BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
September 27, 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, September 27:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20 a.m. go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurc
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/
To donate to BCMC go to the website: bethelcollegemennonitechurch.
BCMC Offering for September 20: Gen. Fund $17,390; Sr Hi Youth $2,450.55; Caring Fund $500; Kitchen Fund $14; Library Reserve Fund $100; Women’s Fellowship $290; Solar Fund $300.
The Finance Committee offers gratitude for the generosity shared in donating monetary offerings toward our annual budget. Each gift is important to the process of fulfilling our mission. The following is a BCMC financial report of the general fund income and expenses on Aug. 31 (66.7% of the year).
Total income $343,056 (59% of budget)
Total expense $336,303 (58% of budget) Net income $6,753
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 27, 2026
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—Kyrie (Byrd)— Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
Welcome and Opening Prayer—Bill Braun
*Hymn—We Are People of God’s Peace— VT 797
Children and Youth Conversation—Kathy Stucky
Worship Music—Fairest Lord Jesus—(Hakes)—Chancel Choir
Scripture Reading—2 Corinthians 5:17-20—VT 785—Steve Stucky
*Hymn—New Earth, Heavens New—VT 377
Scripture Reading—Luke 6:12-13—Steve Stucky
Sermon— Anabaptist Identity: Behaving & Being—Joanna Harader
*Hymn—Be a Sower—VT 789
Receiving the Offering and Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Go, My Friends, in Grace—VT 810
[Those with September birthdays are welcome to come forward during this hymn to receive a birthday blessing.]
*Benediction
Postlude— As the Waters Rise Around Us [VT 708] (arr. J.W. Kerr)—Will Wiebe-Friesen
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ben Lichti
The Week at BCMC: September 27—October 4 , 2026
Sunday, September 27—Anabaptist Identity: Reconciliation Is the Center of Our Work
Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/
Monday, September 28
10 a.m. Library Committee meeting in Room 14
Tuesday, September 29
11 a.m. Poems & Prayer in the Chapel
Wednesday, September 30
7 p.m. Youth Group
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, October 1
11 a.m. Revelation Study in the Chapel
6 p.m Chancel Bells rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m. Church Board meeting in Room 14
Friday, October 2
5:30 p.m. Wedding Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Saturday, October 3
3 p.m. Wedding in Sanctuary
Sunday, October 4— Anabaptist Identity: World Communion
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Bells
10:45 a.m. Safe Sanctuary Training—Sanctuary
Open Table and Wednesday Evening Suppers Announcement
Everyone is invited to join us for our next Open Table on Wed., Oct. 14, at 6 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall. We will have a pizza supper and then an interactive, all-age, Bible study as we continue exploring the monsters of the Bible.
Our Wednesday Suppers will begin on Oct. 21 and continue for five weeks–through Nov. 18. All are invited to come at 6 p.m. for fellowship and a meal provided by Brenda Turner and Ben Lichti. There are no programs planned for after the meals except for the meal on Nov. 11, which will be followed by our Open Table all-age Bible study. There is no charge to attend the Wednesday evening meals. Financial contributions toward meal costs are welcome and appreciated.
At our September 20 congregation meeting, the Board sought input from the congregation related to audio-visual updates we are considering for the sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, and possibly other areas of the church. The poll taken at the meeting indicated that 64 people were in favor of proceeding while 29 people had significant reservations about the project. The board appreciates people’s willingness to engage in this important conversation about our AV needs and will continue to communicate with the congregation about the status of the project.
All volunteers who work with children and/or youth at BCMC should plan to attend one of two Safe Sanctuary workshops: Sunday, October 4, during the Sunday School hour OR Wednesday, October 7, at 6:30 p.m. (before choir). These trainings are important for our church’s efforts to be a survivor-centered community that provides a physically and emotionally safe environment for all ages. Thank you for your faithfulness in nurturing our young people. Contact Brad Kohlman or Joanna Harader with questions.
Music Events in the Area
The Central Kansas Master Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Joel Garber, will present a Choral Festival concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 4. Please join us for this special event held at Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 S Main St, Hesston, KS. Admission is free, donations accepted. For more information, visit the chorale website at www.
The Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra opens its 70th Season with the Fall Classics Concert Sunday, Oct. 11 at 4:00 p.m. in Bethel College Memorial Hall. The NHS Orchestra joins NMKSO on selections from Ravel’s “Mother Goose Suite” and Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite.” Also featured is Carlos Simon’s “Tales: A Folk Symphony.” Tickets: Adults $15-20, Students $7, available at Faith and Life Bookstore and online at www.nmkso.org
BETHEL COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS
The International Students Club Curry Booth is returning to Fall Fest, and you can help make it a welcoming experience for Bethel’s international students! Consider preparing a batch of curry or dal. Funds raised through the booth support the International Students Club in creating opportunities for international students to connect, build community and share their cultures at Bethel.
Both recipes can be prepared ahead of time and should be brought to 1887 Café by 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. When you click the link below (grasshopper signup) there is a link to the recipes.
Sign up: https://grasshoppersignup.com/
Life Enrichment, the series at Bethel College for adults age 60 and older, meets most Wednesday mornings during the school year in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. This week’s programs (Sept. 30): 9:30 a.m., “Wichita’s Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Program,” Shawn Maloney; 10:50 a.m., “Empowering Projects for International Cooperation,” Paul and Mary McKay. Details here, along with a link to the complete fall schedule.
Thurs., Oct. 1: Bethel College Wind Ensemble concert, Dr. Jonathan Poquette, director, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
The Kauffman Museum “first-Saturday” bird walk will be held Oct. 17, during Fall Fest.
Now in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “This is Bob: Student, Teacher, Artist,” a career-spanning review of work by Bob Regier, through Oct. 17. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
Bethel College’s 2026 Fall Fest is Oct. 14-18, with most activities taking place Saturday, Oct. 17, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football (Bethel vs. Tabor), the musical The Spitfire Grill by James Valcq and Fred Alley, and a 75th-anniversary celebration of the Bethel-Wuppertal student exchange. See the complete schedule here.
Fall Fest is coming and Bethel College Women’s Association welcomes donations of homemade peppernuts, whole fruit pies, poppyseed rolls, zwieback, cinnamon rolls and other home-made goodies. We are happy to have donated craft items to sell as well. We would also welcome help staffing the Market in the Round, located in the Luyken Fine Arts Center. If you would like to volunteer or have questions about donations, please contact Valerie Klaassen at jvklaassen@gmail.com. Donated baked and craft items can be brought to Luyken Fine Arts Center music library on Friday, October 16, between 1 and 5 pm or on Saturday, October 17, between 7 and 9 am.
CAMP MENNOSCAH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank you to the Women and Girls Retreat for visiting Camp Mennoscah this past weekend! Your generous donations to Camp Mennoscah’s ministry are much appreciated. We look forward to seeing you again next year!
Still space at the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat on October 2-4! Depending on the number of attendees, lodging and cropping will be in the Retreat Center and, with larger numbers, cropping/crafting will move to the Main Camp dining hall. Single rooms are available for a limited number of people and will be assigned 2 weeks before the retreat date. Space heaters (or fans) will be available for the dining hall, if used, since the dining hall HVAC will not be repaired by the beginning of the retreat. Register here! (https://campmennoscah.
Dam removal on October 18 at 2:30pm! Spectators and helpers are welcome. This task involves heavy boards and rushing water, so younger ages should plan on watching the process, not helping. Wear appropriate clothing for the task and weather. Watch Facebook for any changes or text/call 316-293-7313.
Camp Mennoscah will have a booth at Bethel College’s Fall Fest, October 17, through mid-afternoon. There will be a silent auction for a Camp Mennoscah tee shirt (tied) comforter. Timothy Schrag, the new Development Director, will also be there to meet you.
HESSTON COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS
| “Section Selections” quilt exhibit opens at Hesston College A quilt exhibit titled “Section Selections” will be featured in the Regier-Friesen Gallery located in Hesston College’s Laban Peachey Center (325 S. College Dr., Hesston) from September 1 through 27 with a reception on September 16. Exhibit hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and admission is free. For more information visit hesston.edu/fine-arts.Save the date for Homecoming 2026 Hesston College will celebrate with alumni and friends of the college during Homecoming weekend, September 25 to 27. Some highlights during the weekend include a disc golf tournament, the Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony, family festival Saturday evening and much more! For a full schedule of events and to register to attend, visit hesston.edu/homecoming.Fall theatre production, “The Children’s Hour” Hesston College Theatre department will perform “The Children’s Hour” October 1 to 4 in the Black Box Theater located in Keim Center. Performance times are Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Show information will be posted soon at hesston.edu/news and tickets can be purchased online at hesston.edu/showtix or by calling 620-327-8104. |
Kidron Bethel Village Announcements
Lauren Friesen’s New Play
The staged reading of Lauren Friesen’s new play “Kindness by the Cup” will be in Kidron Hall, Monday October 5, starting at 2 PM. The play centers on three retirees who meet regularly at a local coffee shop. Their conversation includes idle banter, tales of trauma, resilience, and a love of trivia. Free and open to the public. Invite your friends.
Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Country Breakfast on Saturday, October 17, from 7 to 10 a.m., at Kidron Hall, 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton. Come enjoy pancakes, eggs and sausage by donation. Proceeds benefit the Health Care Benevolent Fund to assist residents who are unable to cover the full cost of their care.
Kidron Bethel Village is now accepting vendors for its Holiday Market, which will be Saturday, December 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Kidron Hall, 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton. The Holiday Market is a chance for Kidron Bethel Village residents and the wider community to shop with local artists and vendors. To reserve a spot as a vendor, please contact Sheri Esau at SheriE@bluestem.org or 316-836-4821.
Mennonite Church of the Servant, Wichita, would like to invite you and your members to join us in our fall book study by Zoom to discuss Sara Wenger Shenk’s book, Tongue-Tied: Learning the Lost Art of Talking About Faith on the four Wednesdays evenings in October at 7 pm. Tongue-Tied explores an important problem facing contemporary Christians: many Christians have become uncomfortable or unable to talk openly and naturally about their faith. Shenk asks why Christians can easily discuss politics, sports, and everyday life but often become “tongue-tied” when the subject turns to God. Tongue-Tied calls Christians to recover the language of faith without turning to judgmental or formulaic evangelism. Shenk believes that Christians need to speak about God honestly, humbly, and courageously–and that their words should be supported by lives characterized by love, justice, reconciliation, and love.
You can order Shenk’s book at Herald Press (heraldpress.com), Amazon (amazon.com) or through your local bookstore.
If interested, please email the church and we will send you the Zoom link: mcswichita@gmail.com
Book Signing at Faith and Life Bookstore
A few years ago, the sesquicentennial celebrated the immigration of early Mennonite settlements in central Kansas. Karl Rhodes has written a book of the true story of one of these settlers. Susanna Heatwole Brunk came to Kansas with her husband Henry and young family. Only 8 days later, Henry died and left Susanna alone on the wild prairie with small children. He is buried in the Brunk cemetery just east of Hillsboro. What was it like for a young widow to homestead on the Kansas prairie with her young family? The true story of Susanna Heatwole Brunk Cooprider experiences of war, migration, family, loss and survival has been researched and retold by author Karl Rhodes. Rhodes will be signing books at the Faith and Life bookstore in Newton from 2:00-3:30 on Friday, October 2. He will also be speaking that evening at Hesston’s Schowalter Villa (200 W Cedar) at 7 p.m., and at the Spring Valley Mennonite Church (2896 Frontier Road rural Canton), on Saturday October 3 also at 7 p.m. The second presentation will highlight the family’s experiences of homesteading in the Spring Valley area. Susanna is the sequel to Peggy’s War, a true Civil War story that has achieved both critical acclaim and popular appeal. Karl will have both books available and is glad to sign them for you.
Invitation to the 10th Annual Grace Hill Community Hog Roast
Grace Hill Mennonite Church warmly invites you to attend the 10th Annual Community Hog Roast, on Sunday, Sept. 27, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the church located at 10218 SE 12th Street, Whitewater. Come for outdoor fellowship, a delicious pulled pork barbecue meal with sides served from 5 to 7 p.m., yard games and live music by the Schwisters and Brett and Caleb Klingenberg from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. A free-will donation will be accepted with proceeds supporting the Newton, Whitewater, and Potwin food banks.
Mennonite Central Committee Announcements
Mennonite Central Committee is evaluating, working with local partners, and responding to recent disasters, please join us in supporting:
Nepal flooding response: MCC is responding to the impact of deadly flooding in Nepal. Please pray for the people who have been affected by this disaster. MCC is working with local partners to provide food, supplies and trauma support to those in need. We welcome your donations. Donate to MCC’s response at mcc.org/nepal-flooding
Colombia earthquake: MCC is also providing emergency relief in Colombia following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake. Donate to MCC’s response at mcc.org/colombia-earthquake
Sign up to participate in the Conscientious Objection: understanding the legacy and what it means today webinar,
Tuesday, October 6 at 7 p.m. CDT/6 p.m. MDT. This webinar will provide space to reflect on what it means to be a Conscientious Objector (CO), remember its history, learn about how to declare CO status, and how to connect with MCC Central States and other churches around the topic of CO. Register at mcc.org/co-today and contact beckyteiwes@mcc.org for more information.
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements
Check out the latest News & Stories from Rocky Mountain via:
- RMMC Web Page – News & Stories (under “About Us”)
- RMMC Facebook Page
- RMMC Instagram Page
Goodness, another summer camping season has come and gone. Rocky Mountain was again blessed by a wonderful group of campers, summer staff, volunteers and donors who make it possible. Please visit the links above for pictures and stories of a fun and meaningful summer in furthering God’s kingdom. QUILTOBER AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN – There are four quilt retreats to choose from including: UFO I – October 4-7, UFO II – October 7-11 and UFO III – October 20-25 and last but not least, Fall Mennonite Quilters Retreat, October 29-Nov. 1. Come enjoy good food, accommodations and fellowship as part of working on a variety of projects. Sharing projects, ideas, tips, techniques, walks and snacks are all part of the time shared together. To register, please visit the camp website at www.rmmc.org.
Volunteer Opportunities at RMMC:
MDS FIRE, HAZARD & DISASTER MITIGATION @ ROCKY MOUNTAIN – On October 6-10, 2026, Mennonite Disaster Service and Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp will continue their critical partnership in the work to remove 32 dead standing trees impacting Aspen accommodation, the basketball/volleyball courts and campground and forest thinning behind Pleiades and DH/Lodge on Aspen Ridge. 12-15 volunteers are needed each day to accomplish the tasks at hand along with additional volunteers for foodservice. Please visit www.rmmc.org and click the “VOLUNTEER” link to join in this effort.
Foodservice/Housekeeping Assistance – As the cooler weather starts to move in and the leaves begin to change colors, RMMC is blessed to host Church Retreat weekends as well as multiple Quilt retreats. Kitchen volunteers are an important part of serving delicious and healthy meals to our campers and guests. Please visit the volunteer page at www.rmmc.org to see the opportunities where camp could benefit from your help.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Dear Intersections readers:
Greetings! The fall 2026 issue of Intersections on “Reproductive Health,” compiled by MCC health program lead, Laena Maunula, is now on the MCC website. See the link to the issue here. MCC staff reflect on learnings from MCC-supported reproductive health efforts in Chad, Kenya, Burundi, Indonesia, Egypt, Nigeria, and Bolivia.
As always, please do reach out with any thoughts or questions you might have about Intersections!
Peace,
Alain Epp Weaver
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Another Mennonite Mission Network Announcement press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News from around the world” press here
For a message from Mennonite World Conference press here
For Mennonite Church USA Announcements press here
| Puerto Rico Peace Camp – Oct 18-24, 2026 – Register by September 20 Dear Bethel College Mennonite,“For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed… in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” Romans 8:19–22What does it mean to work for peace on Earth when there is constant conflict and exploitation? What can we learn from the experiences of people struggling for dignity, rights and well-being in their homeland? Puerto Rico has experienced highs and lows including hurricanes, earthquakes, and a system of governance that seems to foster crisis.Join this camp on the beautiful island of Borikén to explore how the life of Jesus and the clamor of the land call us together to cultivate peace. It will be a week of learning, collective transformation, solidarity grounded in biblical principles, and a deep connection with the earth. During this peace camp, we will: Explore biblical foundations for peaceLearn practical tools for cultivating peaceDiscuss issues of colonization, migration, trauma, food sovereignty, and other systems that impact well-beingVisit local organizations working to cultivate peace within their specific contextsWhen: October 18-24 Where: Rio Grande, Puerto Rico Who: Young adults ages 18-30; the ability to understand and speak Spanish is required How: Register here by September 20 Cost: $250.00 (includes flight to Puerto Rico); payment guarantees your spot at the camp Requirement: Spanish comprehension, as the camp will be conducted entirely in Spanish. Peace camps are a way to encourage and support young adults in the church to live an active faith by cultivating peace. Young adults, ages 18 to 30, are invited to apply. MCC covers all travel, lodging, and meal costs beyond the $250 registration fee. We encourage churches, schools, families, and friends to support participants with the registration fee whenever possible. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns you’d like to discuss. Otherwise, visit our website to register. |
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray that each new church community reflects the love of Jesus, building bridges across cultures and sharing the gospel with humility and grace. -WDC Church Planting Commission
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: A group from Eden Mennonite Church, in Moundridge, Kansas, begins their week-long Civil Rights Just Peace Pilgrimage this week. Pray for participants as they travel through the southern U.S., learning about racism and the Civil Rights Movement from historical sites, museums and first-hand accounts. Pray that this experience will inspire participants to enact change in their own communities.
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.