BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
July 12, 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, July 12:
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/_Z0td2AMuvU?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 12, 2026
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—Prairie Sunrise (Leavitt)—Kathleen Rich
Welcome and Opening Prayer—Bill Braun
*Hymn—Come Away from Rush and Hurry—VT 9
Children and Youth Conversation—Kathy Stucky
Worship Music—Prayer (Bloch)—Carolyn Rich Voth with Kathleen Rich
Scripture Reading—Genesis 25:19-34—Megan Leary
*Hymn—Precious Lord, Take My Hand—VT 610
Sermon—Taking Advantage—Joanna Harader
*Hymn—Come, Ye Disconsolate—VT 643
Receiving the Offering and Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—In Thee Is Gladness—VT 666
*Benediction
Postlude—All Things Bright and Beautiful (arr. Carter)–Kathleen Rich
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard–Kathleen Rich
Audio visual—Ken Lamp
Music Note: Ernest Bloch (1880-1959) was a Swiss-born Jewish American composer. “Prayer” is from his three movement work, “From Jewish Life,” and is inspired by prayers of petition within traditional Ashkenazi synagogues. The modal tonality imitates a cantor’s voice. — Carolyn Rich Voth
The Week at BCMC: July 12—19, 2026
Sunday, July 12—Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader
Livestream Link: https://youtube.com/live/_Z0td2AMuvU?feature=share
Tuesday, July 14
12 noon Mid-Kansas Investment Club meets in Fellowship Hall
Thursday, July 17 & Friday, July 18—Pastor Joanna will be out of the office
Sunday, July 19 9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Rebecca Schloneger
Pastor Nathan will be on vacation from July 13 to August 3.
We offer sympathy to Gwen Mattice, Paul Harms, Doug Harms, and Dawn Yoder Harms on the death of John Mattice, June 30, in Grand Marais, MN. John was the husband of Paul’s daughter, (Doug’s sister), Gwen Mattice.
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 Intrepid Brass, a brass quintet from Wichita.
BCMC Offering for July 5: Gen. Fund $6,476; Library Reserve Fund $27; Kitchen Fund $9; Solar Fund $300.
Pastor Nathan will be on vacation from July 13 through August 3.
Pastor Joanna will be on retreat from July 22 through July 27.
International Students at Bethel College Request help to fill gift baskets for new international students
Dear Friends of Bethel,For decades, Bethel College has been a home away from home for students from around the world. While studying in a new country is exciting, arriving in the United States also brings many challenges. New international students must adjust to a new culture, college life, and life far from family—often with only a few personal belongings.
You can help make that transition a little easier.
The International Students Club has created a registry of essential items to help welcome new international students and provide some of the everyday necessities they’ll need during their first weeks at Bethel. These items will be included in welcome baskets to help students feel cared for and at home from the moment they arrive.
You can view the registry here. Purchased items can be shipped to:
Bethel College
300 E. 27th St.
North Newton, KS 67117
Attn: Karin Kaufman Wall, International Students Club AdvisorItems may also be dropped off at the Leisy House (24th & College Ave).
Please mark any purchased items on the gift registry so we can keep track of what is still needed. If you would prefer to give financially, donations may be made to Bethel College with “International Students Fund” in the memo line.
Thank you for helping create a warm and welcoming beginning for our newest international students. Every gift—whether large or small—helps students feel supported and reminds them that they are already part of the Bethel community.
With gratitude,
The International Students Club
Elena Jugović
Co-President
International Students Club
We are seeking delegates from Bethel College Mennonite Church to attend the Western District Conference Annual Assembly, August 7-9, in Dallas TX. This is an important time for us to form connections with the broader church as we pray, learn, and worship together! For those unable to make the trip, there is also an option to participate virtually. If you are interested in serving as a delegate, please contact Pastor Joanna or a member of the Gifts Discernment Committee (Dale Schrag, Barb Koontz, Dorothy Nickel Friesen).
Western District Conference Annual Assembly – Registration is now open! Please register by July 26! Visit our Assembly webpage to learn more about Assembly at https://mennowdc.org/2026-annual-assembly/ It is up to registrants to make their own lodging arrangements. The reservation deadline for WDC’s block of rooms is July 24 so move fast to make your reservation! Join us at Iglesia Luz del Evangelio, Dallas, TX August 7-9, 2026.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Pastors’ note about changes in bulletin announcements:
Based on feedback from church members and visitors, we are experimenting with a reduced bulletin announcement format this summer. We will eliminate the announcement insert and include as many Bethel College Mennonite Church announcements in the bulletin as space allows. Priority will be given to announcements that are new and those pertaining to events that will occur in the coming week. Announcements from other organizations (Western District Conference, Mennonite Mission Network, etc.) and overflow BCMC announcements will still be included in the weekly email and will be available in a printed handout available at the back of the sanctuary each Sunday. Pastors Joanna and Nathan welcome your feedback about this change.
BCMC Library Announcements
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.
The library’s loss is your gain. We have weeded books out of the library that don’t fit our needs anymore. They are on the top shelf of the cart outside of the library. Please help yourself and add a donation of your choice to the envelope provided on the right. (This helps fund our online catalog!) Happy Summer Reading!
The Worship Commission is planning for a hymn sing service on July 26. If you have a hymn request, you can send it to Pastor Joanna by July 13. Please include a sentence or two about why you appreciate the requested hymn.
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.
Fri., July 17: The Bethel College alumni office invites alumni and friends to a cookout (hamburgers, hot dogs, sides, fixings, beverages and homemade ice cream; vegetarian and gluten-free options available), 6-8 p.m., around the Friesen fountain on the campus Green. There will also be live music by Jesse Graber, Ben Regier and Erin Mae. This free event is a welcome to campus for Interim President Wynn Goering, with remarks from him and others at 7 p.m. There will be a few tables and chairs on-site, but you’re welcome to bring your own lawn chairs and blankets, along with yard games to share (a few will be available).
Sun., July 26: Premiere of the Kauffman museum short video on the “Unlocking the Past” exhibit, 3 p.m., museum auditorium. David Kreider and Kristine Schmucker will introduce the video and mini-exhibit of artifacts not on permanent display, which focus on the “Unlocking the Past” exhibition, on display in 2024-25 and sparked by the 150th anniversary of the 1874 migration of Mennonites from the Russian Empire to the Great Plains of the United States.
Buhler Mennonite Church & Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church invite local farmers and ag professionals to a Gathering for Farmers, Ranchers and the Ag Community Fri., July 31 at Hilton Garden Inn, Hutchinson; 8:30 a.m. is coffee and donuts and 9 a.m.—1 p.m. is the Program and Lunch. Soil & Soul brings together the people who support agriculture every day to strengthen relationships, share resources, and build support systems that help producers thrive. As the first in a two-part series, this gathering is designed for agriculture’s “front-line” professionals – bankers, lenders, implement dealers, agronomists, veterinarians, insurance and Co-op employees, healthcare providers, congregation members, and others who work closely with producers. Through shared conversation, learning, connection, and a meal, we hope to build understanding around stress and well-being while strengthening a more supportive ag community. A larger, producer-focused event will follow on Nov. 14, 2026. We hope you join us in July! For more information contact bmcpastor@gmail.com or 620-899-8918
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Announcements
Mennonite Central Committee’s School Kit Challenge is back. Join the 2026 School Kit Challenge and help MCC provide 30,000 school kits for 30,000 kids this summer. School kits provide access and essential supplies to children and families navigating war, displacement or financial struggles. MCC is collecting school kits from June through August. Look for School Kit Challenge signs when you drop kits off at MCC so staff can be sure to get your kits counted! To learn more about this challenge and to download a free activity guide, visit mcc.org/school-kit-challenge. Questions? Contact brociamueller@mcc.org or 316-836-5045. Kits can be dropped off at MCC Central States, 121 E. 30th in North Newton, KS.
MCC Grandparent Days, July 13 & 14, 9:30-11:30 a.m. each day. Gather your grandchild(ren) to pack MCC school kits at the Material Resources Center in North Newton. You’ll be helping MCC reach our 2026 School Kit Challenge goal of 30,000 school kits this summer! There is more information at mcc.org/grandparent-days or you can contact brociamueller@mcc.org or call her at 316.836.5045.
Colorado peaches are coming! Palisade peaches from western Colorado are available for pre-order. Two sizes available: 9 lb. for $31 and 18 lb. for $43. An additional $1 per box has been added as fuel expenses will be higher this summer. All orders must be received and paid in full by July 15. No orders will be accepted after this date. Place orders by emailing the MCC Central States Office at patsydirksen@mcc.org or calling 316-283-2720. Cash and checks are accepted. Make checks payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “peaches” in the memo line. Send payments to MCC, PO Box 235, North Newton KS 67117 or drop off at the MCC office, 121 East 30th, North Newton. Estimated pick-up date is Mon., Aug. 10 at the MCC warehouse. This date will be confirmed later in July. Beth-El Mennonite Church in Colorado Springs sells the peaches as a fundraiser for bierocks ingredients that are sold at the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale, Oct. 17 in Castle Rock, CO.
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN for the annual Mennonite Women in Mission Womens & Girls (ages 8 – high school) Retreat at Camp Mennoscah on September 12-13. Forms are available on the website for printing for mail in registration, although online is preferred and easy! Detailed schedule information and registration is at www.mennonitewomeninmission.org. Retreat starts at 10 a.m. Saturday with SoulCollage™ with Elizabeth Eells, comforter tying for MCC, and the Faith & Life bookstore open. The retreat theme is “My Time is in Your Hands” with session speakers Melissa Atchison & Audrey Ratzlaff. Girls leaders are Schyler Entz and Emily Brandt with an additional girls tie dye bandana session with Marla Sawatzky Rowe. Come join us for fun, fellowship, and inspiration! Questions? Email mennonitewomeninmission@gmail.com.
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network “Statement on Community” press here
For Paris Mennonite Center Update press here
For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here
Just Peace Pilgrimages — South Africa Racial Justice
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.
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/JustPeac
From Mennonite Church USA
MC USA Executive Director Glen Guyton shares insights from the “Reimagining MC USA” process in his recent Menno Snapshots blog. He explores how MC USA can faithfully adapt its structures, leadership and connections to serve the church and the world in 2040. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/reimagining-mc-usa-for-2040/
The executive committees of Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada gathered in Ontario for a Joint Executive Committee meeting this spring. Read about the meeting here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/joint-executive-committee-ontario/
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for health and safety for families with children and youth in WDC congregations, as they enjoy vacations, attend camps or other special events, and manage changing schedules during the summer months.
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Kalonda Bible Institute is a seminary that trains Mennonite pastors in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As their academic year ends this week, pray for the graduates returning to their home communities and stepping into new positions of leadership. Pray also that the school will be able to raise enough funds to pay their professors’ salaries and provide scholarships for students next school year.
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.