BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
April 26, 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, April 26:
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/BHZU12s0acg?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 26, 2026
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—Kyrie from “Memorial” (René Clausen)
Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
Welcome & Prayer—Raylene Hinz-Penner
*Hymn—Summoned by the God Who Made Us—VT 1
Children and Youth Conversation—Esther Koontz
Worship Music—Hope of the World (arr.Carl Stapin)–Chancel Choir
Scripture Reading—Matthew 5:21-26—Dale Schrag
*Hymn—Gentle God, When We Are Driven—VT 150
Sermon—Leaving Our Gifts at the Altar—Rev. Dr. B. Cayce Ramey
*Hymn—Beloved, God’s Chosen—VT 164
Offering Invitation & Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Go Now in Peace, Worship Continues—VT 829
(Those with April birthdays please come forward during the hymn to receive your blessing)
*Birthday Blessing & Benediction—Nathan Koontz
Choral Benediction–The Lord Bless You and Keep You (Lutkin) [VT 846]
Postlude–Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (arr. R. Lau)–Will Wiebe-Friesen
*You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Will Wiebe=Friesen
Audio visual—Ben Lichti
Welcome Rev. Dr. B Cayce Ramey. Rev. Dr. Ramey facilitated the “Moving Toward Right Relations” held at BCMC this past Friday and Saturday. He is the Training Coordinator for the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery. He co-founded Racial Heresy with the Rev. Jabriel Ballentine, a ministry and podcast that challenges white supremacy and helps communities step into truth-telling and repair. Living on the homelands of the Piscataway people in Northern Virginia, Cayce leads pilgrimages to Ghana’s enslaver castles, where his own journey was transformed, and works with leaders across the U.S. to grow as change-makers for racial justice in the Church. An Episcopal priest, Cayce was charged with heresy for his public work on reparations and racial justice—an experience that deepened his commitment to embodying the Gospel’s call to justice. Before his ordination, he served as a Marine Corps officer, deploying in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He holds degrees from MIT, Virginia Theological Seminary, and Virginia Union University, where he earned a DMin studying sacramental theology and transatlantic slavery. Cayce is a writer, teacher, photographer, cyclist, husband, father, son, godfather, and friend. He co-hosts a podcast on racism and the Church and helps leaders use systems-focused tools to guide change in their own communities.
Sunday’s worship service includes two choral anthems with deep meanings. The text of Kyrie by René Clausen is derived from the mass and is a plea for God’s mercy on this world. This anthem is extracted from Calusen’s major work “Memorial,” written in tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks and all victims of violence. Our other anthem is a gem from the early 1980’s found hiding in BCMC’s choral music library, featuring a text by Georgia Harkness. Harkness was one of the first significant American female theologians who, earning her doctorate of divinity in 1923, was the first woman to earn a doctorate from Boston University. An advocate of social justice and women’s leadership roles in the church, it is largely thanks to Harkness’ efforts that women were awarded equal rights in the United Methodist Church in 1956.
For the Bethel College Mennonite Church Newsletter – press here
Printed copies of the newsletter are available in the Gathering Place
The Week at BCMC: April 26—May 3, 2026
Sunday, April , 2026
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Rev. Dr. B Cayce Ramey with Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery; music by Chancel Choir
YouTube Link for the worship service:
https://youtube.com/live/BHZU12s0acg?feature=share
4 p.m. Woven and Open Road Concert in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
11 a.m. Poems and Prayers Group—Chapel
12-1 p.m. Bethel College choir rehearsal in Sanctuary (also on Wed.,Thurs.,Fri.)
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
6:30-8:30 p.m. Conscientious Objector Resource Fair in Fellowship Hall
Faith Formation Commission is hosting a conscientious objector resource night (come and go as you like). This event is designed for young people, ages 16-25, who would consider claiming conscientious objector status if the draft were reinstated. We will have printed information, people available for consultation, and materials to begin a C.O. file. Participants are welcome to bring a tablet or laptop if they would like to write their C.O. statement on-site. Contact Pastor Joanna for more information.
6 p.m. Immigration Justice Task Force—Room 14
7 p.m. Senior High Youth Group—Room 24
Saturday, May 2, 2026
5-7 p.m. Newton Community Children’s Choir event in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, May 3, 2026
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader, Senior H.S. Recognition
Pastors Nathan and Joanna will be leading baptism exploration sessions with the high school youth during Wednesday night youth group (7 p.m.) May 6 and May 20. Any adults who would like to explore the possibility of baptism are invited to reach out to either Nathan or Joanna as well. Our church retreat and baptism at Camp Mennoscah has been moved from its usual time in May to Aug. 30.
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!
Vacation Bible School (VBS) will be Tuesday-Friday evenings May 26-29 from 5-7:30 p.m. at Bethel College Mennonite Church and May 31 Worship at 10 a.m. (in Athletic Park). Evening VBS is for any and all children who have just completed Preschool (Age 4) through 4th grade. VBS will conclude with a Sunday morning worship on May 31 for ALL ages beginning at 10 a.m. in Athletic Park (700 W 1st St, Newton), immediately followed by games & crafts, fellowship and a potluck lunch. Please register your child/ren online by May 4th using this link (or scan the QR code): https://forms.gle/8A7mo7dBEDuhSQ8a6 VBS is a joint venture of Bethel College Mennonite Church, Faith Mennonite Church, First Mennonite Church, Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania, New Creation Fellowship Church, and Shalom Mennonite Church.
Adults can join the fun! VBS volunteer forms are available at the back of the sanctuary. Please contact Jill Robb or Joanna Harader for more information.
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 BCMC financial report of the general fund income and expenses on March 31, 2026 (25% of the year) is listed below.
Total income $ 103,161 18% of budget
Total expense $ 131,979 23% of budget
Net income/expense -$ 28,817
BCMC Offering for Apr. 19: Gen. Fund $24,154.03; Caring Fund $200; Library Reserve Fund $5; Kitchen Fund $29.
Now that danger of frost is largely passed, tomato, pepper, and basil seedlings will be available in the south entrance of the church building on April 26th. There are some interesting varieties available chosen specifically for their tolerance of hot, humid summer weather. Proceeds will help fund a choral scholar program that provides BC students with a small stipend for participating in the BCMC Chancel Choir.
Camp Mennoscah, 9458 SE 40th St, Murdock, KS, 67111, is seeking a bookkeeper/reservation specialist. Experience with accounting/bookkeeping and general office duties is preferred. Must have good phone, people and email skills, along with strong organization. This position has potential to be part-or full-time. Candidate will also need to be able to pass a background check and have transportation to camp property. Some remote work could be available. If interested, send inquiries and resume to Olivia Bartel, olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org
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 Apr. 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.
Mennonite Central Committee Relief Sale Celebration: Join us for a special evening of fellowship and gratitude Fri., June 5, 6 p.m., at the Maynard Knepp and Carol Duerksen Farm, 1582 Falcon, Hillsboro, as we celebrate the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale! This celebration is a reflection on a very successful decade for KMRS. An Appreciation Dinner will be provided at no cost for all who volunteered, attended, and supported the Sale. Enjoy an evening of music and a special presentation to MCC. Please bring lawn chairs and RSVP to Barb at 620-543-6863 (call/text) or bj.reeves@live.com by May 18. We look forward to celebrating with you!
A 10-minute play of John J. Schrag’s refusal to buy war bonds in 1918 will be performed at the Hesston College Playwriting Festival May 1 and 2 at 7 p.m. One of the ten 10-minute plays selected for the festival is ‘To Be or Not To Be Lynched’ by Lois Preheim of BCMC. Students of Rachel Janzi, director of theater at Hesston College, will perform/produce the plays. The production is appropriate for ages 10 and up, but some topics may be heavier. There will be a talk back with the playwrights following the last performance each night. Tickets may be purchased at the door of Keim Center’s Black Box Theater 3015 S. Main Hesston. Admission is $5 for students and $10 for adults and seniors. Seating is limited.
The Bethel College Board of Directors invites you to a reception honoring Dr. Jon and Deborah Gering for their dedicated service to the College. As Bethel’s 15th president, Dr. Gering has led with vision and purpose, achieving an impressive array of accomplishments that have positioned the College for continued growth and success. We are grateful for the enthusiasm and tireless commitment he and Deborah have shared with the Bethel community. Please join us as we celebrate their legacy and leadership, Wednesday, May 6, 3–6 p.m. (Remarks at 4:30 p.m.) in the 1887 Café in the Schultz Student Center.
If you wish to send a personal note of appreciation and/or well wishes to Jon and Deborah, please submit your message to Rosa Barrera, Assistant to the President, by May 1. Submission options include: Email: rbarrera@bethelks.edu
Mail: Office of the President, Bethel College, 300 East 27th Street, North Newton, KS 67117
In person: Administration Building, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bluestem Communities hosts a summer Jr. Volunteer Program at Kidron Bethel Village and Schowalter Villa for youth ages 12 to 17. Spend your summer making intergenerational connections and serving seniors. The program runs from June 1 to July 24 on a flexible schedule that meets volunteer needs. Application is required and must be submitted by May 8. To receive an application, contact Volunteer@bluestem.org or 316-836-4821.
PLANNED GIVING SEMINAR Wed., Apr. 29, 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Newton Public Library. Hosted by the Newton, North Newton, Hesston and Halstead Community Foundations. A planned gift is more than a financial decision, it’s a lasting expression of what matters most to you. Through thoughtful estate planning, you can create permanent support for the causes and community you love. All are welcome to learn how a simple act of planning today can shape the future of your community for generations to come. Hear directly from trusted professionals and local neighbors who have already taken this meaningful step.
Greg Bontrager, Associate Director, Newton & North Newton Community Foundations, 400 S Main, Suite 100, Newton, KS 67114; 316-866-9801
| Lauren Friesen lecture |
| Lauren Friesen will present an illustrated lecture titled “American Playwright Eugene O’Neill: Rebel with a cause,” Thursday, April 30, at 6:30 p.m., at Newton Public Library, 223 E. 7th St. Lauren is retired theatre professor, the David M. French Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan, and a resident of Kidron Bethel Village and a Bethel College Mennonite Church member.The presentation is free and sponsored by the Newton Public Library. |
Bethel College Announcements: (Krehbiel Auditorium and the Regier Art Gallery are in the Luyken Fine Arts Center)
· Sun., Apr. 26: Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum, 3 p.m., with Dr. Prisca Barnes-Simmons, Wichita, founder of Storytime Village Inc., “The Dockum Drugstore Sit-In,” Kauffman Museum auditorium. This program was rescheduled from Feb. 8, and is in conjunction with the special exhibit “Voices of Conscience: Peace Witness in the Great War.”
· Sun., Apr. 26: Woven and Open Road joint concert, 4 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church
· Life Enrichment meets Wednesday mornings in Krehbiel Auditorium. April 29 programs: (final of the school year; note change from printed program) 9:30 a.m., “Walking through Greece on Paul’s Journeys,” Marcia Zuercher, history teacher; 10:50 a.m., “A Hint of Jazz,” piano duets by Dr. Christina Liu, Bethel College, and Dr. Brett Janssen, Central Christian College, McPherson.
· Weds., Apr. 29: Jazz on the Green at Bethel College, 7 p.m. (rain venue: Krehbiel Auditorium)
· Thurs., Apr. 30: Bethel College Voice Studio recital, Dr. Holly Swartzendruber, instructor, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Now in the Regier Art Gallery: Senior Art Exhibit II, featuring the work of Bethel College students Tre August, Nick Collins and Yuretzi Licea, through May 10, Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Sat., May 2: Kauffman Museum bird walk, 7 a.m., meet in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets (2801 N. Main St., North Newton. Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail.
· Sun., May 3: Bethel College Masterworks Concert, 4 p.m.: Haydn’s The Creation, Dr. Russell Adrian conducting, with mass choir, orchestra and soloists, and including presentation of the Erwin C. and Verna Kaufman Goering Music Award to Dr. Barbara Fast. Memorial Hall
· Sat., May 9 – Concert Choir Europe Tour Send-off Concert, 7 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church
You are invited to join the chorus for Bethel College’s annual Masterworks concert. Rehearsals are in the Ad Building chapel Tues., Apr. 21 (7-9 p.m.), Mon., Apr.27 (7-9 p.m.), Tues., Apr. 28 (7-9 p.m.), Fri., May 1 (7-9:30 p.m.), with orchestra) and Sat., May 2, 3-5:30 p.m. (dress rehearsal). Scores are provided. For more information, see bethelks.edu/masterworks/
You are invited to a Peace Connections Donor Appreciation Come & Go Event, Fri., May 1, 9:30—11 a.m., at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, 177 W. Hickory, Hesston, KS. Enjoy the melodies of Handpan Dan, brunch and organizational updates throughout. RSVPs are encouraged: 316-2834-0000
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Mennonite Mission Network “News from around the world” press here
Mennonite Women USA “Women’s Voices” press here
Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
Just Peace Pilgrimages — South Africa Racial Justice Pilgrimage
Hosted by Iziko Lamaqabane — This South African solidarity learning pilgrimage will explore the long history and legacy of settler colonialism and apartheid, which was an unjust socio-political policy that fostered racial segregation. The pilgrimage will focus on the social constructs created around race, land dispossession and how they so thoroughly defined, and continue to define, South African society. Join Mission Network’s director for Africa and Europe Sibonokuhle Ncube and former executive director Stanley Green on this pilgrimage!
Dates: September 9-22; the optional safari extends the trip by 3 days.
Registration deadline: July 15
Contact Stephanie Weaver at StephanieW@MennoniteMission.net or visit MennoniteMission.net/JustPeace to learn more!
Volunteer at KIPCOR by pressing here
| Dear Bethel College Mennonite, During a time in our country where there is increasing division and violence, how should we faithfully respond? Join Mennonite Central Committee U.S., in partnership with Mennonite Action, September 3-7 in the Chicago areato dive deeper into Anabaptist traditions of nonviolent resistance and to learn how to embody these practices in our current social context. During Faith in Action Peace Camp, we will hear from MCC partners and local leaders who have lived out their faith while standing in solidarity with communities most vulnerable to violence. |
| During the camp we will explore:Theological grounding for activism and nonviolenceHistory of peace movements around the worldStories from Chicago partners practicing nonviolence during immigration raidsHow to be trauma informed in this workPeace 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 for this exciting and timely experience. MCC covers all costs of travel (does not include airfare outside of the U.S. and Canada), lodging and meals beyond the $250 registration fee.Please reach out with any questions or concerns. Otherwise, head over to our website to apply by June 21. Don’t miss the incredible opportunity to put theory into practice!Warmest regards, Nathan Toews Peace Education Coordinator MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries |
From Mennonite Church USA
In “Making peace in your town,” Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, Mennonite Church USA’s denominational minister of Peace & Justice, shares how two congregations model Anabaptist peacemaking through disaster response, immigrant solidarity and hands-on community ministry rooted in Jesus’ call to justice-centered peace. This article first appeared in the spring 2026 issue of MennoMedia’s Leader magazine. Read it here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/making-peace-in-your-town/
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Laura and Nick Sharp, and their two children, are nearing the end of their one-year service term in La Mesa, Colombia, where they offer educational support at the Colegio Americano Menno. Pray that they are able use these final two months in Colombia to continue the relationships they have built, while also preparing themselves and the children they help teach for their inevitable good-byes.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for renewal, courage, and new life in our church planting efforts as we celebrate the resurrection. -WDC Church Planting Commission
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.