BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
June 7, 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, June 7:
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/TFgf7vSxE5A?feature=share
Sunday, June 7, will be a last chance for feedback about changing the order of Worship and Sunday School. For those not currently affiliated with a Sunday School class, a board member will be in the chapel for the first 15 minutes (or longer, if needed) of the SS hour to visit about this. Comments and questions can also be left with any board member. The board will meet June 11 to discuss feedback on this possible change. For the BCMC Board -Margaret Toews
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
June 7, 2026
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—The Call (Raymond Weidner)
Ken Rodgers, organ
Land Acknowledgement, Welcome & Prayer—Lauren Friesen
*Hymn—Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee—VT 103
Children and Youth Conversation—Judy Harder
*Hymn—There Is a Line of Women—VT 546
Scripture Reading—Genesis 18:1-15— Mary Jane Waltner
*Hymn—The God of Sarah Praise—VT 190
Scripture Reading—Genesis 21:1-7
Sermon—The Laughter—Nathan Koontz
*Hymn—I Come with Joy— VT 478
Offering Invitation & Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—How Many Times We Start Again—VT 553
*Benediction
Postlude–Postscript on a Hymn Tune (Gilbert Martin)–Ken Rodger, organ
*You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Ken Rodgers
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
| Decolonizing 250 Years of America Reckoning with Our Past and Weaving a Collective Future As we continue to explore what it means to ‘celebrate’ 250 years of the Declaration of Independence on colonized land, and how we can counteract the message of Christian Nationalism, we invite you to attend our Decolonizing 250 Years of America webinar in June. Join us June 8, 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET for a panel discussion led by the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery’s Executive Director, Sarah Augustine, featuring Diane Schenandoah (Oneida/Haudenosaunee Confederacy), Mark Charles (Navajo/Diné), and Asma Uddin. Together, we will reckon with the legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery, explore the Indigenous roots of democracy, and envision a future where “we the people” means ALL the people. Register with the zoom link. This webinar is sponsored by the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, Mennonite Church USA, and St. Stephen’s University. From Raylene Penner, Indigenous Justice Task Force Register for the zoom link |
The Week at BCMC: June 7—14, 2026
Sunday, June 7, 2026
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz
YouTube Link for the worship service:
https://youtube.com/live/TFgf7vSxE5A?feature=share
Monday, June 8, 2026—Church office will be closed
5:30 p.m. Hospitality Commission—Rm 14
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
2 p.m. Facilities Committee—Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
7 p.m. Youth Group
Thursday, June 11, 2026
7 p.m. Church Board—Room 14
Sunday, June 14, 2026
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Peter Goerzen; Welcome new members
Pastor Joanna Harader is on vacation until June 17.
BCMC Announcements
June is Pride month! Newton Pride is hosting Popsicles in the Park on Sunday, June 28, from 2-5 p.m. at Athletic Park. Come join the celebration!
The Worship Commission is planning for a hymn sing service on July 26. If you have a hymn request, send it to Pastor Joanna by July 13. Please include a sentence or two about why you appreciate the requested hymn.
This Summer share your love of reading by recommending a book you’ve checked out of our library. Blank recommendation forms are available at the checkout desk. Your short review will be attached to the book and featured on a table outside the library to entice other readers.
Tamales! Tamales! And you help raise money for Casa Betania!
Casa Betania is making tamales oaxequenos to raise money to go to the Western District Conference assembly in Dallas, as well as meet other needs of the congregation. The platano leaf and other spices make these different from typical Mexican tamales. Only pork tamales will be available. If interested in purchasing, please place orders by Monday morning, June 8. Preferred minimum donation of $30 per dozen, or $2.50 per tamale. Make checks payable to Casa Betania. Tamales may be picked up in the BCMC kitchen after church Sunday, June 14. If you are unable to pick up your tamales Sunday morning, they will be put in the freezer, and you may pick them up at your convenience. A basket will be left in the kitchen for you to make payment. Thank you for your support of Casa Betania. Please place orders with Wes Schmidt-Tieszen, preferably by email: wesschm@gmail.com or, text/phone (316) 288-3341.
BCMC Church Board/Commission/Committee lists are posted on the front page of the BCMC website. Copies also available at the back of the sanctuary. For a pdf click here.
BCMC Offering for May 31: Gen. Fund $885; Plant Fund $50; VBS Fund $615.51; Don Harrold Mem. $190; Jack Brubacher Mem. $375.
Upcoming BCMC Memorial Services:
· June 19, 3 p.m.: Memorial Service for Marles Preheim. Marles died May 5.
· June 20, 11 a.m.: Memorial Service for LaVern Stucky. LaVern died Sept. 29, 2025.
Save the Date for a Brass and Organ Concert on July 29, 7 p.m. at BCMC. The concert will feature Christopher Shaw at the organ and the brass quintet from Wichita, Intrepid Brass. From the Intrepid Brass website: “INTREPID BRASS is an incredibly versatile organization of brass and percussion musicians serving communities in and around the greater Wichita area.”
BCMC Prayer Network: The Prayer Network is an email-based prayer network comprised of Deacon Commission members and BCMC congregants.
Participants make a one-year commitment to this prayer ministry which is coordinated by Pastors and the Office and Facilities Manager. Pastors respond to prayer requests and determine when and how these requests are distributed. Specific prayer requests are shared only with the permission of the person(s) involved. If you would like to join the BCMC prayer network, please email your interest to office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. Thanks to all who serve BCMC in the Prayer Network.
Dear BCMC congregation, A note of thanks to you for your generosity when called to “donate to the BCMC Fishbowl Caring Fund” a few times a year. The Caring Fund is an above budget fundraiser to assist those in our local and extended community with financial assistance. During our last Caring Fund drive, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday a total of $1640 was donated. Thanksgiving is another “Fishbowl Caring fund opportunity”. Donations are accepted all year long. Agencies and organizations which have benefitted in the past: New Hope Shelter; Community Playschool; Harvest of Love; Peace Connections; Newton Community (Accessible Playground Project) Foundation; USD 373 School Lunch Program; USD 373 Social Workers and Counselors; individuals and families in our congregation. (From the Deacon Commission)
If your child will be attending camp this summer, Faith Formation would like to support them in two ways. As a congregation we would like to know when your child is at camp so mail can be sent to them at camp. We would also like to know in regards to providing a church scholarship to help offset some of the cost of the camping week. Email Jill Robb: jill@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org.
BCMC has a church bench (pew) available. You may have it for your very own. The bench is located in the chapel and is 6 ft.6 in. You will have to make arrangements to remove the bench. Come take a look.
Community Playschool, Inc. has recently completed our 60th school year! We commemorated this monumental occasion with a celebration in April. One of the highlights was the unveiling of a mural containing the names of over 1800 children who have attended the school in these 60 years. So many individual lives and families have been touched by this outreach! It is currently on display in the Gathering Place here at BCMC. It will travel to the other sponsoring churches and then return here to be displayed in our hallway. Fifteen children of the Newton community participated in the program this year at a minimal cost to their families, thanks to five area sponsoring churches. We again want to thank Bethel College Mennonite Church for being one of those supporting churches. You graciously offer a yearly monetary donation, the use of the facilities, secretarial and custodial services, and a welcoming attitude toward our program. We want to acknowledge the service of Cliff Dick as BCMC’s representative to our board, again, capably serving as treasurer. We are grateful to Barb Voran-teacher, Carolyn Penner and Cliff Dick-helpers, Stahli Claassen-snacks/miscellaneous, Cynthia Linscheid-substitute, and Monica Lichti and Marlin Lichti for the part each of them plays in the success of our organization housed here at BCMC! We would be happy to talk to anyone about the opportunities we have for your involvement with this program. If you have any interest in volunteering with the children or providing your individual financial support for our scholarship program, please contact us at cplayschool@gmail.com. We solicit your prayers and continued support for the future of our organization. With gratitude, Co-Directors, Kasey Newell and Jeanette Leary
Community Announcements
The Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Summer Chamber concert is Sunday June 7, 3 p.m. in the Hesston Mennonite Church. A flute quartet, woodwind trio, wind sextet, and brass quintet play works by Barber, Mozart, Weber and Castérède. 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/
Mennonite Central Committee Mini Blitz, Fri., June 26 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat., June 27 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at MCC Central States, 121 E. 30th St., North Newton. Bring a friend, grandkids or come and meet new friends! If you can tie a knot, you can help complete comforters, no sewing required. Bring a snack to share and your own sack lunch for Friday. Contact brociamueller@mcc.org or find out more at mcc.org/mini-blitz.
The first-ever NAMIWalks Mid-Kansas Event is Sat., June 13 in Hesston, an event to raise awareness, support mental health, and remind others they are not alone. Proceeds help fund free, local programs through NAMI Kansas. NAMIWalks is NAMI’s (National Alliance on Mental Illness) major fundraiser of the year. Registration and check-in opens at 9 a.m. at Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 S. Main. The 1.4 mile walk around the Hesston College Campus will begin at 10 am. Please consider a donation to this vital organization. If you prefer to donate by check, make it payable to NAMI Mid-Kansas. You may donate securely and register online by using the link namiwalks.org/midkansas.
Contact Deb Penner, NAMIWalks Mid-Kansas Walk Manager, at 316-288-0354 or 620-869-1143 with questions.
Bethel College Announcements:
· Fri., June 12: The Bethel College alumni office is sponsoring a World Cup soccer-watching party, U.S. vs. Paraguay, on the campus Green (rain location: 1887 Café in Schultz Student Center). Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase starting at 7 p.m.; kickoff is at 8 p.m. Bring your own blankets or lawn chairs.
· Bethel College’s Host Family Program is looking for local individuals and families who would enjoy offering friendship, encouragement and a sense of connection to Bethel students who are far from home. Being a host family does not require housing a student — support can be as simple as inviting a student for a home-cooked meal, delivering homemade cookies, offering a ride to the store or sending a quick text to check in. It’s a meaningful way to extend hospitality, build relationships across cultures and generations and help students feel at home in our community. To learn more or sign up—www.bethelks.edu/host-family-program/ or email karinkw@bethelks.edu
· Bethel College is hosting the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps, a top-tier competitive drum corps, on campus through July 7. About 170 musicians and 40-50 staff are spending 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, rehearsing and putting their program together. They will give a free performance on July 4 in Thresher Stadium, with details to be announced later.
Mennonite Central Committee Immigration Learning Tour, Nov. 1-6 – Sign up for this immigration focused learning tour in South Texas and Mexico. This tour will focus on education related to a range of matters surrounding immigration, detention and death at the U.S./Mexico border by giving you the opportunity to engage directly with MCC partners who are leading immigration work in the region. Contact abrahamdiazalonso@mcc.org with questions and sign up online at mcc.org/tx-immigration-learning-tour!
Summer Theatre Camp at Hesston College
Student actors from ages 11 to 18 are invited to join Hesston College Performing Arts for their 11th annual summer theatre camp, June 21 to 27. The weeklong theatre immersion will culminate in a public performance of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” on June 27. Campers will have the opportunity to work closely with Hesston College faculty and performance professionals as they receive training in acting, voice, dance and tech. Theatre camp registration is $350 per person and includes lodging and meals for seven days and six nights, or $300 for day camp only. A discount is available for families registering more than one student. Those interested can visit hesston.edu/theatrecamp for details and to register online. Registration is due June 19.
Other Announcements from Church Conferences, etc.
From Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp
See The Latest RMMC News & Stories
Take a look at the latest/greatest happenings here at RMMC. This information can be viewed on:
- RMMC Web Page – News & Stories (under “About Us”)
- RMMC Facebook Page
- RMMC Instagram Page
The summer camping season is here! We kicked off the season with Colorado Roots Music Camp while our Summer Staff are getting their orientation training!
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here.
| Mobilize for peace with usMennonite Mission Network places volunteers in 177 placements — from local communities across the street to countries around the world — to share the peace of Christ with all people. Now we need your help. By donating to the Mennonite Mission Network Fund, you can help equip more workers, strengthen more communities, and expand the reach of Christ’s peace. Will you join us? Visit MennoniteMission.net/Mobilize today and help us reach our goal of $350,000. |
| Just Peace Pilgrimages — South Africa Racial JusticeHosted by Iziko Lamaqabane – a faith informed support center for peace and justice practitioners. Led by Mission Network Regional Director for Africa and Europe Sibonokuhle Ncube and Executive Conference Minister of Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference. Join a transformative journey to engage social constructs created around race, land dispossession and how they so thoroughly defined, and continue to define, South African society. Dates: September 8-22 (optional safari extends the trip by 3 days) Registration deadline: July 15 Contact: Stephanie Weaver, StephanieW@MennoniteMission.net Learn more and register: MennoniteMission.net/JustPeace |
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here.
For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here.
From Mennonite Church USA
One of the ways that Mennonite Church USA creates and nurtures missional peace churches is through church planting. MC USA helps support church plants through the Thrive: Church Planting Grant, a renewable $5,000 annual grant. Learn more and apply by July 31 here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/thrivegrant
Ten Hispanic students, all active pastors, were the first cohort to graduate from the new Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies program offered by Hispanic Ministries of Mennonite Church USA and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/first-cohort-graduates/
| 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 |
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Laura and Nick Sharp, and their two children, are nearing the end of their time in Colombia. Pray for this family as they navigate the difficulties of leaving behind the friends and culture they have grown to love, while also eagerly anticipating being reunited with their friends, family and home in Kansas.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC’s ministry partner Camp Mennoscah and for all the children, youth, volunteers and camp staff who will participate in summer camp, that they may experience renewal and joy as they connect with others, with God and with God’s creation.
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.