 volunteers each year, and there are still openings–big and small. Check out available positions at https://kansas.mccsale.org/volunteer/ and consider signing up for a slot or two. There is something for everyone!
· For more information:
–KMRS posterboard & table in the Gathering Place for Run for Relief forms,
the My Coins Count jug, urgent service opportunities and more.
— KMRS website: https://kansas.mccsale.org/
— BCMC liaisons: Steve & Elaine Schurr, Brad & Diane Born, and William &
Esther Kreider Eash.
Bethel College Announcements: (Krehbiel Auditorium is in the Luyken Fine Arts Center)
· Mon., Apr. 6: Bethel College will present its 2025 alumni awards in convocation, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Young Alumnus, Kristin E. Wedel ’08 (social work), Providence, R.I., a therapist with a particular interest in new parent issues; Outstanding Alumnus, Virgil Penner ’60 (industrial arts), North Newton, a long- time educator, coach, administrator and visual artist; Distinguished Achievement, Tim Wiens ’74 (social work), Silver Spring, Md., a health services administrator focused on the needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
· Now in the Regier Art Gallery, Fine Arts Center: annual Student Art Exhibit, featuring the work of students in Bethel College art classes, in various media, through Apr. 17. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Life Enrichment, for adults age 60 and older, meets Wednesday mornings in Krehbiel Auditorium. April 8 programs: 9:30 a.m., “Wichita Wildlife and Parks,” Jim Mason, retired biologist; [note change from printed program] 10:50 a.m., “Cars that Drove Me,” Mark Janzen, author.
· Fri., Apr. 10: Junior recital by Bethel College student Seth Balzer, brass, 7 p.m.
Krehbiel Auditorium
· Sat., Apr. 11: Senior recital by Bethel College student Caleb Koontz, piano,
4 p.m. Administration Building chapel
· Sat., Apr. 11: Senior recital by Bethel College student Caleb Garber, cello, 7 p.m.
Administration Building chapel
· Tues., Apr. 14:Faculty recital: Duo pianos, by Bethel College professor Dr. Christina Liu and guest Dr. Brett Janssen, Central Christian College/McPherson College, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· Weds., Apr. 15: Bethel College Orchestra concert, Kris Hilding, director, 7 p.m.
Krehbiel Auditorium
· Fri., April 17: Junior recital by Bethel College student Kyra Linenberger, voice, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Sat., April 18: Recital by Bethel College student Maira Abrile de Paiva, voice, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Sun., May 3: Masterworks concert at Bethel College,The Creation by Joseph Haydn
Friday Apr. 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. come join a relief kit packing event on behalf of Bethel College Service Club and Mennonite Central Committee at the MCC building, 121 E. 30th St., North Newton. There will be a meal of hotdogs and hamburgers along with some sides and desserts that will be paid for by donation (suggested amount $15). All donations go to MCC to make more relief kits! Bethel College’s Woven and Open Road will give a small concert during the time. Following the meal we will be packing relief kits with a goal of 500 kits! Come join us for an evening of singing and service! — Adah Hodge, Bethel College Service Club (See the church bulletin board for flyer and sign up sheet.)
BCMC Offering for Mar. 29: Gen. Fund $5,363; Wed. Supper $199; Plant Fund $50; Caring Fund $600; Library Reserve Fund $5; Kitchen Fund $16; Al Penner Mem. $200;
Barbara Soth Mem. $905.
Hesston College Announcements
Annual Juried Student Art Exhibit at Hesston College
The annual Hesston College Juried Student Art Exhibit will be open and available for viewing April 13 through May 1 in the Regier-Friesen Gallery located in Laban Peachey Center, 325 S College Drive, Hesston. A reception to celebrate the student artists and announce winners will take place April 15 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and admission is free.
Spring Community Day – April 18
Hesston College is rolling out the welcome mat for its Spring Community Day, and the entire community is invited! Join the campus community on Saturday, April 18, for an afternoon of Lark baseball, a Little Larks dance clinic performance, delicious food, free rally towels for the first 100 fans and a chance to connect with friends and neighbors. The baseball doubleheader begins at 1 p.m. at Oswald Field. Throughout the afternoon, fuel up with tasty eats from Meat Rubbers food truck and Salted Creamery handmade ice cream. For more information, visit hesston.edu/communityday.
Pen to Paper to Performance at Hesston College, May 1 and 2
Hesston College theatre’s playwriting festival is back, May 1 and 2 in Keim Center. “Pen to Paper to Performance” brings to life several winning 10-minute play submissions written by area playwrights and will be performed both nights at 7 p.m. A talk-back time with the playwrights will follow each performance. Tickets ($5/students, $10/adults and seniors) will be available at the door. For more information, visit hesston.edu/theatre.
From Mennonite Disaster Service press here
For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Today, we celebrate Easter and the hope brought by the risen Christ amid a world that seems more chaotic and destructive every day. Pray that God’s people would remember to be “Easter people” every day, displaying the love of Jesus through the everyday acts of seeking justice, doing service and hoping for a better future.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for Jesus’ resurrection power embodied in WDC congregations through acts of compassion and love, solidarity with those who suffer, and resistance to evil and oppression.
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.